Excellence in Home Education

This Language Arts course is designed for 10 and 11-year-old students and serves to prepare them for the curriculum experienced in middle school and high school English currently taught by Angela Griffin.

 

The focus of this course will be the fundamentals of grammar, experiencing great writing through great literature, and the basics of literary analysis such as character development, setting, theme, and symbolism. No previous knowledge of grammar concepts is necessary,

 

Class Activities and Assignments

Each class period will consist of grammar lessons (including learning and drilling new concepts). The literature will include a dictation component. Dictation has proven to be beneficial in teaching students note-taking, making observations regarding the text, listening carefully, and learning various aspects of grammar and mechanics.

 

Students will be responsible for homework each week as well as one project per semester.

 

Grading

My personal philosophy regarding grades at this age is that they are a tool. Grades will consist of in-class assignments and homework. A grade simply shows me, as an instructor, what information is being understood and what is not. That is, are we as a class ready to move on to new information?  Parents of students who do not seem to be understanding or retaining information (i.e. failing) will be notified and a conference set up.

 

If you choose to have your child use Wordly Wise*, it will be recorded as a separate grade from the class scores.

Required Texts/Materials

Grammar: In this course, students will utilize the Winston Grammar program. This program is beneficial to all types of learners. It is thorough while not overwhelming. Any supplemental materials for grammar, including worksheets, would be provided by the instructor. 

 

Please purchase the Basic Winston Grammar Student Package (includes workbook and cards, $18.50 and can be purchased at Winstongrammar.com) *When ordering request perforated pages in the “notes” section at checkout. This will make your child’s life much easier. 

 

 *(OPTIONAL) Vocabulary: Wordly Wise Book 4 ISBN: 0838877044 (You may choose book 4 or 5 depending on your child’s ability)

 

Literature: Students will utilize a variety of novels to explore themes, settings and writing styles. See the book list below.

 

Other: 1.5” binder, 5 dividers, notebook paper, writing utensil (black or blue pens and pencils), one subject spiral for journaling

 

Book List 

• Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCammilo

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

• How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

• Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles

• Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Spears