Curriculum Review: Grammar Punk

Tell me...who gets excited about Grammar?  Not too many, I think.  But I'm excited about a program I found quite by accident that has intrigued me enough to plan on using it next year in our own homeschooling and to commit to teaching a class at our co-op using it AND I purchased two levels so I will be able to use it through high school!

It was not until after I received my order that I learned that the CEO was homeschooled for part of his education.  He's now a high school English teacher.

The name of the program is Grammar Punk.  Click here for their website. 

I've only heard of one other person using it and others were asking about it, so I thought I'd write up a bit of a review.

I ordered the Grade 4-9 and the Grades 9-12 homeschool sets, as well as the StoryCards. 

I should say here that the two main differences between the "homeschool" set and the regular set that is advertised on the website are:  1)  Cost and 2)  the homeschool set does not included printed materials.  Everything that's printed in the regular set is contained on the CDs for the homeschooling family to print out.  Oh, a third difference.....the homeschool set does not include the StoryCards but they can be ordered separately, which I did.


So, let's get on with the review. 

I'll begin with WHAT'S IN THE BOX.  

Inside the box was an acrylic storage case (which I didn't know I was going to get) to hold the curriculum set.  

Inside the case were the 6 specialized dice that are at the heart of this unique program.  5 of the dice are a bit larger than your average playing dice.  The last one, the 20 sided one, is average.

Also in the box was a multi-disc CD holder, which houses the Homeschool Family Pack, 4-9 and 9-12.  I received 4 discs.  There is one tutorial disc and one curriculum disc for each level.  My 4-9 discs were actually labelled K-9.  However, upon checking the disks, the files are labeled as 4-9.  When I first looked through the CDs, I thought I was missing the bonus CD that they are featuring for free at the moment, the Homework disc, however it was included as a file on the curriculum CD.

On the one 4-9 disc are files for:  the 4-9 Primer (a 15 page booklet for the student that lists grammar rules), the 4-9 Curriculum (164 pages), and the Homework (11 pages).  The second disk is the PowerPoint slides Tutorial.

On the one 9-12 disc are files for:  the 9-12 Primer (a 10 page booklet for the student that lists grammar rules), the 9-12 Curriculum (175 pages), and the Homework (11 pages).  The second disk is the PowerPoint slides Tutorial.

Also in the box were the StoryCards that I ordered, which homeschoolers can purchase separate from the Grammar Punk curriculum.

4 cards for Naming Names
5 cards for Character-Istics
5 cards for Occupations
11 cards for Themes
16 cards for Settings
5 cards for Sentences
9 cards for Scenes
10 cards for Stories


Included but not in the acrylic storage box (too large) is the instruction booklet (~25 pages) for the StoryCards.  The StoryCards are a basic introduction to creative story writing, helping the student to develop their character and create sentences and scenes that become stories.   (Now that I've seen the basic story writing, I'm interested in their writing program, GP Creative!  )

Also included but not in the acrylic storage box (too large) were 10 pencils, a set of 5 for each of the two levels I purchased.  They say:

Grammar Punk 9-12 (or Grammar Punk K-9)
I am a Grammar Punk
www.GrammarPunk.com

Now, on to what the girls thought about playing it! 

Well, learning that involves "play" just can't help but be fun, right?  Right! 

So far, my girls have enjoyed it.  On the second day, when I brought out the Grammar Punk manual and dice, they were like "Yay!  Grammar Punk!!" 

I read over the manual's lesson plans first and I viewed the Power Point presentation.  The PP slides gives you specific instruction on the first several days of using the program, but is more intended to be viewed and implemented by a public classroom.  However, it tells you to go through the Primer (the student's 15 page booklet of the rules of grammar) first.  

The lesson plans in the manual start out with basic concepts such as capitalization, articles, etc.

We have been alternating...manual lessons one day, work on completing the Primer the next. 

The girls love to toss the dice and take turns doing so.  As they brainstorm for their dice words (a list of words they create based on the parameters of the tossed dice), I encourage them to look around, to glance through a book, etc. if they need help coming up with words.

