Language Arts 5
Curriculum
In this language arts course, detailed writing instruction and a thorough grammar study deepens the fifth graders’ appreciation of the English language and hones their writing skills. Students are guided through each step of the writing process while they compose a variety of compositions including expository, descriptive, biographical, and narrative. Grammar concepts are presented in class and practiced at home using Susan Wise Bauer’s Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind which provides pupils with a traditional approach to the study of English grammar.
This course uses the books Spell to Write and Read and WISE Guide for Spelling by Wanda Sanseri. This multi-sensory approach teaches penmanship, the sounds of speech (phonograms), and spelling rules in a manner that stimulates logical thinking and equips students for spelling mastery and reading fluency.
Cursive penmanship, the most efficient form of handwriting, is taught and practiced with the goal of attaining fluent and legible writing at the speed a student needs to achieve for taking notes in class or composing their thoughts in coherent writing.
Home Studies
- Average students should plan to devote approximately 70 minutes three to four days per week, depending on their writing skills.
- Regular progress reports will be sent to parents.
Prerequisites
- Students must be ten years of age by September 1st to enroll in Language Arts 5.
Texts & Materials
Texts
Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind, Susan Wise Bauer
- ISBN 9781945841040
- One per student
- ISBN 9781945841064
- One per family
Spell to Write and Read, Wanda Sanseri
- ISBN 9781880045244
- one per family (optional but helpful)
- ISBN 9781880045213
- One per family
- ISBN 9781880045015
- One per family
- Regular size
- One per family
- One per student
Materials
- three-ring binder with loose leaf paper
- pens, pencils, red pencil, highlighters
- 15 sheet protectors (per student)
- eraser
