Plans for 2008 - Language Arts Part II

In my post Plans for 2008 - Language Arts Part I, I outlined our reading approach for this year. We have already started reading books from this list and Munchkin has already read Bears on Hemlock Mountain. In addition to this reading list, Munchkin will continue with the reading that is assigned in her history and science lessons.

For the remaining Language Arts areas, these are the plans:

Writing

This year we are going to begin using the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style program from the Institute for Excellence in Writing Company. The actual lessons themselves will be integrated with our history and science lessons.

In the past, I have wanted to adopt a classical writing approach in our homeschooling. I have even gone so far as to try and implement the progymnasmata approach. I still like this approach, but as Munchkin is a reluctant writer, I feel that the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style program will be less work  for me. It is outlined and I know I will be on the right track by following the syllabus. We will also continue with narrations.

Spelling and Word Study

Last year Munchkin began using the Mega Words books. This has helped her immensely with decoding multisyllable words. We will continue using these books this year. However, we are also going to begin a formal spelling program. At the moment I am still trying to decide between Sequential Spelling and Phonetic Zoo. At the moment I am leaning towards Sequential Spelling.

Grammar

To be quite honest, Grammar has never been consistently studied at our home. This is partly due to the fact that I have been putting more emphasis on areas such as reading. However, at the end of last year, Munchkin began the Lively Language Lessons at Serendipity. She now actually asks for a grammar lesson and really enjoys doing the drawings. So, for Grammar this is what we will continue to use until we have covered the basics.

This covers Language Arts. Over the next couple of days I will post our plans for the remaining subjects.

5:27 PM - Jan. 6, 2008 - post comment

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