Post by Nancy on May 6, 2009 0:34:41 GMT -5
I'm considering CW for my children and would like some advice on where to place them.
My 12 yr old is extremely strong in grammar. He's worked through Rod and Staff English 3-6, though we skipped much of grade 6 after he proved mastery on the final exam when I realized much was review for him, after doing about 1/3 of the book. His spelling skills haven't always been good, but he's worked through Megawords Book 1-5 and has improved a lot. Writing has been what he dreads most, though he has shown much improvement this year. He's comfortable outlining and writing a report from an outline, but less comfortable composing his own story (but I've seen improvement here, too!). He is about to complete his third year of Latin study (Prima Latina, Latina Christiana I and II). He is also a strong, voracious reader. I've been considering dropping R&S English, and focusing on his writing. Since he'd be new to CW, should he begin with Aesop and Homer for Older Beginners? Would it be too much for him to go straight to Homer? And, in another respect, would it be too much for me to implement Homer, when I'm not familiar with the program? Is it necessary for him to continue grammar?
My 10 yr old is in a very different place. He deals with chronic health issues (heart, migraines, vision), and learning challenges (I suspect he is dyslexic). I am not sure he is ready for CW, even Aesop A, though I'm wondering if you know of anyone who's been successful in implementing the program with a child who struggles with reading. I spent the better part of this year focusing on his reading--having him read aloud twice daily, working on fluency, and reviewing phonics, trying to build his vocabulary. We ditched spelling instruction (difficult for dyslexics), but continued to work through Rod and Staff English 4, mostly orally. He continues to practice cursive writing a few times a week, but prolonged writing tires and frustrates him. I suspect this has something to do with his vision and the dyslexia. He has been introduced to using the computer and typing skills, but has yet to become skilled at typing. I plan to continue focusing on his reading, and have contemplated holding off on introducing a writing program. He does complete the writing assignments in R&S English, usually by narrating to me what he wants to write, and we work together to improve and edit it. Is it possible to get him started in Aesop A and work in a similar fashion? My concerns are the actual act of having him write and the fact that he might find it boring. While he struggles with reading and spelling, he is very intelligent and creative.
If I were to begin him in Aesop A, I would probably introduce that to my 8 year old also, with the intention of working with them together, but helping them with the writing separately. My 8 year old daughter is another strong, voracious reader, has solid grammar skills, a huge vocabulary, and she is a good speller. She's a very motivated learner, generally working above grade level in all subjects.
And from the perspective of the mom--life tends to be chaotic, and health issues, doctor appointments, etc. interrupt and take up a lot of my time. I've heard that CW is very teacher intensive, and I'm concerned it would overwhelm me. Despite my efforts at staying flexible, I've found that writing assignments often take the hit when we are faced with all the other stuff life throws our way...
I appreciate any advice you can offer! Thanks so much.
Nancy
My 12 yr old is extremely strong in grammar. He's worked through Rod and Staff English 3-6, though we skipped much of grade 6 after he proved mastery on the final exam when I realized much was review for him, after doing about 1/3 of the book. His spelling skills haven't always been good, but he's worked through Megawords Book 1-5 and has improved a lot. Writing has been what he dreads most, though he has shown much improvement this year. He's comfortable outlining and writing a report from an outline, but less comfortable composing his own story (but I've seen improvement here, too!). He is about to complete his third year of Latin study (Prima Latina, Latina Christiana I and II). He is also a strong, voracious reader. I've been considering dropping R&S English, and focusing on his writing. Since he'd be new to CW, should he begin with Aesop and Homer for Older Beginners? Would it be too much for him to go straight to Homer? And, in another respect, would it be too much for me to implement Homer, when I'm not familiar with the program? Is it necessary for him to continue grammar?
My 10 yr old is in a very different place. He deals with chronic health issues (heart, migraines, vision), and learning challenges (I suspect he is dyslexic). I am not sure he is ready for CW, even Aesop A, though I'm wondering if you know of anyone who's been successful in implementing the program with a child who struggles with reading. I spent the better part of this year focusing on his reading--having him read aloud twice daily, working on fluency, and reviewing phonics, trying to build his vocabulary. We ditched spelling instruction (difficult for dyslexics), but continued to work through Rod and Staff English 4, mostly orally. He continues to practice cursive writing a few times a week, but prolonged writing tires and frustrates him. I suspect this has something to do with his vision and the dyslexia. He has been introduced to using the computer and typing skills, but has yet to become skilled at typing. I plan to continue focusing on his reading, and have contemplated holding off on introducing a writing program. He does complete the writing assignments in R&S English, usually by narrating to me what he wants to write, and we work together to improve and edit it. Is it possible to get him started in Aesop A and work in a similar fashion? My concerns are the actual act of having him write and the fact that he might find it boring. While he struggles with reading and spelling, he is very intelligent and creative.
If I were to begin him in Aesop A, I would probably introduce that to my 8 year old also, with the intention of working with them together, but helping them with the writing separately. My 8 year old daughter is another strong, voracious reader, has solid grammar skills, a huge vocabulary, and she is a good speller. She's a very motivated learner, generally working above grade level in all subjects.
And from the perspective of the mom--life tends to be chaotic, and health issues, doctor appointments, etc. interrupt and take up a lot of my time. I've heard that CW is very teacher intensive, and I'm concerned it would overwhelm me. Despite my efforts at staying flexible, I've found that writing assignments often take the hit when we are faced with all the other stuff life throws our way...
I appreciate any advice you can offer! Thanks so much.
Nancy
