Michelle Henderson asked, "My daughter is in 6th grade and does great with computer work.
"I have math, history and social studies that I like, but am looking for a grammar/writing program that is online and somewhat interactive. Any suggestions?"
Mike N Angela Oelschlaeger asked, "I am looking for a language program for middle schoolers that teaches from CD-ROMs. We do NOT have Internet access in our area.
"For math we use Teaching Textbook and love that format. Any suggestions?"
Sheri H. replied:
Www.analyticalgrammar.com
Kaja R. replied:
Analytical Grammar
Kendra W. replied:
We really like analytical grammar and beyond the book report. Complete middle school LA.
Dorothea M Schultes asked, "Can anyone recommend a good writing curriculum for 6th grade?
"My daughter is starting middle school this year and we haven't focused much on writing. I want to help prepare her for high school, where I know she will be writing a lot."
Kendra W. replied:
Analytical Grammar and Beyond the Book Report from www.analyticalgrammar.com They work together to prepare middle schoolers for high school writing.
Sheryl B. replied:
If you're not worried about your budget, get IEW. institute for excellence in writing. I am planning to order essentials in writing (eiw) for my 6 th grader son because we have already spent a fortune on homeschooling and can't afford IEW this year. Maybe next year. I keep hearing great things about Analytical Grammar as well.
ok, so I know diagramming sentences isn't the end all of life. But being the English language junkie I am, I want to know how to do it correctly and teach it if necessary.
Can anyone recommend a good reference book for sentence diagramming that I can keep on hand when I need it?
Kate D. replied:
We used a book last year for our class days grammar class. It is called Analytical Grammar. You can find it at https://www.analyticalgrammar.com/home. I thought it was awesome, but I love diagramming and find it to be very important. Abeka is also an excellent resource as they teach it too.
Marla S. replied:
I'm with Kate, Analytical Grammar doesn't waste your time...BOOM! You're diagramming everything! LOVE IT! Hey, do you want to know how much geekyness we have in common? My kids and I RACE diagram! Hahahahaha!!!! It's like our "sport"!
Tanya C. replied:
Kate and Marla, I'm SO glad to hear your review of Analytical Grammar. I was going to mention it in my (above) post, because I had heard such great things about it, but I haven't personally used it. I would guess that if we are already through diagramming with my 10-year-old, there is no need for AG now??? Maybe my 8-year-old who doesn't much care for Rod and Staff will do well with it. Any thoughts?
Marla S. replied:
Dan Bell is right. You learn English grammar BEST if you learn it via another language (i.e. Latin or Greek or, in my case, even Spanish). But, if you want to learn it well and QUICKLY and aren't able to invest in a foreign language study, Analytical Grammar is a two year mastery program that really delivers. Tanya, by doing phonics, we were done with spelling by grade two. With AG, you can finish grammar in two years and use the time for something way better. There are WAY BETTER things to spend our time on: music, archery, visiting the convalescent home, museums, history road trips, mission trips... You know what I mean? All that STUFF that they crammed down our throats in public school that was so endless and rote and boring, WE can teach well and be done with in order to really begin LEARNING and living. BUT, I'm not giving up the fun of diagram races!!!