Your student is ready for this course if they can write a five-paragraph essay, use basic grammar and punctuation, recognize abstract ideas, and learn high school–level vocabulary. Each week follows a similar pattern: Start with a highlighted special feature which alternates between historical excerpts, a picture, hymn, poem, or a Scripture study. Then, on Day 2, students work on grammar (such as infinitives and antecedents) and punctuation skills, progressively moving through identifying and applying different parts of speech in context. On Day 3, diverse types of communication skills are practiced (oral presentations, creating a bibliography, or Charlotte Mason–type studies: hymn, Scripture, biographical excerpt, or picture study). Vocabulary/spelling tasks are taken from the nonfiction selections and Scripture tie-ins. Students will study biblical passages from the Psalms, prophets, and the New Testament. On day 4, students read and engage with assigned pages from the required biography, Life of Washington. A convenient package with this consumable student text and this biography is available. Students will be encouraged to read additional books of their choice, recording these on the provided Reading List chart. While this year emphasizes nonfiction, your student should feel free to explore fiction reading as well. Throughout the year, students will also be assigned excerpts from two recommended resources (available as a separate purchase): The Gifted Mind (Inventor of the MRI) and The Summit. Students could choose to add these last two books as part of their independent reading assignments. Finally, Day 5 is reserved for reviewing and completing weekly assignments. To grade writing assignments, use the provided grading rubrics found at the back of the book with the other teacher resources.
Students are guided through the writing process incrementally, with tips for summarizing, creating strong writing, formatting a final draft, etc. The composition assignments help students practice writing historical narratives and definition, persuasive, and reflective (from a personal point of view) essays. Students are led systematically through this process which emphasizes nonfiction skills of biography and autobiography. Students will choose their subjects, learn to work from outlines, create cover sheets, and write five-paragraph essays (including biographies). I appreciate the step-by-step guidance in preparation for research writing. For example, the text shares an original quotation, paraphrases it, and then the student practices the same skill. MLA is taught, and researching skills are woven throughout. At the end of the course, students will give a biographical and an autobiographical oral presentation.
Lessons take about 50 minutes daily. This course requires the following additional supplies: 3x5 index cards, a notebook, Bible, dictionary, thesaurus, and independent reading books. Scriptures are taken from the KJV, ESV© 2001, and NIV© 2011. 520 pgs, sc. ~ Ruth