I MESSED UP LANGUAGE ARTS | How To Use Michael Clay Thompson | Language Arts Elementary Grammar MCT

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Let me know what have you realized you were suffering through because you weren't being true to your own style? Did you change it up and find success? We finished strong and I am looking forward to working through the next level with my own plan!

[@gladiscecilia9603]

I'm really looking forward on how you use these books in your homeschool.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I did just put my plan (🤞) in the description box of my latest video.

[@heidig8739]

I can totally relate! I bought the ebook version of the Grammar Island instructor manual and just could not get into using a digital version. I ended up buying all the Island level books (used) and it is so much easier! I know it's a winner because my daughter says "yay!" when I bring out the books :) Looking forward to hearing how you plan it out yourself.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Not as directed! 😅😅😅

[@RegularSecularMama]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I got my hands on that implementation guide, took one look, and said NOPE! The books are so wonderful, but they made it so overwhelming with that schedule. I’m excited to see what you think of the Town level! I’ve got some thoughts on it coming up soon

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Ooh I'll be on the lookout! Yeah, the suggested plan is 🤯. I'm going rogue!

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

That and using the Kindle book.....just a not so fun comedy of errors! Nice reminder that I should do what I want!

[@angieboyd7388]

I have huge questions about mct writing techniques and processes. We've done poodle and island levels and absolutely loved them, but if either of you can give some insight into mct writing techniques that would be amazing! Does he address brainstorming and mapping out a plan. Does he teach steps to writing? My daughter feels very lost when it comes to the structure and planning of a paper. Thank you ladies!

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

We aren't there yet. Just starting paragraph town soon. Hopefully Cassie has more insight. You might need to contact her directly through KZbin or Instagram.

[@bethart1985]

This year I purchased 2 handwriting workbooks for my 1st Grade daughter. I am very disappointed in them and I kept forcing her to use them because I paid for them! But this week I told my husband I'm done with it! And we purchased a dif one that looks like it will def meet our needs. I hate wasting money but If it's not working then it's not working. We also started All about spelling this year and are definitely adding All About Reading next year! Those are wonderful programs! I love your videos! My daughter homeschools through an online charter school and this is our 3rd year. We are required to do certain things per state requirements but can also add our own stuff into the mix. They are getting more strict and starting to demand a lot more from us. Through the help of you and other homeschool mamas online, I have decided to fully do it alone next year! We are in Oklahoma so the laws are great here for homeschooling. It's never too early to start planning! Thanks again!

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Congrats to you!! That's amazing confidence and such a huge step. 👏

[@tessareplogle5374]

Same I purchased the kindle book, it was so overwhelming 😅, that it’s now on the shelf! With the lack of info I questioned my self, and my abilities, but thanks to this video I’m excited that it can work 😊!

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

We've officially started using it now and totally different experience!

[@Sillysmiles5]

We are doing town level this year. We aren't following the guide, just the kid. I found out she really likes making flashcards for vocab and taking the quizzes. I've learned more grammar than I ever knew!

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

High five! Me too!

[@jenniferayala5982]

Hello, Secular homeschool mama here as well. I'm currently half way through our 8th year homeschooling and I stumbled on some of your videos. Thank you for being relatable and funny. I have to agree about making your own plan with MCT curriculum. I have two of my kids working through different levels (currently level 2 and level 6) we absolutely love it! Physical books are definitely the way to go!

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Welcome!!!

[@michelechamberlain3247]

I look forward to seeing what you do for carrying out the 2nd level. First time homeschool parent here👋 I purchased the instructor manuals as PDF and printed them myself to save $$ and purchased the student bound books for MCT level 1 homeschool package. I loved that it was an option to save some cash. I almost choose the kindle version BUT I had to be honest with myself and figured it may be overwhelming for me. I’m a physical book person to.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I can't print those dang Kindle books. 😕 I have regrets on that.

