Language Arts thoughts on 1st grader

[SunshineSwirl]

We are doing a very modified version of Charlotte Mason. For kindergarten I chose a curriculum (MFW) because I was scared. Well, less than half way through I realized it wasn't working for us and switched to partial workbook (Brain Quest for math and English) as my daughter preferred that time from MFW and I have since realized she is a very visual learner. So our school year involved doing workbook pages and continuing to read, lots and lots of reading (above her level as the science books don't have much for K), and fun activities. This plan seems to do her well and so we will continue again this year with a basic workbook ideal for each subject and expand with lots of reading.

The problem I am seeing right now is her reading in particular. I was all for letting her learn at her pace, and so she figured out how to read just by me doing minor phonics of "this letter has this and this sound," nothing serious as she loves being read to. So yay, my DD is reading without much effort on my part. But now bigger words are giving her issues and she reeeaaally wants to read them. Should I still try for a phonics program even though we are doing CM? Would doing phonics now help her with spelling later when she actually attempts (she isn't fond of trying to write just yet and we aren't pushing her)? And what about grammar?

Also, I do know that her language arts shouldn't be emphasized at this age according to CM, but being in a state that tests specifically English and math, I don't have too much choice on this matter.

Thank you!

[mountainmama2]

We don't really follow CM but more of a Classical approach-loosly I pick and choose based on what appeals to me and what I think will work.
Ok for reading most people don't use this and I don't know why. Hooked on Phonics was awesome! My DS flew through it and now my daughter is loving it. It's super easy to use and it's pretty methodical in it's approach. For grammer we use "First Language Lessons" by Susan Wise Baur. Again super easy to use and quick to the point, fun lessons. For spelling we are using AVKO. It teaches by building on words. hmmmmm, that's all I think. We use Singapore for math and love it.
I've found that even though you've identified your homeschooling "philosopy" flexibility is a must.
good luck!!

[Lisa1970]

I am doing phonics. I am going with your approach a little bit this year. I am keeping things hands on and less scheduled, a lot on impulse. For example, yesterday, DS wanted to play with the glass marble-like things in the glass jar on the mantel. I put the jar on the table and he picked out 10 he wanted to play with. Then, I put up some small subtraction problems on the board (I have a hanging dry erase board) and told him to try to solve them with his marbles.

For phonics, I have some guide books about what to cover, and orders to cover them. I did order Spelling Workout though as it is phonics based. A phonics program definitely will help with spelling.

[ChinaDoll]

I'll throw some program names out for further research ...

We're enjoying All About Spelling, which is a phonics-based spelling program. We started in 1st grade but in retrospect wish we had started in kindergarten with early reading. Very gentle program

We're enjoying Writing With Ease, which takes a gentle approach to teaching writing, starting with copywork and narration, and later moving to dictation.

Many people also use First Language Lessons with WWE, to teach grammar in a gentle, conversational way.

[mum4vr]

I've been HSing for about 20 years, and my baby is 9 now. Plus I tutor, teach at a private school, etc. I tell you this only so you can imagine just how many reading/ phonics systems/ programs we have tried.

My absolute favorite is Spalding's A Writing Road to Reading (be sure you get an OLD copy-- like 15 years or so-- the new ones are not so good). You should not need to buy anything but the book, and you may be able to find it at your library, like I did the first time (plus then you're more likely to get a good, old copy, LOL). I liked it well enough that I made my own program based on it, and I use it w

*beginning readers
*ESL students
*remedial/ developmental students (ie my college students who are sophomores in college, yet do not know that A says a or ay, and B says b! don't get me started)
*students who need spelling help.

I hope you find somethingthat works for you

blessings

[Dakota's Mom]

I have an eight year old who doesn't read very much. We just started All About Spelling to see if it would help his reading. SO far we like it. The thing that drew me to it initially is that they have a one year money back guarantee. So if you don't like it, they will refund all your money even if it is a year down the line. SO I don't feel like we are wasting anything if we end up not keeping it.

Kathi

[dotnetdiva]

We don't follow any homeschooling styles when it comes to Language Arts, just my daughter's interest. And that interest is very high. We'll be finished with our reading program in a few weeks.

For first grade, here's what we're using.

• All-About-Spelling Level 3 - We started this a year ago and got through the first two levels quickly. I have a feeling Level 3 will go fairly quickly, but I would really like to go slower now. Love this program.
• Writing With Ease - This is simple copywork and narration, very easy and gentle.
• First Language Lessons - also very gentle and easy, we do several lessons at once.
• Handwriting Without Tears Cursive - dd zoomed through Pre-K through 2nd grade printing, now she's trying to teach herself cursive, so I thought I'd better help her before she learns bad habits.
• Explode the Code Workbooks 4 on up - These are just a fun and humorous review of phonics, reading, spelling, writing, vocabulary that we enjoy at times.

Thinking of switching or adding Growing With Grammar and Write Source 1 for a bit more appropriate/faster pace than FFL/WWE.

[sbgrace]

I'm using a phonogram based reading approach which certianly helps with speling--it's Orton Gillingham/Spalding inspired.

Explode the Code is a workbook based phonogram approach to reading/phonics instruction if you want to get that basis down in workbook form before focusing specifically on spelling. I've got the first two How to Spell workbooks that go along well with programs that do phonogram reading basis but they are not colorful at all! All About Spelling would cover that as would any other Orton-Gillingham or Spalding based program.