Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive sequence of lessons covering composition, vocabulary, grammar, usage, and mechanics including sentence analysis and diagramming. Structured lessons on spelling enable students to recognize base words and roots in related words. Students also get structured lessons on spelling. Lessons are designed to develop comprehension, build vocabulary, and help students become more independent readers.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Composition—Students practice writing as a process (from planning to proofreading), as they write a report, a book review, a persuasive essay, poetry, a news article, and more
• Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics—Students learn more about sentence structure, parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, and usage. They begin sentence analysis and diagramming
• Vocabulary—The Vocabulary Workshop program helps enrich students' vocabulary, develop word analysis skills, and prepare for standardized tests
• Spelling—Students understand sound-symbol relationships and spelling patterns, and recognize base words and roots in related words

LITERATURE

Students learn to identify and analyze literary elements such as character, plot, theme, and setting. The emphasis is on classic literature, including episodes from Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver's Travels, and Pollyanna; legends of King Arthur; and folktales from many lands. Students read works of nonfiction, as well as four novels (selected from a long list of such classics as The Cricket in Times Square, My Side of the Mountain, and Sarah, Plain and Tall). A test preparation program prepares students for standardized tests.