[@Gojuninja]

Oh that made me just want to scream!!! I was so close to using MCT, for all those great reasons you mentioned, then I saw the price and the shipping, and I LUCKILY took a step back and looked again. All those books! Not self teaching! Not to be used independently by the kid. Oh I would have crashed and burned so bad with this series!! And then in Kindle format, no, just no! I feel your pain so much here!! I’m so proud of you for making this work, because there is absolutely no way I could make that work! 15 books? Oh my goodness no! 😅 So I’m glad you pulled it off!! Thanks for the video!

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I'm giving another solid try with a plan that I know suits my style.....then I will shamelessly quit if it still isn't a good fit.

[@storybookschoolhouse]

Do you feel it’s necessary to have the student books in Poodle? Thank you!

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I don't have them. I snap a picture on my iPad and then white out the answers and let her label them. She gets excited to use the iPad and apple pencil. I might get them for next year if we continue using MCT, and I can add them to my free shipping order for big sister.

[@storybookschoolhouse]

@@MakingEverydayMagic Thank you very much! Your insight is always appreciated ☺️

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I try! ❤️

[@stefanietaylor4989]

Do you think a 5th grader should start with Island? My son is going into the 5th grade next year and has don’t Fix It grammar book 1 this year. So he’s not clueless when it comes to grammar but we have never used MCT so I’m debating what we should start with.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

We started my 5th grader with the Island level, and I just let her move at her pace since she's had grammar instruction for years. She finished Island at Christmas break and moved up to Town level in January. She's doing well.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

This video might help kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4Ctm5WKdsmqb9k

[@stefanietaylor4989]

@@MakingEverydayMagic now that you have complete Island and into town, do you feel that was necessary? Or should she just have started with town?

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I think she benefitted from island. I think their rule of thumb is if they can write a good sentence, start with town. If they can write a good paragraph, start with voyage. I knew that while my daughter had tons of grammar under her belt diagramming sentences, that she couldn't write a good sentence. In my opinion, we were so close to the start of the program that it didn't hurt to start there. Since I wasn't totally confident where to place her, the beginning was the best answer for us.

[@stefanietaylor4989]

@@MakingEverydayMagic I’m in the same boat. He can write a sentence but a good sentence??? Not so sure about.

[@lesliedavis5323]

So, what grade is this for? My second grader is on Level 3 of AAR and I don’t want to add any other LA until it’s complete or reading ‘clicks’.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I'm using this for my 5th grader. Not a curriculum for learning to read, a curriculum for reading to learn.

[@homewiththedoodles]

I have ALL the books from the first level and never got through the first book. It was not for my son at all. It’s just so different and confusing. So now they just sit on the shelf collecting dust. We now use IEW and Bookshark.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Finding a great fit can be tough but good job knowing when to move on!

[@sarahbennett7235]

Ahhh Language arts such a tough one. I have not found anything I am truly happy with. Was considering this, also Lightening Literature or something else entirely that I have not found. As a secular family we have used TGTB LA and like it somewhat but I feel that it jumps back and forth a lot. I will be watching your reviews of this as time goes on. What are you using for your younger daughter? My younger is in 3rd.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

My youngest is in 1st, she's using AAR level 3 and reading the poodle series together for a light touch into grammar

[@BrynjaLives]

I spend the money and buy the homeschool MCT package with paper student book and instructor ebook. Since I have another child in the same level I also purchase the student only paper AND ebook. It is 519 this year.. gahhh. BUT WORTH IT. The reason? I have my computer and desk set up near a 65 inch tv. I slap the HDMI cable up to connect. My computer screen gets the intructor manual, the TV gets the student book. Each child sits on the sofa and has the paper book in hand. Sounds complicated but it really isnt!! 2 days of practice to make it work right. They read the pages out loud (taking turns) and the other child follows on the tv screen. I make commentary (from the instructor manual) after each child reads. They are both looking at the big screen now. Sounds really complicated, I know. I promise this is awesome! Anyway.. I remember suggesting either this OR Harbor and Sprout, to you, for Science/Art/Music and you had said "nahh.. not boxed, not my style". SO GREAT TO SEE YOU STEPPING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE!!! NICE!! MCT is the cream of the crop.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

We also have our main TV set up to a computer. That is such a valuable resource in our homeschool! Essentially a giant smart board.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I have been branching out, thanks for noticing!!

