Elementary English Syllabus
“I'm not strange, weird, off, nor crazy, my reality is just different from yours.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass
Welcome!
I believe that classic works and attention to time-proven writing techniques can form a foundation for creativity and expression. I hope your children find a cozy group here; my desire is that they feel free to read, write, discuss, and be themselves.
Our exploration of the English language and literature will include readings from a variety of genres (fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, and more) and focus on a nature/natural world theme. Shorter works can be considered in class; longer works will be assigned for homework and then discussed in class. Discussions will touch on beginning literacy analysis -- exploration of characters, plot summary and climax/denouement identification.
Reading selections are taken from respected anthologies for children such as Classics of Children's Literature by John W. Griffith and Charles H. Frey, and More Favorite Stories Old and New by Sidonie Gruenberg.
The writng portion of the curriculum is taken from The Student Writing Intensive - Level A from The Institute For Excellence in Writing. I expect to cover units I - III (outlining through fiction writing), or possibly more by the end of the semester.
I enjoy games, and find that students, especially at the younger ages, need them to absorb content. Our study of Greek and Latin roots, based on English From the Roots Up by Joegil Lundquist, will be done via index cards; please try to have your child review them once (or more) each day. Also assigned every (or nearly every) day, is the poetry memorization portion of the curriculum. Just ask your son or daughter to read it aloud -- even to the dog -- just once a day. It's amazing how much we can retain with a little practice! The poetry curriculum is based on IEW's Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa.
Lastly, each student will be given a "passport". Upon opening the folio, you will notice spaces for stamps; these record completed homework assignments and can be "cashed in" for prizes -- anything from necklaces to Jamba Juice cards.
If you feel your child could benefit from extra writing practice or longer reading assignments, let me know.
Thank you for the opportunity to share the exploration of my favorite subject with your children.