Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind is a comprehensive,
classical grammar program by Susan Wise Bauer designed to bring students to a
high level of mastery in English grammar, usage, and mechanics. It serves as
the natural next step after First Language Lessons.
Using a four-year rotation with four color levels (Red,
Purple, Blue, and Yellow), students cycle through the same grammar concepts
with fresh sentences each year, allowing for deep mastery through repetition
and increasing complexity.
Key Curriculum Features:
Thorough
coverage of all major grammar topics including parts of speech, phrases,
clauses, diagramming, punctuation, and usage
Classical
methodology with scripted teacher-student dialogue
Progressive
lessons from basic to advanced college-level grammar
Extensive
practice through exercises, reviews, and application
High-quality
literary model sentences from timeless authors
Flexible
pacing allowing for completion in one year per level or spread across
multiple years
Program Components:
Core
Instructor Text & Grammar Guidebook: Foundational teaching
material used across all levels
Student
Workbooks: Consumable books with exercises and practice (one book per
color level)
Answer
Keys: Detailed explanations for each level
Diagramming
Dictionary: Helpful recommended reference for sentence diagramming
Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind stands out for its
rigorous yet methodical approach that builds strong grammatical understanding
and writing foundations. It is an excellent choice for classical homeschoolers
committed to achieving grammar mastery over the middle and high school years.
Browse all Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind levels
and sets below!
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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.
