Susan at Homeschooling Hearts and Minds is hosting a Virtual Curriculum Fair for January. Each Monday a new theme will be introduced that concentrates on a field of study.
Jan 2 - Playing with Words: the Language Arts
Jan 9 - Discovering Patterns: Math, Logic, and Science
Jan 16 - Exploring Our World: Social Studies and more Science
Jan 23 - Seeking Beauty: the Arts
Jan 30 - The Nuts & Bolts: Pulling it all Together
Our Homeschool Reviews will be one of the many blogs participating {about 30 all together}!! Today I'll be talking about the Language Arts, which can include: phonics, reading, writing, grammar, spelling, speech, literature, and foreign language.
Language Arts covers a lot, so I thought I would list what we are using for third grade and talk about just one.
Grammar: Beginning Wisely, English 3
Spelling: Dictation / Spelling Lists / All About Spelling 3
Writing: Writing Strands 3 / EIW's SWI A
Reading: Lots of read alouds and independent books
Foreign Language: Latin for Children A
** Also using Explode the Code 5 and 6 for Grammar and Spelling
Ok, so that seems like a ton of work, but most are not done at the same time. For instance, we worked on Writing Strands 3 from Aug to Dec and will be starting Excellence in Writing's SWI A this week. :)
I also want to add that Funny Bunny is a natural speller and writer, so I have to challenge her in this area. This list will look different for every child.
Today I want to talk specifically about Spelling because I know many families struggle with it. Like I said before, Funny Bunny is a natural speller, so it has been a challenge to find a program to fit her needs.
I think dictation is the best way to introduce spelling. You can start with simple words and then move on to short sentences and then longer and more complex ones. With longer sentences, you child will start to work on punctuation as well. We have been using dictation along side of other programs for several years now.
This year I also introduced spelling lists. I found one online for third grade and we just worked through it for a few months. This was a great way for me to pinpoint the words Funny Bunny was having trouble with and just work on those.
Finally, we have used All About Spelling since 1st grade. It's a multi sensory approach, using sight, sound, and touch. We don't necessarily use it like it is scheduled, but I like that they introduce the spelling rules, the lessons are short, and that it is mastery based.
So that is our approach to the Language Arts!! Thanks for visiting!!
** All participants in this Virtual Curriculum Fair will be posted below as they link up!! **
Reading on Time by Cindy Horton @ Fenced in Family
Playing with Words: the Language Arts by Christa Darr @ Fairfield Corner Academy
Reading and Beyond: Language Arts in Our Homeschool by Laura @ Day by Day
Language Arts that Work for Us by Melissa @ Grace Christian School
Learning Language at Our House by Jessica @ Modest Mama
The Learning of Language by Dawn @ tractors & tire swings
Reading and Spelling: Modifying the Magic by Pam @ Everyday Snapshots
An In Depth Look at All About Spelling by Missouri Mama @ Ozark Ramblings
Virtual Curriculum Fair: Let's Talk About Words by Debra @ Footprints in the Butter
Why We Love Classical Conversations Essentials (and how I know that is not a complete sentence!) by Nicole @ Schooling in the Sun
Virtual Curriculum Fair---Playing with Words: the Language Arts by Angie @ Petra
Whole Language vs. Phonics by Christine @ Crunchy Country Catholic
It's All About the Art of Language by Brenda Emmett @ Garden of Learning
Watching Movies for Language Arts Class by Debbie @ Debbie's Digest
Only 5 Spelling Tests a Year! (Can we do that?) by LP @ justpitchingmytent
Playing with Words by Chrissy @ Learning is an Adventure
Language Art at Our House by Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory
Virtual Curriculum Fair Week One Playing with Words: the Language Arts by Leah Courtney @ The Courtney Six Homeschool Blog
5 comments:
Thanks for your advice on spelling. I think I make it a point do do more dictations.
I agree that dictation is great for spelling. Thank you for the great distillation of what you are doing in the spelling department with your dd.
And thank you for joining the Virtual Curriculum Fair. ;0)
I have been looking at IEW but it is so expensive. You will have to let me know if you like it or better yet if Funny Bunny likes it.
Thanks for linking up to NOBH
I will be writing about IEW as we continue it. So far Funny Bunny likes it, especially the DVD.
We do lots of read-alouds too. It's definitely the favorite part of our school day!
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