The Sentence Composing method by Don and Jenny
Killgallon is a highly effective, literature-based writing method that teaches
students to write with greater maturity, variety, and style. Using proven
techniques of imitation, students analyze and practice sentences from master
writers to dramatically improve their own composition skills.
This series develops sentence sense, grammatical
understanding, and compositional fluency by having students unpack, manipulate,
combine, imitate, and expand high-quality sentence models.
Key Curriculum Features:
Uses
real sentences from acclaimed authors as models (from Roald Dahl and
Katherine Paterson in elementary to Harper Lee, Orwell, and Angelou in
high school)
Progressive
techniques including matching, unscrambling, combining, imitating,
expanding, and multiplying sentences
Strong
integration of grammar taught in the context of real writing
Spiral
development of skills from elementary through high school
Focus
on sentence maturity as the foundation for strong paragraphs and essays
Program Levels & Series:
Getting
Started series: Introduces the Sentence Composing method used in the core
program at each of the Elementary, Middle School, and High School levels
Sentence
Composing series: Core program for Elementary, Middle School, and High
School
Additional
focused series:Grammar, Paragraphs, and Nonfiction at
all 3 school levels
Program Components:
Student
Worktexts: Non-consumable books with clear instruction, models, and
practice exercises
Answer
keys and reference sections included in most books
The Sentence Composing approach stands out for its
unique “imitation leads to originality” philosophy and its remarkable ability
to help students write richer, more varied, and more sophisticated sentences.
It is an excellent choice for homeschool families seeking a powerful, focused writing
and grammar program that produces confident, skilled writers.
Browse all Sentence Composing books and series 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.
