Hi, I have been using the Webster's Blue-Backed Speller for 3 yr now, so far for three of my children and am going to start with my 4th this year for learning to read. I really like that it uses the syllabary and I like teaching them to spell as they are learning to read. I didn't start out using this with my first two, however have seen a huge change of success when I did switch over 2 years ago.
Anyhow, all that to say, my oldest is going into 3rd grade and I am getting scared, having no real "scope and sequence" to say she is on track and doing great, if that makes sense, so I am nervous, although I see her doing excellent at the same time.
Because this involves Latin also, I am posting this in the Latin category as well as here.
My questions are:
- How do you evaluate them with the Blue-Backed as to where they should be each year? Especially if you can use it through highschool as it claims?
- Last year, her 2nd grade, I did Writing Aids and the Blue-Backed and that was it, for L.A. I felt it was enough, but I do have 5 other kids coming up, so a critique on that would be appreciated.
- I want to do Latin with the kids, but am thinking of starting that next year...maybe this year is too soon? I do like Latin Road and am considering starting the Bridge either this year or next...just not sure. She seems very ready to start the Bridge this year from what it looks like just looking on the website. We do want our kids to have learned Latin before highschool, yet do not want to stress them too young either. Would their training with the BB be sufficient for entering into the Bridge?
- I was also looking at Latin in the Christian Trivium, however it's geared for dialectic and rhetoric kids. I was wondering if I could start LCTrivium and move very slowly. It's cheaper and other the other threads on here talk about it as ending up in the same place as LREG.
- Then if I go that route, either curr., is there enough grammar? I know LREG says no other grammar study is necessary. What about LCTrivium? My girls, will be 3rd and 2nd grade this coming year, both understand their parts of speech well.
- If I'm doing a Latin curr., should I just not do Writing Aids? I also don't want additional reading excersizes that is intended with LREG as they do enough for TOG and I like them to enjoy reading and do reading for fun as well, so I dont' want to burn any of them out over the years.
- Has anyones used any of the primers and free Latin books online that www.donpotter.net lists, also used in the 1800's that could give me some info on using that?
I should note I have NO Latin experience whatsoever. In fact, I seem to the be the crazy classical education trailblazer of both families.
I am sorry this is so much. I just really love TOG, but since it has so much in it, I want to keep a minimum on things so our family is more available for ministry and just enjoying each other. I don't want unnecessary extras and want them to enjoy schooling, which so far they do. They also do lots of music which takes lots of time wit 6 kids ages 7 mo. to 8 yr. I need help sorting priorities and what's best here.
Thank you for getting through this long read!
Courtney
Child of God, Wife to a wonderful supportive Husband, Mom to six fantastic children, 8yr, 7 yr, 5 yr, 4 yr, 2 yr, 7 mo.
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