AMDG+

Dear Parent;

Since your students have missed a year of grammar instruction, you are wise to consider how to address their studies this year.

First, even though each level does review past concepts, new concepts and skills are introduced with each level.  By skipping a level, the student is missing not only review of past concepts, but is missing foundational instruction in new skills.  When the student moves to the next level, then many of the concepts in review will be completely new to the student.  Think in terms of taking a driver's test.  If a student presents himself for the test and has not read the driver's manual, a brief reading through the booklet at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will likely not be helpful because it is not review to him, but rather material that he's never seen before.

Further, if students struggle somewhat with the next level because of learning gaps created by skipping a grade, they may in years to come continue to struggle and become unnecessarily frustrated with grammar.

Thus, it would be best if your students pick up at the levels where they left off.  Now, don't think in terms of their being behind.  One of the blessings of homeschooling is that students are free to work at their own levels, whatever those levels may be.   Any initial hesitation about being behind will be far outstripped by the benefits they will reap from covering all the concepts thoroughly.

Thank you for a thoughtful question!

May God bless and guide you and your family this new school year.

Nancy Nicholson