Abeka Language Arts

Description

The Abeka® distinctives start very early and flow through all levels, such as a cursive-first handwriting approach (starts in K and reviewed up to 6), thorough grammar (with diagramming), foundation-based composition skills (begins in 1st grade) and listening/speaking skills (including reading aloud and poetry memorization). All with Christian, patriotic-focused content in a spiral format with detailed teacher instruction. In 1st grade, skills introduced in previous years (phonics/reading, optional cursive, poetry, and vocabulary skills) are enriched with creative writing and sentence-level mechanics, weekly spelling tests, and oral reading. In Grade 2, transition to reading comprehension and beginning literature analysis occurs. Grade 3 begins the four-pronged emphasis of reading skills (analysis & discussion), writing (academic & creative), spelling/poetry, and grammar. Grade 4 (Level A) adds speed reading, the writing process, researching, and diagramming. Students refine all skills in Grade 5 (B), aiming for varied reading and writing (emphasizing research skills), as they head for Grade 6 (C), which cements the elementary skills in preparation for Abeka® upper-level courses.

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.