Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum Round Up

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The Writing & Rhetoric series method employs fluent reading, careful listening, models for imitation, and progressive steps. It assumes that students learn best by reading excellent, whole-story examples of literature and by growing their skills through imitation. Each exercise is intended to impart a skill (or tool) that can be employed in all kinds of writing and speaking. The exercises are arranged from simple to more complex. What’s more, the exercises are cumulative, meaning that later exercises incorporate the skills acquired in preceding exercises. This series is a step-by-step apprenticeship in the art of writing and rhetoric.

Wow! I am a former public school teacher and searched long and hard for a high-quality writing curriculum that would inspire my son to be creative while also teaching him structure. I wanted something different than the dull formulaic programs I was accustomed to in the public system, but didn’t want to neglect the process by choosing something that focused solely on creativity. Since writing has been the subject he’s struggled with the most, I searched for a program that would spark his interest and not dampen the spirits. As I’ve shared with many friends, I’m impressed with CAP and it’s working well for my son. – Amy Chenault, homeschool mom

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Time4Writing.com offers 8-week online writing courses for elementary, middle and high school students. Each online course is led by a certified teacher who provides one-on-one instruction, personalized feedback and guidance along the way. Time4Writing offers basic, intermediate and advanced courses that teach topics such as grammar, sentence structure, paragraph writing, essay writing, sentence writing, writing for the SAT and research papers.

Each course includes fun, interactive lessons and writing assignments. Students can easily access the virtual campus with their own secure login from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. The writing process includes learning to think, asking good questions, building confidence, and getting your thoughts out. Students work on their schedule, at their own pace, throughout the length of the course. Once an assignment is submitted, students receive constructive feedback from their teacher within one business day. Parents are able to log in as well to monitor reports and purchase additional courses. In addition to teaching students the ins and outs of a particular area of writing, Time4Writing also teaches students how to think and express themselves clearly and confidently. Each course comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

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VocabularySpellingCity is an award-winning website and app offering vocabulary, spelling, phonics, and writing practice.

  • Immediate corrective feedback, for a powerful learning experience
  • Ongoing exposure to words your child is studying
  • Time-saving! Spelling and vocabulary tests are automatically graded
  • Use with any homeschool curriculum
  • Thirty-seven engaging games and activities
  • Try it for FREE!

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Every student deserves the chance to achieve the highest levels of academic excellence. Give your student that opportunity this summer with K-7 curriculum developed by Stanford University.

When you enroll in our combined K-7 Mathematics & 2-7 Language Arts courses, your child will experience:

  • Personalized, adaptive curriculum
  • Math curriculum using real-world problems in STEM careers
  • Enriching and rigorous language arts instruction

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For me, the hardest part of homeschooling is deciding what to use. There are so many great products! It can be quite overwhelming, but I have learned that the best program is the one you DO. The research really doesn’t matter if it isn’t something that you’ll successfully implement. Also, I’ve learned that there is no magic curriculum that instantly turns children into geniuses. Believe it or not, this was very freeing for me. I can use okay curricula and raise successful students. I still aim for the best, but most importantly, I aim for best for my family.

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I’m excited to share some amazing Language Arts resources for you to consider, with notes from some amazing homeschooling friends. It is frightening to think that this is truly a very small sampling of what is available. I polled a lot of homeschool moms, most of whom lean toward Classical and Charlotte Mason education, and these are the top favorites.

Keep in mind that most language arts programs will overlap areas. It is not strange to see spelling, grammar, and writing combined in one program successfully. Though several of these do overlap, I’ve attempted to sort them for you, according to area of expertise.

*The starred items are my personal favorites, which we’ve used with success. 

Spelling

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Summary

Spelling Wisdom is from Simply Charlotte Mason and it teaches 6000 most frequently used words through the writing of great men and women of history.

Grade Level – 3rd Grade-12th Grade

Price Point – $14.95 (eBook)

Learning Style – Charlotte Mason

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

The only book you will ever need to teach spelling. Lists for grades 1 through 8. Latin and Greek roots and word lists can be used to build vocabulary in higher grades as well. Word lists are organized by both sight and sound patterns for use with students having diffiulty with long-term retention. Includes phonic, spelling, and punctuation rules, as well as teaching tips.

Words containing similar patterns are grouped together and taught by the teacher. A friend shared: “This turned a child who couldn’t spell “it” (no, I’m not exaggerating) into a decent speller.”

Grade Level – 1st-8th Grade

Price Point – $30.00

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

Sequential Spelling is the spelling program where students learn to spell difficult words quickly without ever needing to study.   All of the patterns of the English language are covered in 7 school years with only 15 minutes per day.

This includes 7 levels of teaching, using 15 minutes per day for 7 years.

