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Post by Kim T on Jul 22, 2005 8:42:32 GMT -5
Hi Kathy,
I just received the CW Aesop and Poetry workbooks this week and I'm thrilled to dig into them. (Also can't wait for workbooks for Homer for my oldest!) As I was reading through, I realized you were the same "Kathy" who had written "Lesson Plans using Rod and Staff English" that I ordered last year. Seems I also remember reading on this board or another, that you no longer use Rod and Staff. Do you mind sharing what you are doing for grammar as you use CW Homer? And if you switched from Rod and Staff, could you share your thought process? We use Rod and Staff and I really like their explanations and writing exercises, which we do alternatively with CW. I would love to hear from someone who has had more experience. (We're going into R&S 4.)
Thank you so much,
Kim T.
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Post by Kathy in VA on Jul 22, 2005 12:38:47 GMT -5
Kim, thanks for your kind words. Yes, I am the author of the R&S lesson plans. I, like many on this list, was hesitant to give up grammar as a separate subject, and so I did use R&S for several years. It is a good grammar program. My big frustration was the slow pace and the laborious yearly repetition.
All I really needed to do was to gain confidence in what needed to be taught when, and then I began to see the wisdom in Lene and Tracy's suggestion to use Harveys. So, with fear and trembling, I abandoned a separate grammar program, and began to teach basic grammar with Aesop (which is now included in Workbooks A, and even more in Book B.) I really believe that grammar can and should be taught in the context of writing. Aesop incorporates all that is needed for grammar in grades 3-4, with the use of flashcards, memorization, and grammar exercises using the models.
Homer currently gives a schedule for concurrent grammar using Harvey's. I have done this with my older student for the past year. I like the simplicity of Harvey's, and we do much of it orally, then apply what we have learned to the models. In the Homer workbooks, this will all be included, as well as instructions for making a grammar notebook. There will also be room for writing in page numbers of a different grammar, since we recognize that many moms will choose to keep with their own grammar program, and we want to make that as convenient as possible.
In addition, in our homeschool, we begin Latin studies in 3rd grade, and that gives my students even more practice in grammar concepts. Even without that, I still am convinced that using CW and Harvey's is the preferred way to integrate grammar with writing, and cover all that is needed in grammar by the end of 7th or 8th grade.
I hope this helps you!
in grace,
Kathy
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Post by Kim T on Jul 22, 2005 14:43:00 GMT -5
Kathy, Yes, this was very helpful. I really needed to hear this. For more than a year now, since I participated in the Harvey's summer course last year, I have felt the nudge to let go of R&S, but when I look through the R&S books, I feel so comfortable.  And when I look through Harvey's, which I have done dozens of times, I always conclude it would be easier to stick with R&S. I do believe, though, that in the end it would be easier to do it Lene and Tracy's way. Did you use the writing component of R&S? That is another reason why I've stuck with it. Alas, I admit, that I like the comfort (that word again) of knowing they will receive standard instruction in paragraphing and outlining. But I am aware that the future CW levels will have this as well. In your reply, you said, "I like the simplicity of Harvey's, and we do much of it orally, then apply what we have learned to the models. In the Homer workbooks, this will all be included . . . ." I wasn't sure what the "this" is that will be included. Of course, I am very anxious to know all I can about what will be included in the Harvey's workbooks.  Do you believe the workbooks will be helpful in implementing Harvey's grammar? "Fear and trembling" -- thanks, Kathy, for lessening it with this work you're doing. Kim |
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Post by Kathy in VA on Jul 22, 2005 17:16:49 GMT -5
Kim, I never used the writing component of R&S, I have used CW exclusively for that. The Homer workbook will direct the student to complete the Harvey's exercises and to add new concepts to his grammar notebook (or if he is using a different program, I will leave space for mom to write in page numbers). Then, there will be specific directions for applying grammar and review to the model. So, yes, I believe it will simplify using Harvey's a great deal. So glad I am lessening your fear and trembling! This has been a wonderful project, and I am enjoying it tremendously! in grace, Kathy |
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Post by Kim T on Jul 22, 2005 20:52:28 GMT -5
Kathy, thank you again. I will ponder, as I often do with respect to author posts on this board. What a blessing you all are.
Kim T
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Post by Lisa on Aug 8, 2006 15:00:28 GMT -5
I've just read through this thread, and I believe this is just what I needed to hear (THANK YOU GOD!!!) I met you, Kathy, a few months ago, then proceeded to AGONIZE over leaving the safety and comfort of Rod and Staff. I just might do this CW thing after all! I was so scared to go to something else from the comprehensiveness and "sublime structure" of R&S, but I see that, ESPECIALLY with the knowledge that Harvey's lessons are built in with the Homer series (and up, I hope?) this just may be doable. ;D
God bless you, Kathy, for sharing your time with me, and your God given gifts with all!
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Post by greengables on Aug 14, 2006 19:22:58 GMT -5
Hi Lisa...Heather's friend Lisa, right? glad you found this board helpful, and thanks for your kind words. Call me or come by anytime! in grace, Kathy |
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And when I look through Harvey's, which I have done dozens of times, I always conclude it would be easier to stick with R&S. I do believe, though, that in the end it would be easier to do it Lene and Tracy's way. 
Do you believe the workbooks will be helpful in implementing Harvey's grammar?