Bju Press English Grade 5 (3rd Ed.)

Emphasizing a spiral approach to composition and grammar, this curriculum will alternate between grammar chapters and composition chapters. Each pair of grammar/composing chapters is then followed by a cumulative review, primarily highlighting grammar. Whether the chapter focuses on grammar or composition, each chapter will begin with a mentor text. These writing samples will model grammar and composition techniques and include writings from famous authors such as Audubon, DeJong, biographies of Mary Slessor and Havergal, and nonfiction pieces such as interviews, news, and biographies. Students will learn and practice English skills and proper conventions in spoken, written, and visual communication (even including digital/visual literacy). Some assignments might be a bit difficult to implement in a home learning environment (such as speaking or listening projects), but the course remains strong even if you decide against some group tasks. Writing tools such as T-charts, word webs, and writing process guides help students construct and organize ideas. Writing rubrics help both student and parent evaluate the student’s final product. Project checklists allow students to self-assess progress on their assignments. End-of-chapter journal assignments combine the chapter’s worldview theme with writing skills. In these, students extrapolate from a drawing or respond to a thought-provoking question: for example, write down helpful advice for a person struggling to find pleasure in the writing process; think of something God has done for your family that is worthy of being remembered. Writing assignments start in the first semester with creating diamante and sense poetry. Then tasks progress to book reviews. During the second semester, the writing assignments amp up with a comparison-contrast essay, a persuasive letter, a personal narrative, and then finally, a research report. Research tasks are dealt out sequentially in manageable pieces. Students will learn parts of a book, how to use resources like dictionaries, safely maneuver the Internet, and more. Chapter and Cumulative reviews provide a spiral evaluation of skill development. This recent edition strikes me as a homeschool-friendly option, particularly for composition. Students will first gain confidence with shorter, creative assignments and then as the course progresses, they’ll have the confidence and ability to manage and achieve essay and research skills.

  In the Student Texts, grammar exercises tend to start with students identifying or choosing the correct forms and then practicing at the word and sentence level, culminating in a review. Mentor texts and writing samples are well selected for interest and modeling, often identifying key elements or modeling editing skills in the margins. Charts, rubrics, and diagrams will help students structure their own writing.

  The 2-part teacher editions provide a solid amount of instruction and guidance, with some freedom to pick and choose for your specific child and situation.

  With this edition, some digital resources are available for home school use. Student books will provide short instructional videos via AfterSchoolHelp QR codes to reinforce key grammar concepts. In Teacher Editions, you’ll see references to Teacher Tools Online, the TextbookHub, and BJU’s Homeschool Hub. The first two services are designed for Christian school teaching needs and the last one is only available for home schools. However, the teacher editions in of themselves provide plenty of options and guidance. The Homeschool Hub is available free to any home educator with account setup and provides scheduling, calendar, gradebook, and planning tools that are not course specific. ~ Ruth