[@BrynjaLives]

@@MakingEverydayMagic It is a journey. I just changed my channel name to our school name... YAY! I really need to be posting a "what we use and how it is going" deal, too. Also, LOVING the hair. It has been a while since I have checked in on video content. Since you already have the TV/Comp set up, perhaps doing it this way will be a big win? I have resigned myself to the cost. If you have watched any of the MCT symposium videos, I agree with him. Literature, grammar...all of it, fall into every other subject. Then again, so does Science.

[@jessicaTX964]

I've looked at this program a couple times both online and in person at a convention, but never really considered it because it is very confusing. And honestly the books just didn't really grab me either. Interested in how your system differs from the publishers...

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I'll be sharing my plan soon. Hopefully also a how it's working (or not)

[@Jessica-kp9hc]

I have used and looked at so many different LA curriculums. I was given so MCT books after also buying a kindle version and I just couldn’t make it work. Just not worth the effort on my part.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Once I applied my own style, it's been so much better for us.

[@Oevuh8]

I’d love to see how you use the MCT with your own plan!

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I'll have it coming up!

[@nataliemonroe2407]

Yes! I'll be interested to hear how people are really using MCT. I have seen the books and implementation guides that a friend was using, but it looked overwhelming.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I just posted my intended plan in my video yesterday. It's written in the description box.

[@siofralogue]

We are about to start Island level 1 when we are done with break. We went all the way through Poodle, so I think we'll transition well to them. We have followed a system like that with Woke Homeschooling Oh, Freedom! and as long as we follow the plan and have the books available on the shelf, it's fine. I cannot imagine how hard it was without having actual books. So sorry you went through that.

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I have serious regrets and I'll be searching the physical books out so I'm ready for my next kid.

[@storybookschoolhouse]

This happened to me with a math curriculum. Got all the things….painful nightmare. Scraped it half way through. So.Much.Happier.Now!🎉

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Whatever it takes to find the right path!

[@susan825]

We definitely do one book at a time: finish them faster, move on to the next one. But we also have changed Language Arts curriculum every year because I can't find one that I like thar feels like it is really working. This seems to be going better than most...as long as we ignore their instructions 🤣

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Ignoring their instructions is my new plan! Love this!

[@JustAnotherViewer10]

As I've mentioned before, I hear so much MCT hype, so I bought the Poodle series to introduce my 3rd grader and 1st grader to MCT. In the end, this program does not work for us. I'm a major grammar geek and I teach grammar to adult learners so I've used a lot of grammar curriculum; I also have done a lot of foreign language study and have gone through the process of grammar acquisition in Romance and Semitic languages, so I'm not a novice to these concepts. I just really don't care for the structure of this program. So, I hear a ton of people wax rhapsodic about it, but it didn't work for us, and I refuse to continue to try to make a square peg fit in a round hole. More power to those of you for whom MCT works! But I'm going to stay with the tools that work for us. (I also feel compelled to tell people that not everyone likes MCT, since all I see are glowing reviews for it!)

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

I completely agree. There's no one size fits all approach to anything. All I can share is what we are using. Our previous grammar program served us very well for a season before it was apparent that it was time to move along.

[@BustlingHome]

What do you use?

[@heidikennedy8206]

My 11 yr old is 1/2 way through Town level of MCT and it is our first year with it. He is learning so much from the curriculum and already asked to do the next level. I'm sorry it didn't work for you. We do have the physical books and I know the ebooks would not have worked. I found them used on the Facebook site. With that said, I do not think this would work for my 8 yr old, at least not right now. Different learning style. Hope the next level works better for you

[@MakingEverydayMagic]

Thanks!! I am giving the next level a fair shot using it in the style that works best for me. 🤞🤞 I'm realizing this is a very love it or hate it thing, few people are luke warm about it.