English Studies still in development?

[Robin in Tx]

A couple of years ago, Memoria Press announced that they were planning to publish their own English Studies Guide. Has that been scratched completely, or is it still in the works?

Does Memoria Press have a recommendation for English Studies? As much as I'd love to be latin-centered, I need something for English mechanics and usage.

Thanks for any ideas,
Robin

[Robin in Tx]

about English guides not being available for a while.

I am still nervous about dropping my english grammar program completely - not because of the grammar part but because it covers other aspects of usage and mechanics that I don't believe we'll cover in latin. How do you go completely latin centered if you are uncomfortable with filling in these gaps on your own?

I know this probably gets asked a lot. Please be patient with me!

Thanks,
Robin

[Mungo]

Usage and mechanics can be taught through copywork.

For example, if you want a child to learn the rule that, when joining two sentences without a conjunction, you use a semi-colon you could have them copy a series of sentences that illustrate the rule. E.g.,

John went to the store; Mary worked in the garden.

Point out the punctuation to the child (maybe highlighting it with a different color pencil for a while) and explain the rule. Then just have them write correct sentences until it is second nature.

If you need a straightforward reference for usage rules, Strunk and White's The Elements of Style is a good one. You can have students write out Strunk and White's rules, with examples, as copywork, or have them memorize the rules for recitation and then copy examples from the Bible, literature, etc. to illustrate the rules.

Good luck!

[Robin in Tx]

Thanks, Mungo. The book is on my shelf. I'll look through it and see how I might could use it in this fashion with a 10 year old.

As a side note, there really is a market for a program that systematically, step by step and exercise by exercise, covers english usage and mechanics for the parent who teaches latin grammar. Some of us need that script - not because we can't think for ourselves, but because we're busy and challenged and appreciate it (and would gladly pay for it!) if someone else would organize the work for us and lay it out in a pick up and go format. Maybe that could be your next project? Congratulations on your book, btw!

[christineg]

Robin,
I just wanted to tell you about a nifty little book I picked up somewhere, because it sounds like it might be just what you're looking for. It's called English Grammar for Students of Latin, by Norma Goldman and Ladislas Szymanski. Here's a blurb from the intro: "EGFSOL explains the grammatical terms that are in your Latin textbook and shows you how they relate to English grammar. Once you have understood the terms and concepts in your own language, it will be easier for you to understand your textbook. With simple explanations and numerous examples this handbook compares English and Latin grammar, pointing out the similarities and differences."

[crblomquist]

The grammar book for Latin students mentioned in the previous post sounds better than my suggestions, but I do have two possibilities for you to look at. One is Primary Language Lessons, by Emma Serl, which I plan to use next year. It is an older book, has a sequel, and is non-consumable. It is very simple and gentle and does not cover grammar until late in the next book, Intermediate Language Lessons. Its focus is on usage, composition, mechanics, and copywork/dictation. I think it will fit in well with Latin-based grammar instruction. If you don't like old-fashioned stuff, though, don't bother. Also, it is for younger primary students. ILL is for 3-5th grade, I think.
My other suggestion is Harcourt Flashkids Language Arts workbook, which you can pick up at Barnes and Noble (online, too, I bet). It covers basic language arts concepts at appropriate grade levels in a very clear, simple way, including usage, parts of speech, mechanics, some composition, and things like synonyms and homophones. I've found it a great catch-all and practice book for supplemenation and making sure you're "covering" it all. It's also cheap, colorful, and easy on the eye.