First year with MP, starting in 4th grade

[hermione310]

So glad to have found this forum! I just ordered the 4th grade curriculum (full package) for my daughter. I have a few months before we'll start using it as we're wrapping up some other courses, but I ordered early to get comfortable with everything before we dive in. It's a pretty radical departure from the progression of our current curriculum and I admit to having a bit of trepidation (in other words, I have no idea what I'm doing! : )

Here's my question. My daughter is 2nd grade age but is currently completing 4th grade level curriculum. I'm not hung up on grades but want to ensure we don't miss key building blocks as we start down the classical path. I ordered the accelerated 4th grade curriculum after peeking at some of the guides -- this seemed like a good match to her current level without repeating material she's just completed. I saw some posts on the WTM forum that suggested sticking with the core curriculum as much as possible to make the transition as smooth as possible, so I ordered the straight package other than the Christian Studies (we're starting at Level I) and Latin (DD is currently completing Prima Latina, so I swapped First Form for Latina Christiana). We're going to use CLE math as that's really working for us.

OK, long preamble. Here's the question -- I stuck with Famous Men of Rome and Insects as those are in the Accelerated 4th Grade package, but DD hasn't completed Astronomy or Greek Myths as we're new to MP. Was this a mistake? I was hesitant to mix and match too much as it would be great to follow the lesson plans as offered, but am concerned that these are foundational and need to be covered to avoid a gap in the later years. For those that have been in my shoes.....is it a problem to add these in or swap in upcoming years to ensure they're covered? Am I overthinking this completely (I think a no answer is unavoidable there....

Appreciate any guidance!

[The Autumn Oak]

Welcome to the forums and to MP...

Honestly, in your situation I would have ordered the 3rd grade core and switched out math and Latin...The 3rd grade core is a perfect starting place with MP, as it starts with Greek Myths, Astronomy and Christian Studies 1...The literature selections are also very good and appropriate for your daughter's age...

I will let some others respond to see what they are thinking...We have some wise parents and MP staff here that will chime in I'm sure...

[KF2000]

Hello, and welcome! I hope we can help you navigate your choices, and have a terrific first year.

I am curious....you mentioned you child was second grade age, but was completing fourth grade curriculum, and that you ordered accelerated fourth....I think some more details would be helpful, such as your child's actual age, fall/winter birthday, and what curriculum you used previously.

The reason is, Memoria Press is very challenging, with a lot of writing woven throughout the curriculum. It is more important to have very strong writing skills to move ahead in grade levels, even more so than reading ability. So to keep up with the curriculum, that is very important.

Also, in general, the Accelerated Third grade level is a better beginning core than the accelerated fourth. Most of the major grammar school programs start in the 3A core: Latin, Grammar Recitation, Introduction to Composition, Christian Studies, and Classical Studies (Greek Myths). I think I would encourage you to start there, but again, more specifics of your situation might change that advice.

AMDG,
Sarah

[hermione310]

Welcome to the forums and to MP...

Honestly, in your situation I would have ordered the 3rd grade core and switched out math and Latin...The 3rd grade core is a perfect starting place with MP, as it starts with Greek Myths, Astronomy and Christian Studies 1...The literature selections are also very good and appropriate for your daughter's age...

I will let some others respond to see what they are thinking...We have some wise parents and MP staff here that will chime in I'm sure...

Thanks for your feedback! After posting this I called MP to discuss this issue with them. I was concerned that although she's capable of reading at a higher level, she'll be overwhelmed with the writing and comprehension requirements as you're hinting. The MP curriculum appears to be quite a bit more challenging than what we've encountered (which is a good thing) and I want to ensure that DD is enriched but not overwhelmed.

With guidance from customer service, I ended up ordering the accelerated 3rd core, dropping math as we'll continue with CLE, swapping the spelling with level E, and swapping Geography I for the states and capitals. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts -- this forum is really a great source of information!

[Angela]

I think switching to 3A was a smart move. My daughter was very similar, working ahead of grade level and an advanced reader. I'm still glad that she's pretty much stuck with the grade level she should be in (with the exception that we begin our new grades in January so I guess technically my kids are working half a year ahead, but it works well with their birthdays).

3rd grade is such a great time to jump into MP because Greek Myths is so very valuable for reading classics later on, and the guides in 3rd are perfect for learning to write out all those answers to the comprehension questions. This way you'll be able to stick to the lesson plans and cover LC before moving on to FFL, which is very helpful

[The Autumn Oak]

That is great!...I am glad you were able to get the guidance you needed...I think you will be happy with the 3rd grade core...It is a great beginning point and will be more age appropriate now and in the future for your daughter...