Language Arts Level 2
In LA 2 students delight in great works of children’s literature while learning essential grammatical concepts in the context of their reading and writing. Through imitative exercises and carefully structured formal writing assignments, students develop competency and confidence in crafting eloquent sentences, cohesive paragraphs and effective essays.
Topics include (in an integrated approach to grammar and writing): parsing, diagramming and classifying sentences; applying correct punctuation and capitalization rules; a variety of writing exercises integrated with literature selections, including basic exercises in classical rhetoric; formal narrative and expository writing assignments, emphasizing eloquent sentence and paragraph structures; identifying specific details from literature to support literary themes; copywork and dictation exercises that not only reinforce grammar, spelling and usage, but also provide exposure to commendable sentence structure and presentation; daily poetry reading that enables students to explore eloquent expressive forms and learn how to use the English language more effectively in their own writing.This course is appropriate for students in Grade 6, depending on previously acquired reading, grammar and writing skills.
Homework Habits: Students typically spend 2 hours a week on reading assignments, though this depends on the student’s reading speed. Weekly assignments also include memory work, writing a discussion board post and a grammar exercise due at the end of the week
Suggested Grade Level: 6, depending on previously acquired reading, grammar and writing skills. This course is not introductory. Students should have exposure to the eight parts of speech and be able to identify nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs as well as the subject and predicate of a sentence. A diligent older student with minimal grammar background may be successful.