After lurking for weeks, I’m become very interested in Phono-Graphix and Step Up To Writing. I want to use the best methods possible. Does anyone know of a good book/series to teach grammar?
Re: What works?
Hi TJ,
Well, since you are thinking of using two programs that I use, I will post the rest of the programs that I use:These are the programs that I use in my reading class to bring up my kids to grade level reading and writing. Spelling is a skill that I have never been able to remediate but with knowing PG they at least can come close to the spelling so that spell check will work. These programs are in the order in which I teach them.
Programs:
1. Phono-Graphix ( after the program, error correction is very important) Carmen and Geoffrey McGuinness- $14.00 or less.
2. Read Naturally (fluency)
3 Visualizing and Verbalizing by Lindamood-Bell (LMB)/ and Language Wise, developing verbal intelligence, Author same as PG
4. On Cloud Nine- visualizing numbers (LMB)
5. Kansas Learning Strategies- study skills for content
6. Various other study skills programs, Mosaic of Thought and Strategies that Work ( Amazon)
7. Earobics, computer program for auditory processing
8. Step Up to Writing- Sopris West- $100
9. Computer program Inspiration for pre-writing skills, outlining and webing- great for organizational skills.
10. Spelling Power ( after PG’s Super Speller)- $50
11. Stevenson Grammar- teacher manual and student work book. less than $20
Re: What works?
Shay,
I was trying to find information on the Kansas Learning Strategies. Do you have a website or phone number? What exactly is that?
Also, how do you use Inspiration in conjunction with Step Up?
Michelle
Re: What works?
I work with the kids in Step until they can write a decent paragraph and then I teach them Inspiration and they start working on a 5 paragraph expository paragraph. I then teach them how to do research so they do a 2-3 page research paper and then a 5 page paper. In our sped department, the 9,10 and 11(me) grade teachers all use Step. It makes life a lot easier so that we can systematically teach the kids different types of writing. I will look up the website for Kansas learning Strategies but they are affiliated with Kansas University.
What works for one child may not work for another.
Easy Grammar is a worksheet-based program that is largely self-teaching and *very* easy on the teacher. It is unusual in that it starts by teaching prepositions and how to identify and eliminate them in a sentence, which makes the rest of a sentence much easier to figure out. It is a great approach for children who can learn and retain from daily worksheets. It doesn’t always “stick” with LD children, though.
A program that really does “stick” for LD children (as well as non-LD) is Shurley Grammar. It is a highly scripted program, and was originally designed for classroom use, so it is easy to implement this way. I have to admit I have difficulty with the jingles (pretty awful) and the scripting, but it *does* work. Younger children take to it easily. It is a harder sell to older kids, who will object to the jingles and having to recite them daily. The question-answer flow taught in this program looks like mindless parroting on the demo tape, but in actuality it is a very helpful part of the program and contributes greatly to its effectiveness. I just wish they had used professional lyricists and musicians to make up the jingles. (Sample: “This little noun, floating around, names a person, place or thing…….” to the tune of Knick-Knack-Paddy-Whack.)
Nancy