My youngest (almost 9) is not up to grade with her writing skills, so she has the hardest time.  I don't require as much writing from her as I do my older.

I think the girls enjoy learning from their own sentences.  Not quite as boring as always reading someone else's sentences!

So, so far, so good and I'm happy with my purchase.  I think it will be even more fun in a group setting, such as our Grammar Punk co-op class this fall! 

This is definitely a program that can be used over many years and can be used by itself or used to supplement any LA program.  The program automatically grows with your child....the dice words will change according to the student's vocabulary.  The repeated practice helps cement the punctuation and grammar rules.   The addition of the special dice keeps it from becoming stale. 

Yep, I'm happy!



PS.....if you want to get a real idea about how the program works, visit the Grammar  Punk channel at YouTube.    (Try:  What is Grammar Punk, The Six GP Dice, GP's BUOF, and Writing a GP Sentence)



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Have you jumped on the bandwagon?.....Sue Patrick's Workbox System

I haven't officially yet, as I decided not to start it so late in our school year.  I do however have full intentions of starting in August!

For those that have no idea what I'm talking about, Sue Patrick has a book about using a system that has built-in motivation and can help you get more done in your homeschool than you thought possible.  While I don't agree with 100% of everything Sue discusses in the book, I must say that I'm reallllly liking this idea!  I have several friends who have started it and they rave over it!

I think it will especially help motivate my younger daughter, who I suspect is ADD.  By adding in fun projects and breaking up the humdrum stuff, I think I'll she motivated to move more quickly through her work.    And for my oldest, she will no longer have to wait on me while I'm working with my younger, she can move on to the next box.   And it will hold me accountable to better planning their school day, by getting their boxes ready each night! 

I have already purchased what I will be using for the system.  I purchased two sets of Sterlite craft drawers (7 totally portable drawers in each.)   I already have my number system laminated.  And I've got lots of ideas to use!  Can't wait.

OK, on to what I'm really writing about.........


Kari (Momma Snail), a writer at The Curriculum Choice, is writing an article about Sue Patrick's Workbox System.   She's looking for input from those who have implemented (or adapted) the System.

She would like to include your blog link, links to photos of your system, a listing of what you use in your boxes, how you've adapted Sue's ideas, and links to any resources you may have created to go along with the concept.

If you don't blog, but still use the system (or an adapted version), you can still help by e-mail her and just telling her about your experiences.  You'll get credit for the info.

[url=http://docs.google.com/View?id=dwstdgn_447mphsmf8] An initial, rough draft showing how she will link things is here[/url]. 

If you are interested, please e-mail her at   thesnailstrail at gmail dot com.

So, if you're already using the System, could you help her out?  She needs your reviews by June 1.

There's a contest going on......and everyone's a winner!

It's time for Homeschool Share's

annual Blast contest!!

 

Homeschool Share is accepting all kinds of entries for creations that will help grow the site.  Even if you don't win one of the FANTABULOUS prizes for submitting something...everyone's a winner at Homeschool Share because all of the wonderful resources on the Homeschool Share website are FREE!  Unit studies, lapbooks, notebooking pages......and soon, printables that can be used in Sue Patrick's Workboxes!  Woo hoo!!   There are strict guidelines, so be sure to read all the details! 

Homeschool Share is an amazing resource for the homeschooling community, and it's all because lots of wonderful moms have freely given of their talents.  Thank you, ladies.........you are a true blessing!

Click on the rocket above
to get more details about the contest!

Time4Learning and other ways of helping the ADD child

As I struggle to determine ways to improve our learning environment and how to best help dd8 with her ADD, I've decided to, for the rest of this year, to chuck the workbooks. 


We've signed up for a website called Time4Learning. 





We've only been using it a week.  Overall, dd8 is enjoying it very much.  I've had to sit with her and help her much of the time, as there have been several topics that's she's either never done before or done and not remembered how.   Plus she tends to skim/skip over instructions.

It has parental controls like the length of time for each lesson.  It also has reports, so I can see how long she took on lessons and what she got on quizzes and tests. 

