Advanced Grammar & Composition
5th-7th Grade [Monday, 12:35-2:00]
Robin Storch - robin.storch@gmail.com
Download Info Sheet
Tuition: $40/mo
This Language Arts course is designed for fifth through seventh-grade 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 intermediate understanding of grammar concepts (students in this class should already be familiar with the parts of speech and noun functions), experiencing great writing through great literature, and the basics of literary analysis such as character development, setting, theme, and symbolism.
Class Activities and Assignments
Each class period will consist of grammar lessons (including learning and drilling new concepts). The literature element would 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.
Homework each week will include grammar practice, dictation and/or another writing activity, reading the assigned literature and vocabulary development with *Wordly Wise.
Students will be responsible for homework each week as well as one project per semester. Materials TBD
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 Advanced Winston Grammar Student Packet (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.
Literature: Students will utilize a variety of novels to explore themes, settings and writing styles. The booklist for this class is small so that we can dive deep into themes and writing techniques. See the booklist below.
*(OPTIONAL) Vocabulary: Wordly Wise Book 5 ISBN: 0838877036 (You may choose book 5 or 6 depending on your child’s skill level)
Other: 1.5” binder, 5 dividers, notebook paper, writing utensil (black or blue pens and pencils are fine), one subject spiral for journaling
Book List
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Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, by Robert O’Brien
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Carry on, Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham
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Holes, by Louis Sachar
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred D Taylor
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The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart
