McKenzie is in 3rd grade this year and we are just starting to dabble in the world of grammar and sentence diagraming. Personally, I enjoy sentence diagramming at it most basic form. I'll be the first to admit it gets a little wonky when you start heavy diagramming but I understand its bottom line purpose. With the help of the new online grammar program from GrammarPlanet, McKenzie is getting the hang of it! Let me tell you a little more about the program.
GrammarPlanet was created by the same people behind Analytical Grammar and Dynamic Literacy. Getting started is simple, just create a master account for yourself the parent and then add separate accounts for each child using the program. On the main parent dashboard you can see the progress of each child. You also have the ability to erase or reset the progress of each child, if needed. Each child will log into their own account with a specific user name and password.
This new online program teaches the basics of grammar, punctuation, and correct usage. It is geared toward children aged 10 and up and adults as well. Once completely complete, It will include 60 units that cover topics from nouns to who vs whom and everything in between. As of right now there are 13 units complete with plenty of information to get you started.
Everyone, regardless of age and ability start with unit 1. The program detects what you are good at and what you need extra help on so you only really practice in the areas needed. Each unit builds on the one before it so unless you are solid at the preceding topics it is not recommended that you skip around. Below you can see the topics covered in the program.
Each unit includes:
~ video instruction
~ printable teaching notes
~ practice sentences
~ unit test of material
The videos are short and to the point, roughly 8-10 minutes in length and the student uses a pop up window to label or parse the parts of speech in the practice sentences. The printable teaching notes give important information about the topic that is going to be covered. These are very well written and I recommend you printing these out and placing in a binder.
During this review period I have been using the GrammarPlanet with McKenzie. Originally, I wanted to have Mikayla and Montana use the program too, but life got super crazy and I could only keep up with McKenzie at this time. Since she is on the younger end, I worked with her as we have been going through the units. I try to have her on the program 2 days a week for about 10-15 minutes. If you student hasn’t logged in for a while, the program will send the parent an email reminder.
McKenzie had a hard time with this program for the simple fact that she kept getting locked out of the program. Even when she selected a correct answer, the program would mark it wrong. Since you cannot move on to the next unit without a passing grade, that was frustrating to her. I am not sure what the passing grade standard is, but I think it would be helpful to have it be programable and set by the parents standards. Once the unit was unlocked the lessons could be reattempted to improve grades and knowledge.
GrammarPlanet is a free program to use so be sure to check it out for yourself to see if it would work within your homeschool. I will say the free program includes many ads and those got annoying rather quickly for my daughter and I. Another option for the program is the $39 membership for the ad-free program. It includes lifetime use so they may be a better option if the ads bother you.
Overall, this is a great concept and program! However, it is not the best fit for our family at this time. But don’t let that stop you from checking out the program for your family! Also be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this program by clicking the banner below.
Company/Product ~ GrammarPlanet
Format ~ online
Price ~ free with ads or $39 ad-free
Ages ~ 10 and up
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