This resource is different from other middle school writing and grammar programs! It is an interactive program that is both purposeful AND fun. This level is recommended for Grades 6-8. Students review the grammar stories, illustrations, and songs previously learned, though anyone can jump in here without having done any prior levels. Songs such as “Awful Words” bring some laughs while also reminding learners to avoid overused words. Classic literature and scripture are incorporated throughout the grammar and writing material, always pointing students toward a worldview of beauty and truth.
Each lesson in this consumable Student Worktext takes 1-2 hours but may also be broken up and spread over 2-3 days. Finishing one lesson per week is the goal, making it perfect for a weekly co-op setting. Every lesson includes some type of writing activity including pre-writing, writing, or re-writing assignments working on creative narratives, 3 single paragraphs, and even a literary analysis. Students learn the structure and style of writing, MLA format, and how to analyze their own assignments while moving through 3 progressive levels of editing to become a “Knight of the Write Table” while avoiding the “Knights of the Wrong Table”. Grammar instruction covers concepts such as gerunds, infinitives, and participles as well as syntax, prepositional phrases, and more.
The 30 lessons take about 1 school year to complete with sessions 2-3 days/week, though a more advanced student could work through the material much faster. Material is designed for students to work independently (with occasional parent/teacher discussion) encouraging them to read compositions aloud to the teacher and/or other students to gain confidence and feedback for editing. Semester reviews at the middle and end of the program could be used as tests. Most instruction for the course is built into the student text, but the Answer Key and teaching tips for this level are found in the separate Teacher E-book, which mirrors the student text. This package includes both items needed to teach the course – the printed Student Text and a code to receive the Teacher E-book by email. 454 pgs., 3-hole punched, looseleaf.