Combing 3rd and 5th grader

[Kim]

I am thinking of using CW next year beginning in Aesop. It looks like I should use Aesop B for my 5th grader and Aesop A for 3rd grader. However, to simplify things would it be possible to use Aesop A for both and keep them on the same level that way, but expecting more from my 5th grader? Is there a skill level for him in Aesop A? He has not had formal writing instruction. He can give written narrations but still needs help forming paragraphs, has some runoff sentences. and he is not summarizing too well; what I mean by that is he nearly narrates the entire story again. He does well with most grammar, except with diagramming he still struggles. He completed Rod and Staff 4 this year. Would Aesop A be too easy for him? It looks like I could go quicker with him if needed with Homer when he's in 6th grade. Would it be okay to be hitting Homer for the first time in 6th grade? Anyone done this? Regarding 3rd grader, she is very bright and a spells on grade level. She just completed Rod and Staff 2. Thank you.

[Lene Mahler Jaqua]

Yes, you can do Aesop A with a 5th grader. I am just afraid he would get bored too fast.

I would recommend (unless one of your students have learning disabilities) that perhaps you start both of them in Aesop B, and just move at a pace that your 3rd grader can handle, repeating assignments with new fables, or cutting back assignments if he needs to go slower. That way you are still challenging your 5th grader.

Lene