Grammar Castle / Kingdom Writing

Description

Grammar Castle & the Kingdom of Writing is a classically minded grammar and writing program for Grades K-8, emphasizing Christian character values throughout. Full-color Student Workbooks are engaging and interactive… filled with stories, illustrations, metaphors, and songs that bring grammar and writing to life. As students move up through the curriculum levels, a strong foundation is laid in grammar, usage, and mechanics, as well as step-by-step writing and oral presentation skills. Those familiar with classical methodology won’t be surprised at how well students can memorize and assimilate the important information using creative memory devices (color coding, pictures, mnemonics, jingles, etc.), helping it to stick in the brain--- long term! For example, each part of speech is represented by an engaging character living in Kingdom of Writing… their color, symbols, characteristics, and songs help students to make connections, remembering the functions of each part of speech.

The curriculum’s writing process, influenced by the Canons of Rhetoric (invention, arrangement, style, memory, delivery), focuses on brainstorming, paragraph arrangement, essay format, memorable style, editing, and delivery. Tasks are broken down into small steps and practiced over several lessons, helping students not to feel overwhelmed. Models from scripture are used to teach composition and speaking skills and the use of authentic literature is also integrated into writing and grammar instruction… perfect for those who enjoy a Charlotte Mason approach.

With the goal of one lesson per week, each curriculum level is easily finished in a school year. Teacher guided lessons take 30 min to 1 hour in the elementary levels and 1-2 hours at the middle school level, and can be done once a week (perfect for a co-op setting) or spread over 2-3 days during the week. Each level has a consumable Student Workbook which follows a particular lesson pattern, making it easy to teach and easy for students to get into a rhythm of learning. Teacher and student share the same book up through 3rd grade (answer key in back), but in 4th grade and up… a teacher e-book mirrors the student book with answers overlaid. The optional Story & Songbook (013934) and Coloring Book (013940) can be purchased separately for extra support but aren’t necessary to the success of the program. 

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