This year I was looking for a way to teach my girls about the English language without teaching grammar itself. I wanted to give them an understanding of its beauty and history so that they would learn to love it and also be able to use it more skillfully. And then I was offered King Alfred’s English to review. What a perfect resource to meet
The Word Spy
One day while wandering the aisles of the children’s library with my boys I came across a book entitled The Word Spy. It caught my attention on so many levels – I snatched it up and started reading through it. It’s beautifully written, captivating and downright funny. Despite my children’s young ages at the time, I brought the book home and we started reading through
How to Read a Book by Adler and Van Doren
So now your children know how to read. Congratulations! That’s a major step, but does it mean that their reading instruction finished? Not at all, we’ve found. How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading teaches the average reader how to understand, analyze, and learn from books. It takes students beyond the basics of reading to become scholars. It is, I think,
Honey for a Teen’s Heart
Most homeschoolers know about Honey for a Child’s Heart, and recently Heidi reviewed Honey for a Teen’s Heart here at The Curriculum Choice as well. That wonderful review motivated me to look for the book, and as soon as I returned my inter-library loan copy to the library, I bought it. It’s that good. Honey for a Teen’s Heart And that’s why I want to
Daily Grammar
Grammar is a subject near and dear to my heart. I know not everyone can (or will) admit to that, but there it is. Throughout my children’s elementary years, we explored several different grammar curricula, and all have had their good points. This year, however, I came across a FREE curriculum that is thorough and easy to use and free. (Did I mention that already?
Middle School Etymology with King Alfred’s English
I first discovered King Alfred’s English in 2012 when a friend of mine reviewed it on her blog. With her glowing praise for the book, I ordered a copy. However, my kids were just too young then so it remained on my library shelves until this fall. We have gradually been progressing our kids to become independent learners. When my daughter began 8th grade this past
A Look at Rod & Staff English
While I love a fun, colorful program as much as the next homeschool mom, sometimes I want something straightforward and comprehensive – especially when it comes to something like grammar. That’s why I chose the Rod & Staff English series for my daughter. It may not be colorful and flashy but it’s thorough and easy for this busy homeschool mom. Rod & Staff English Rod
AP English Language and Composition with Alexandra McGee
At a certain point and with certain teens, we need to bring outside expertise into our homeschools. Miss 17, for whom reading and writing are almost as important as breathing and eating, needed a higher level of English than I could teach, so last fall we enrolled in Alexandra McGee’s online AP English Language and Composition course. It was one of the best homeschooling decisions