Analytical Grammar

by Lynda
(Texas)

We used Analytical Grammar in 2009 for Jr High/High School.

Likes: This curriculum uses a systematic method for identifying the parts of speech (similar to Shurley Grammar method).

It explains how to diagram sentences in an understandable way. I didn't understand diagramming when it was taught to me in 10th grade, but this curriculum makes sense to me. Some curriculum doesn't teach diagramming at all. It isn't necessary to learn, but it can be especially helpful for the visual learner.

It does not require a major purchase of curriculum year after year and it allows time to cover other aspects of language arts without having to squeeze it in to an already full schedule.

Dislikes: The particular labels used for the parts of speech confused my son (he was used to Shurley Grammar labels). He has some learning difficulties, so this may not be a problem for other children. Also, I wish some of the parts had been broken down into the types of that part of speech to help differentiate them better.

I'm Impressed!

by Debby
(Roanoke, Virginia)

This is our first year homeschooling and I tried to find curriculum that would support a "classical light" approach. I looked at several other grammar products, but was impressed that Analytical Grammar encourages a parent to not 'over teach' grammar. In fact, for our 7th grade son, we will use only 10 short lessons and will be done by Thanksgiving.

I'm also impressed that this curriculum teaches sentence diagramming, which is how I learned grammar in high school. My son is a visual-spatial, gifted learner. Thus far, I have found that sentence diagramming helps him visualize grammar and sentence structure which, in turn, helps him understand and enjoy the subject more. The course curriculum is very robust and could be easily taught at a slower pace, as necessary.

No Complaints

by Donna
(Irmo, South Carolina)

Levels Used: Jr. High, High School
Dates Used: From 2008 until present

Likes:
This grammar curriculum helps my children to retain what they have learned because it builds...With each lesson, you start back from the beginning starting with finding Nouns learned in the 1st week, then finding Articles learned in the 2nd week, up to where you are current in the workbook.

When my daughter had problems with and couldn't understand...we called the owners and they spent an hour with her diagramming different sentences until she "got it"!

Dislikes: N/A