Extra Junior Analytical Grammar: Mechanics Workbook

These materials offer a complete and comprehensive coverage of all three elements - grammar (i.e. parts of speech, complete sentences), usage (i.e. homophones, figures of speech, proper word choice to convey meaning), and mechanics (i.e. punctuation, capitalization).

As of March 2023, this program provides options to select the best grammar fit for your homeschool student. Author Robin Finley's Original Edition includes multiple components: Jr Analytical Grammar, Jr Analytical Grammar Mechanics, Analytical Grammar; High School Review and Reinforcement; and Beyond the Book Report. These first four grammar-focused products will eventually be phased out. The original Analytical Grammar targets Grades 6 and up. This course is designed to complete each of the three, ten-week "Seasons," one each in Grades 6, 7, and 8. Parts of speech, phrases/clauses and punctuation are covered in these "Seasons." Then, after a season is completed, a student will engage in consistent, bi-weekly review. Although the design suggests using this level over three years, there is a lot of flexibility, and it can be used in two years or even one year, if desired. The original Jr. Analytical Grammar, designed for Grades 4-5, is made of two courses to provide preparation in parts of speech (Grammar) and punctuation (Mechanics). These two Junior courses prepare the student for the middle school program but are not necessary. Whether you begin with the Junior courses will depend on your individual student's need. The High School Review assumes a solid foundation of grammar, and provides 18 reinforcement exercises (one every 2 weeks), with sentences to practice parsing, grammar analysis, and copy editing. This course dovetails nicely with literature studies. Beyond the Book Report is a companion program to Analytical Grammar that provides literature and writing (and is still in publication) and can also be used with the new edition of Analytical Grammar.

For students in as early as Grade 4, the New Edition of Analytical Grammar (published by Demme® Learning) combines the content of Junior Analytical Grammar and Mechanics, Analytical Grammar; and Review and Reinforcement into a streamlined, 5-level course (with separate Student Worktexts and Instructor Handbooks for each level). Each of the 5 levels is self-contained and leads systematically into the next, beginning first with Grammar Basics; then Mechanics; Parts of Speech, Phrases & Clauses; and finally, Punctuation and Usage. Each level utilizes an Instructor Handbook and a Student Worktext (purchase separately or as Universal Sets). The Instructor Handbook includes a suggested schedule, a Getting Started guide, expanded notes, and student inset pages with answers. The Student Worktext features expanded and revised lesson notes, updated exercises, assessments, and Application & Enrichment activities (in Levels 3-5) and assessments. Check the available placement test PDF to help place your student in this New Edition.

This introduction to English grammar parallels some of the units of instruction found in Analytical Grammar, but it utilizes a less complicated level of sentence construction (the reading level is about 2nd/3rd grade). The 11 units of Jr. Analytical Grammar cover the same topics as the first season (year) of Analytical Grammar, while the 15 units of the Mechanics course cover some of the same punctuation covered in the third season (year) of AG. It's assumed that Jr AG students have had the basics of sentence end punctuation and first word capitalization.

Units are covered in a week of lessons that include instructional information, three sets of exercises, and a test (no Skills Support at this level). As with Analytical Grammar, teacher-student interaction is expected, all work is completed "Open Notes", and correction is a teacher-student activity. Students are expected to both parse and diagram sentences.

The Teacher Book includes a brief overview of the program along with a suggested daily lesson plan, all instructional information, and exercise worksheets with completed answers. Answers are detailed, with diagramming included. The Teacher Book is necessary to the program, both to understand and implement the course as designed and for the extensive answer keys.

Jr. AG - like AG - is an open-and-go program. The Student Book includes all instructional information, exercise worksheets, and tests. The two DVD sets (each have 2 DVDs) provide video lesson instructions that can be used by the student or by the teacher and student together. ~ Janice