Can Primer replace R&S 2 Grammar?

[tabrett]

I am doing R&S 2 Grammar: about 2/3 orally and 1/3 written. I like R&S, but I feel like I am missing out on narration, picture study and copywork. I am also doing MCP phonics (my dd has Teflon brain when it come to remembering phonograms), Cheerful Cursive, Apples & Pears Spelling and R&S 2nd readers (no workbooks).

I feel like our LA is very full, so I don't want to add CW Primer, but knowing that it has a phonics review, I was thinking that maybe I could do CW Primer instead of R&S and MCP Phonics. If I did this, would I be loosing out by dropping R&S Grammar? Is the grammar in CW comparable to R&S?

Is there any poetry or memory work in CW Primer?

If I did order Primer, should I order Fall or Winter. I would probably start the beginning of November.

Thanks!

[KathyWeitz]

I would say you will be fine dropping R&S grammar. The grammar in Primer is very gentle and natural (drawn from the model), but we really do not begin formal, sequential grammar instruction until students begin Aesop, somewhere between 3rd & 4th grade in general. For Aesop, we have included grammar instruction in the course, and no additional grammar is needed. When students start Homer, we recommend a formal grammar program alongside, and our favorite is Harvey's, but you could certainly substitute R&S 5 or 6 at that point.

As far as dropping the Phonics is concerned, that would probably also be fine if you are getting adequate review in Spelling. The phonograms and spelling covered in Primer are also natural and contextual, so it will not necessarily cover every concept from a systematic phonics program, and certainly not in the order it would covered systematically.

You may be able to cut back on the Cursive practice you are doing if you have your student do her work in cursive for Primer, as well as some of the readers you are using.

We do recommend memorizing the poems and Scripture included in Primer. If you are starting in November, you could begin with Winter, or Fall, whichever you prefer.

Let me know if you have any further questions!

Kathy

[tabrett]

Are the individual primers sequential? Could I order Fall and start in the middle to keep with the season and then start the Winter Primer after Christmas, finishing up the Fall Primer next year before beginning Aesop? Or, do I need to do a Primer straight through?

I also have a 1st grader who will complete Reading Made Easy around Christmastime. RME is a Charlote Mason based reading program that incorporates picture study copywork and creative writing. He is doing really well with his reading and writing. Reading and writing seem to come very naturally to him. Could I possiable use Primer with him starting the middle of 1st grade? I'm not quite sure what to use for LA with him after he finishes.

Thanks,
Tabatha

[KathyWeitz]

Tabatha,

The Primers are somewhat sequential within themselves, particularly in spelling or grammar concepts; but I don't think you will find it too difficult to explain anything that would come up. You might just want to look over the first half of the book so you know where to look quickly if your student needs a refresher, but I think you will be fine starting wherever you want in the book.

I am not familiar with RMA, but I do strongly recommend that you have a separate phonics/spelling curriculum. The Primers are only meant to reinforce what is taught in your comprehensive sequential program. But if you are just referring to readers, I think you will find there is a good bit of material to read/narrate in the Primers. If your student needs more, you could supplement with other "real" books that are easier to read.

Kathy

[tabrett]

Thanks Kathy,

Both dc do have good, strong phonetic spelling programs. I have the Emerging Reader set from
Heart of Dakota for my son, so the primer would be for the other aspects of LA. The
Primers sound perfect.

Thanks, Tabatha