Homer or Maxim?

[gagirl]

New here with questions...

My dd will be in "8th" grade next year. She's done Lightning Lit 7 this year, which she's enjoyed, but I thought was very light on the essay emphasis. I am thinking of using Notgrass US history and lit. for next year to cover the literature portion. She is an excellent writer and is strong in grammar. Should I begin at Homer or go straight into Maxim? I've read that we should do the Older Beginners first, but don't want to spend $$ on something that we'd breeze through quickly.

I also would like something that she can be as independent as possible - she prefers that and I have 2 boys that are teacher intensive.

Thanks for all your help!

Connie

[greengables]

Hi Connie!

I would be a little concerned about suggesting that she go right into Maxim with no foundation from Homer and/or Aesop, especially if you want her to be a bit independent in her work. I think she would find it very challenging and fast moving, particularly without the analysis and imitation background from Homer. I would recommend that you do Older Beginnners, and just try to finish it this semester, and then have her do Maxim next fall. It's possible she may be able to complete Maxim and Chreia in one year. However, you need to be aware that beginning with Maxim, teacher participation in terms of discussion will help her to be much more successful.

Another option you may want to consider to move her through Homer and Maxim quickly this semester is to check out the Maxim Accelerated class forum option at www.classicalwritingtutorials.com.

Hope that helps in your decision making process.

Kathy