Teaching Grammar

I have two different English curriculum's my boys used last year and I will not be upgrading. I've noticed there is very little difference between the third grade edition and the fifth grade edition. So I have come to the conclusion that language is repative year after year while adding in some new concepts. I've also noticed that while old concepts are always gone over again and new concepts are introduced quickly. I have decided to look at books for teaching grammar in the middle school years instead of buying more curriculum. I plan on using it as a supplement, but also to help the boys grasp a better understanding of what they are learning. I believe this will help them to retain better. I'm including links where I have searched in hopes it may be helpful to someone else who feels the same way.
I really appreciate the sites where we can look inside the books it makes easier to decide if we think the book will be right for our families. Another important thing I'm looking for is something both of the boys can use at the same time. I looked at Winston and while I like the look it appears to be another English curriculum which is what I'm trying to avoid. Easy Grammar looks great, but once again it is a regular curriculum. If I had to chose a curriculum I would use Easy Grammar. My picks from Amazon include Teaching Terrific Grammar, Fun with Grammar, and Hot Fudge Monday. I do not think I will use them all, but I will report back what we used and not only my thoughts but the boys as well.
Amazon Teaching Grammar to Middle School

Winston Grammar

Easy Grammar

Site With Links

I love to help other homeschoolers and spend many hours searching for useful links for my self and others. Well here is another woman who has done the same thing. Take a look at the links she has to offer, then go to fun stuff to sign up for updates.
Kickbutt Home Education

Teaching Reading

I remember when I started to teach my middle one to read, he was known as the wiggly Willie. This child could not be still for long periods of time and I remember him hanging upside down over the side of the couch during reading lessons. I would follow his movements with the book so he could see it. Some might say that is just ridiculous, but it is how he learned to read. I had done my home work researching all the beginning reading materials along with learning styles. Though it seemed to me this child would prefer something hands on he didn't. I decided to use Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons because I liked the way the book was laid out. Though it was dry and we could not complete one whole lesson in a day it worked. I had previously bought the first set of Bob Books and decided to bring them out. It was amazing it was as if these books were written to use with 100 Easy Lessons. My son loved the fact that he could read so soon and began to look forward to his reading lesson. I then discovered Get Ready for the Code which also fit like a glove with this program. We never used the writing assignments in the book we used Get Ready for the Code instead. Donna Young has print outs for this program on her web site I will include the link below. One thing I want to suggest is that while the books give us guidance they are flexible. Use them in a way that will best teach the child in your life. One way to easily discourage a child from learning is to be force feed. Wait until they are ready then guide them gently on the right path. I have included links for the books I mentioned so they may be viewed. I want to add that I also taught my youngest to read utilizing the same materials and both of my boys now 11 & 9 love to read.

Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

Bob Books

Before the Code

There are three books for this beginning series book a did not have samples, so this link will take you to the book b.

100 Easy Lessons Writing Lessons
This is a great site altogether take some time to look around.