LA Info Letter Sent 3.8.07
Customer LA Letter.pdf Letter was sent to all LA purchasers who are active customers (i.e. made a purchase of any kind in the last 3 years).
As of 3/19, SL will contact all those who purchase LA prior to 3/30 to ensure they understand they will receive the 2006 edition.
Clarifying grammar recommendations
- Each level is self-contained. Has sufficient teaching info for parent so child can “jump in” without any prerequisite.
- However, they are designed to be grade appropriate – 2nd graders should not use LA 4.
- Grammar Ace was written with writing in mind – to help students improve as writers rather than teach huge amount of grammar. Works hand-in-hand with rest of LA.
- Dr. Beechick’s comment about not doing formal grammar until 7th grade does not disagree with use of Grammar Ace with students in grades 4-6.
- Do not HAVE to do Grammar Ace to use our LA, but we recommend it closer to the 4th grade level because it will help improve the student’s writing.
- More intensive grammar for 7th graders would be Winston Grammar Advanced (Winston Grammar Basic, Sonlight’s LA 6 (old), or Grammar Ace is prerequisite).
- As designed, each guide should teach all the "background info" that a student would need to know along the way. If done correctly, each guide should be OK for most students to "jump into". One qualification would be this ... each level assumes that the students will be - in general - at that level. For example ... 4TL is directed at 4th grade students, while 2TL is directed at 2nd graders. A 2nd grade student would not be able to "jump into" 4TL. Also ... those students doing 4TL and above should also be doing (or have done) Grammar Ace.
We are not saying that Grammar Ace is a *required* resource. However, Grammar Ace was written with better writing in mind. It will help the student's foundation in the grammar that they need to know to progress as better writers. So I believe I'll be comfortable telling folks that while Grammar Ace is not required, I would recommend it.
Clarifying “grade” recommendations
- Cores are designed to combine students at different grade levels
- LA and Math often need to be taught separately (different grade levels)
- New LA is “graded” (LA 5 is 5th grade, etc.) Also written in voice for that specific grade level.
- Emphasize that it can be adapted for use with other grades such as modifying expectations of writing assignments and/or adding optional LA workbooks (such as Grammar Ace, Keys to Good Language 5, 6 – mechanics & grammar)
- Especially useful if standardized testing is required
- Customers should look at sample pages and decide if it can be used as is or if it needs adjusting/supplementing
- Also helpful to advise to give it a try as is and then determine if supplemental work is needed
SL to pay Return Shipping on LA IG's (updated 3.15.07)
Sonlight will refund $7.50 per return including one or more 2007 LA IGs to reimburse return shipping(credit to customer's CC). See page 25 of 2007 catalog and website for more details.
IG availability for 2007
We are already getting questions from customers asking if they should buy now or wait until after April 1. Our standard answers apply (we believe our current product is excellent or we wouldn't be selling it... but if you want the 'latest' you'll want to wait). However, we need to be sure customers understand not all the LA IG's will be available on 4/1.