Grammar Galaxy

Description

Former clinical psychologist, Dr. Melanie Wilson cleverly disguises this language arts program as a mission manual your student will use to save the Grammar Galaxy from the evil Gremlin. Gremlin seeks to destroy our English language: the helping verbs no longer help; idioms have become literal; and suffixes drop. Gremlin is wreaking havoc; students must go on a mission to save language. Step by step, students will read the chapter mission and then solve missions using the Manual. As students complete tasks in this imaginary galaxy, they will learn the nuts and bolts of language arts: literature, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, composition, and speaking (no phonics or handwriting instruction). While each of these topics is covered yearly, subskills are taught with a mastery intent, and will vary and build upon previous years. For example, pronouns are introduced in Protostar; pronoun-antecedents in Yellow Star. Story elements are introduced in Nebula; foreshadowing introduced in Red Star. Diagramming is introduced in 6th grade. Based on your student and your language arts goals, you may want to annually add concept review and additional literature reading to strengthen skills.

With the lessons (excuse me, missions) in this curriculum, start by reading aloud the Text’s approximately 10-minute chapter mysteries (older grade-level readers can do so independently, but with some parent assistance). Next, the student completes short missions by writing or dictating (for younger students) using the required Mission Manual (consumable student worktext). Missions are grouped by topic, allowing a mastery-based approaching to English. Each mission follows a three-step approach process (complete throughout the week or in a long class period). Vocabulary words are taken from the text story. For older students or those needing more challenge, look for the Advanced Guardian assignments. After each unit (made of 4-5 missions in lower grades and 9-12 for older grades), students complete 10-question Challenge tests. Once these are passed, students can move on to the next mission. Students can start with Nebula and progress through the series or enter at the appropriate grade levels: Nebula for beginning communicators (1st – 2nd); Protostar (2nd – 3rd); Yellow Star (4th), Red Star (5th), Blue Star (6th), Nova (7th) and Supernova (8th). These grade suggestions are general guidelines. Check out the course’s Scope and Sequence on our website to help determine the correct level. The Nova and Supernova levels are designed as an advanced overview of all the previous volumes. Older students without previous Grammar Galaxy experience may start with the Nova level. Mission Manuals are for single student use only. Find extra free course resources at FunToLearnBooks.com. ~ Ruth


Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.