Lightning Literature and Composition for Middle
School by Elizabeth Kamath offers a literature-rich ELA curriculum designed
specifically for 7th and 8th grade students. These flexible courses combine
high-quality literature with strong instruction in literary analysis,
vocabulary, grammar, mechanics, and composition.
The program is available in two levels — Storm
(typically 7th grade) and Tempest (typically 8th grade) — that can also
be used by advanced 6th grade or beginning high school students who need a
gentler pace. Each level uses a 36-week schedule built around engaging novels,
short stories, and poetry to develop deep reading comprehension, critical
thinking, and writing skills.
Curriculum Highlights:
Literature-based
approach with excellent variety in genre and classic selections
Integrated
literary analysis, vocabulary, grammar, and composition instruction
Step-by-step
writing lessons and thinking skills (fact vs opinion, bias, etc.)
Flexible
pacing with both core and optional challenge activities
Program Components:
Teacher Guides with answers, schedules, discussion
topics, and teaching tips
2 consumable,
full-color Student Workbooks per level containing practice pages,
composition, and grammar exercises corresponding to the literature
Literature
consisting of 6 books per level (Storm and Tempest), plus the Rainy Day Reader.
Complete Packages contain all components necessary to
complete each level. Literature Only Packages contain only the required
books.
Middle School Lightning Literature is an
excellent choice for homeschool families who want a balanced, high-quality
language arts program that emphasizes great literature while thoroughly
preparing students for high school-level reading and writing.
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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.
