Grammar Comparison

Since I compared Miquon Math and Math-U-See, I felt pulled to do a similar comparison of two grammar programs: KISS Grammar and MCT LA.

When I was looking into language arts programs, I was initially drawn to KISS Grammar. Then later I was drawn to MCT LA. The few reviews that I could find from users of both programs implied that the programs looked at grammar in a similar way. For example, neither one does diagramming. Both programs think that grammar is important and worth studying. Both programs admit that some sentences present interesting grammar problems. Both programs promote understanding the purpose of every word in a sentence. One reviewer even thought that KISS Grammar was a great preparation for MCT LA.

I used only a few pages of KISS Grammar, and have only started MCT LA. However, I now think that the two programs have as many differences as similarities.

*Price*

KISS Grammar is free. You can download all the workbooks for free and print as many copies as you want. MCT LA is not. Given that there are many wonderful, less expensive language arts programs available, many users are initially put-off by the price tag of MCT LA.

*Origins and Audience*

KISS Grammar was written by a college professor for students starting in the second grade. As far as I can tell, the author of KISS Grammar hasn't taught elementary school. MCT LA was written by a former classroom teacher who specializes in gifted education and is now an author/consultant.

*Book Design*

KISS Grammar is a word document or a series of web pages. KISS uses some famous artwork and cute pictures. However, the images are just for decoration. On the other hand, in the MCT LA books, the artwork is an integral part of the design of the book. Even details like the length of the line separating the subject and predicate in a sentence are carefully designed to support the instructional material.

*Workbook vs. Discussion*

KISS Grammar is set up as a series of workbooks or worksheets. Although there are some instructional pages, the bulk of the pages is worksheets with a bunch of sentences. MCT LA on the other hand, has very little worksheet activity. Instead the pages are sparse with simple explanations, some examples, and lots of room for discussion.

*Memorization vs Meaning*

Early on in KISS Grammar the text tells the student that certain words (am, is, are, was, ) are *always* verbs. The student can then correctly identify these words as verbs from the beginning. However, it doesn't say *why* these words are verbs. MCT LA, on the other hand, explains what a verb is, and then has students work with practice sentences to figure out that these same words are verbs.

* Scope*

KISS Grammar is strictly grammar. MCT LA is grammar, plus vocabulary, poetics, and writing.

Both programs serve their purposes and fit their own niches. I'm glad that I found mine and that Wander was able to afford it.