Language Usage And Practice

Description

Let me describe a scenario I come across on occasion when speaking with homeschoolers. The family has found a great series of workbooks - they enjoy the ease of use, the format, and the coverage, and, best of all, they are relatively cheap compared to other items on the market. They have had great success because everything just falls into place with this series. So here they come after completing the 6th grade workbook, intent on picking up the next in the series - only to discover that the series ended at 6th grade! As you can see, that is quite a dilemma. What is the best way to solve such a problem? Make sure the series you are starting out in goes all the way - and this series does. With books for each grade level up through eighth as well as one for the high school years, you are pretty much covered for supplemental practice through the clear, logical progression of chapters focused on the skills of vocabulary, sentences, grammar and usage, capitalization and punctuation, and composition. Within each chapter, one skill is worked on at a time, with rules and directions for exercises clearly stated on each workbook page. Special attention is given to ensure coverage of composition skills such as brainstorming, clustering, topic sentences, supporting details, taking notes, revising, and proofreading - all very important steps in process writing. While each workbook follows the same basic progression as listed above, some do throw in an extra chapter, either at the beginning or the end, on readiness/study skills - with more practice in following directions and using reference materials. Each workbook also begins with an assessment of preexisting knowledge, and tests are given at the end of each chapter to check retention. Designed to be easy for independent use, all of the worksheets are perforated, consumable, and reproducible. A definition of language terms and an answer key are included in each book. ~ Zach

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.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
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.