Is it possible for a 4th grader to do AAS independently?

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Permalink Reply by Merry on November 30, 2009 at 10:43pm

I was just wondering how you are doing!

I really don't see a lot of ways to make AAS independent, and still remain beneficial. You could tape record all of the dictations and then have your student write them from the tape recorder--that part would be shorter than you sitting there and giving them one by one. You could also do that with the word lists. If you have the CD-ROM, you could have your student use that for phonogram review instead of you doing the yellow cards--have your 4th grader say them before clicking to hear the sound.

Maybe you could shorten the length of time or number of days--maybe 15 minutes 4 times a week, instead of 5 times a week. We get a lot done in 15 minutes, so if you are doing longer than that, maybe try shortening.

I'll be honest--I found other areas to make school independent in order to continue putting the time into spelling because my kids really need that emphasis. I chose a more independent grammar & writing program, and this year both are doing science independently as well. Would that kind of option work out for you? Or, perhaps your 4th grader would do just as well with an independent spelling program and just occasional sessions with you, using AAS to fill in gaps rather than be your main program for your oldest? So much depends on what your priorities are for mom-time with your kids, as to where you emphasize and where you let them go independent.

I know it's hard--I think the year my kids were 2nd & 4th was the most time-intensive year I had, although 1st & 3rd was very busy too! Hang in there!

Merry :-)

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Permalink Reply by called2beamom on November 30, 2009 at 11:19pm

What did you choose for grammar, writing and science that is independent?

Stephen (4th grader) does great with everything but spelling so I certainly don't want to skimp on spelling for him.

We are doing about 20 min. 4 times a week.

I feel like I am skimping on everything this year in order to make time to work with Sarah (2nd grader) on just about everything.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Beth

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Permalink Reply by Merry on December 1, 2009 at 12:12am

Hi Beth,

Last year I used Spectrum LA, and this year I am using Steck Vaughn (only because Spectrum doesn't have a general "LA" for 7th grade, so I tried SV for both. Lots of similarities between them). Spectrum & SV are all-around LA programs that involve grammar, punctuation, caps--all the mechanics, plus types of sentences, irregular forms of words (gone/went or good/better/best, that type of thing), and some writing instruction at the end.

I have also used copywork of Bible verses or famous quotes or poetry or lines from their readers in lieu of a LA assignment.

So far this year I am focusing on writing with my oldest, and have let my 5th grader mainly focus on handwriting and LA. Later this year I'll do a writing unit with her. I was going to have her do the same program my oldest is doing (Jump In) but decided to wait. I may have her try out some of Karen Andreola's Story Starters. They can read a story independently and then spend a day or two writing the ending of the story. After you have several done they can pick a favorite to revise & polish. That takes more work with mom though, but they can do at least part of it on their own. I teach my kids a "COPS" strategy for editing their work when they are done adding details etc...

For science--my 7th grader is using Apologia General Science (and they will send you an audio for free if your child has diagnosed reading struggles). But for my 5th grader, we are just plain having fun--what we're doing is kind of like unschooling. I had a bunch of science books around, plus I ordered some more from Sonlight that she picked out. Each day she spends 30 minutes on science. She reads most days, keeps a notebook in which she can write about what she's learning or draw diagrams etc... When she finishes reading one book I let her pick the next one. I have a book with experiments in it--she can choose to do that if she wants. If she needs supplies, I've told her to let me know a day or two ahead.

I use the workbox system, so the book & her notebook are right in her drawers & she can just go to the next one. If either of my kids needs me while I am working with one, they go to the next drawer until I am free. For your 2nd grader, things like a puzzle, play dough, coloring, or time to play with manipulatives could be a "box" or "subject" and give you a bit of time to work with your oldest.

I hope you can find a way to make things work! Merry :-)

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