1st grade after schooling... assuming you only add one program at a time... read through.

[mysticmomma]

Having already complete the "first grade" ETC series (1/2/3) what curriculum would you embark on next?
FLL/WWE
apples and pears
HWOT
 

She is NOT liking the writing portion of etc and also where there are sentences you choose from. She thinks she can't read them, but she can.
 

She's going to be in a title one blue ribbon all sorts of awards public school. She'll be getting a very solid la program. I still have higher personal expectations, and would like to continue certain things at home, so we will be after schooling. The other programs we expect to complete this year are FLL/WWE, HWOT, Apples and Pears, but We're only going to be doing one thing at a time as my dd has ocd issues about finishing. It's my understanding that ETC is 1/2/3 1st, 4/5/6 2nd, 7/8 3rd grades, so I was wondering where to go with my first grader since we've finished the first grade etc. I don't want to delay fll/wwe or spelling/handwriting for long, so I was thinking of going into one of those subjects at a first grade level and then moving on to the second grade level. I have heard that it is best to start spelling after phonics is mastered, so should I continue the ETC series all the way before thinking about spelling? We're only going to be doing one thing at a time as my dd has ocd issues about finishing. So maybe we should do fll? do I have to do fll with wwe?

[AAK]

My thoughts:

After ETC we really liked Beyond the Code.  Instead of a decoding program it is more of a reading comprehension program.  In fact, you don't need to finish all ETC to do BTC.  The first is very simple, I can't remember exactly, but I think it would be appropriate if your child had finished the first 2 levels of ETC.  My dd loves BTC.  We do it orally, but even if we did it with the written part, there isn't nearly as much writing as ETC.

For spelling:  If you use AAS (All about spelling) you can start without a mastery of phonics.  I love this program. . . we've tried MANY spelling programs and this is the only one I will use anymore.  They also have readers, but I wouldn't get them for your purpose.  What is great about AAS, is that it would work really well as an "afterschooling" program.  Most lessons can be done in about 15 minutes.  You can do 2 in a day or take a couple days to cover a lesson that is harder for your child.  In our area, schools don't actually "teach" spelling anymore.  Word lists come from science topics, history topics, and literature.  Even if my kids went to a brick and mortar school, I would be teaching them spelling.  There is a method (beyond memorization!) and I want my kids to have those tools.

For writing practice, get a journal (for both of you).  Make it a habit to write at the same time.  Don't grade/critique/correct the journal.  Just in the nature of writing more often, your dd will start writing better.  You said that they have a good LA program at school.  Let the school teach it for now, and then let her enjoy written expression with a journal.  If you both journal, it will become a fun, relaxing thing that you both do together.  

I assume you still read together.  If not, start.  Your child can listen to books that are much higher than her actual reading level.  She will learn a lot from the experience.  It will also help foster a love for reading and create snuggly moments together. 

I do worry about after-schooling in general though.  Can I offer a gentle reminder to not kill the joy of learning for your child.  Not that you would, but some people do.  

Good luck,

Amy