It has a "playground" area....if she is done with her lesson (.i.e, the amount of time I set for the lessons), she can go play.....but only for the amount of time that I set for play time.   There are a multitude of games to choose from, some educational, some just fun.  

As with all software, we have had some quirks to work out.  But the folks in the Parents Forum have been very quick to respond and help. 

One of the items that the developers boast about is that the lessons are varied.  They certainly are........a great mix of reading, listening, playing a game to learn the concept, etc.  This keeps the students alert and helps them from becoming bored with repetitive screens.   However, I do wish they would at least make the way to exit the lesson uniform.   We're constantly trying to figure out how to exit the lesson "properly" so that it will be marked off as completed.

I really like how the program doesn't make some rude noise when the answer the child selects/inputs is wrong.  Instead, a window usually pops up stating that the answers incorrect (the number's too high, etc.) and gives the student another chance.  (Of course, it doesn't do that on tests and quizzes.)

The T4L program is specifically for Math and Language Arts, but most grades have lots of lessons for science and social studies as well.  This is a great plus.  We can break up the LA and Math lessons with shorter lessons  in science and social studies.

Overall, it's going well and I feel it's worth the subscription price.  I don't know that I will continue it for next school year, but for now it's a welcome break as I determine the best route for her. 

I've looked into Sue Patrick's Workbox System.  I'll admit, if not for determining that dd8 has ADD, I would not have even thought about jumping on the workbox bandwagon like so many homeschoolers are doing right now.  However, the whole idea of the system makes me think this will work for dd8!     And, I can see where my dd10 may also benefit from the system.  (Like this morning, when she finished her workbooks and I was still helping dd8!  She could have independently moved on.)

Anyway, I hope to start implementing a version of the workbox system after I return from the Midwest Homeschool Convention.  Can't wait to go!

I'll also start implementing some of the ideas in Dianne Craft's Brain Integration Therapy Manual and looking into appropriate and effective nutritional supplements and diet changes.

So what have we been up to?

Well, in the past several months and in the last couple in particular, I have come to realize that dd8 has Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD.  No hyperactivity, she's just highly distractable, forgetful, disorganized, doesn't retain math facts  or grammar/spelling rules, etc.

No, that's not an official diagnosis, it's just a mom's diagnosis.  I really don't care to take her to the doctor to receive an "official" diagnosis, I want to know how I can help her.

I've read and read about ADD.....on the Internet and in books.   Some helpful folks have been Dianne Craft, Melinda Boring, Carol Barnier, Dr. Bob, and many more.  What I've read has really changed how I look at ADD.

In the past, I just thought....if ONLY she'd just try harder, or concentrate more, just buckle down and get 'er done.  Now, I'm understanding that it's truly a brain connection thing but diet, mental and physical exercises, and retraining can help.

Well, I'm up to the challenge......I hope.     God is my  strength and I may crawl before it's through, but we'll get there together. 

You know, when God leads you to homeschooling, it really isn't necessarily all about teaching the student.  I think God is teaching the parents just as much along the way.....if not teaching them even more. 

I've come a long way in patience since first starting to homeschool, but still have a long way to go.  This ADD thing is challenging me more.  And not only in the patience department, but it re-thinking how I can set up a learning environment that is helpful to her.  I'll talk more about some of the changes I'll be making another time. 

He's finally a doctor!!!!!!!!

My dh's dream has been to earn a Ph.D.  Now, finally, after 20 years as a college student, he is a doctor!!   He recently graduated with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.

We are all so proud of him!  He's the first of his family to go to college and what a high bar he has set for the rest!! 

Views from our windows....

Well, winter has come a bit early here.  Here are some things I've seen when looking out our window lately.


Snow!  We've had a couple of snows so far....only a couple inches each time though.





But enough for the wee folk (or is she a gnome?!) to play in.



And to build a snowman!  Meet George, our snowboarding snowman.  (Do you think our minister minds that a snowman shares his name???  )




Good thing we started feeding the birds before the snow came!



Bluebonnet was quite happy we had food available!




So what do you see out your window?