Grade Level – 2nd Grade-12th Grade

Price Point – $50.00 (Level 1 Bundle)

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

A multi-sensory approach that teaches students to analyze word formation rather than memorize spellings. There are training sessions and I’d recommend attending one to anyone new to the program.

Grade Level – 1st Grade-12th Grade

Price Point – $112.00 (Basic 1 Yr. Bundle)

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

Summary

In the younger grades, Spelling by Sound and Structure uses more phonetic emphasis. Advancing grade levels deal more with word structure. The lesson sections deal with different types of study: phonetics, meanings, affixes, and dictionary skills.

Perfect for the kids who need a formal program. This is a workbook approach with instructions given to the student. The teacher grades the work, but is not required for teaching lessons.

Grade Level – 2nd Grade-8th Grade

Price Point – $12.20 (Grade 2 Basic Bundle)

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

Spelling Power is an award-winning program that teaches solid back-to-basic spelling skills using research-proven approaches and 21st century technology. Your students will use systematic, simultaneous, multi-sensory steps to master the 5,000 most frequently used and misspelled words.

Spelling Power promises spelling mastery in 15 minutes per day.

Grade Level – 1st Grade-12th Grade

Price Point – $56+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

Based on a phonetic model, cross-curricular reading passages, high-interest writing activities, flexible lessons, and motivating activities, help Spelling Workout students move from simple sound-letter relationships to more complex spelling patterns.

This is also a workbook approach with instructions given to the student. The teacher’s guide gives scheduling options and reinforcement activities.

Grade Level – 1st Grade-8th Grade

Price Point – $17.99+ (Grade 1 Bundle)

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

Many children have become confident, successful spellers using the methods taught by Spelling You See. The design of the program allows students to develop spelling skills naturally, at their own pace, with the direction and encouragement of the instructor.

This is teacher intensive, relying heavily on dictation and copywork.

Grade Level – K-8th Grade

Price Point – $34+ (K Bundle)

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

All About Spelling is a seven level program. It teaches encoding skills, reliable spelling rules, and multisensory strategies to help your student become a proficient speller for life. Based on the latest research, this award-winning program provides complete and comprehensive instruction using the Orton-Gillingham approach. We take the struggle out of spelling!

This gives a fabulous understanding of spelling rules in an orderly way that doesn’t overwhelm or confuse students. It utilizes different learning styles to cement the rules into students’ brains.

Grade Level – 1st-12th Grade

Price Point – $34+ (K Bundle)

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

We track what you know and make it easy to learn words “by heart.” Our multimedia resources bring words to life! Progress hassle-free with smart adaptive coaching.

This one is just an online game for vocabulary and spelling reinforcement online.

Grade Level – K-12th Grade

Price Point – FREE (They do have a paid premium version with special features too)

 

to work on those skills – this one isn’t a program, but a technique. I highly recommend it!

Most spelling programs require a lot of teacher involvement. All of these, other than Rod & Staff and Spelling Workout, are primarily teacher-led.

Writing

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Summary

A full language arts program includes writing, reading, and speaking. Our Writing Strands books; including Writing Strands 1 through Writing Strands 7, Creating Fiction, and Writing Exposition; cover the writing component. Our book on analyzing literature, Reading Strands, and our book on oral communication, Communications and Interpersonal Relationships, cover the other two components. The combination of these books provides a full language arts program.

Levels 1 and 2 are written to the teacher, but the rest of the books are written directly to the student.

Grade Level – Pre-K-12th Grade

Price Point – $15+ (Level 1)

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

For students in the middle grades and above, Writing With Skill provides essential training in organization, composition structure, and research methods.

Written directly to the student, this series encourages the student to take the initiative in developing basic writing skills. It gives straightforward, detailed explanations of how to construct and organize compositions and provides careful, clear analysis of models from great writers.

The text teaches students how to write about topics in history, science, literature and poetry. All source material for assignments is provided–no other books are needed.

Teacher-led program uses imitation and analysis of great writers with composition exercises. The teacher’s guide provides a scripted dialogue and suggestions for evaluating students’ work.

Grade Level – 5th-10th Grade

Price Point – $20+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

Cover Story takes middle school students on a guided tour through the universe of Story. Through the process of creating the content for their own magazine in a single school year, students are led, step by step, on a fun, thought-provoking journey of exploration and creation. They write poems, short stories, non-fiction articles, letters, and many other short pieces. They also learn to journal every day by following the creative structure of The Remarkable Journal of Professor Gunther Von Steuben. Along the way, they study not just a story’s form, but its execution.

This requires zero prep-work and is taught with a DVD. It’s a bit unorthodox, but helpful for adding in some fun for your reluctant writer.

Grade Level – 6th-8th Grade

Price Point – $50+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy and Misty shares why she believes this is the best middle school writing program here!

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Summary

 The One Year Adventure Novel writing curriculum guides students (grades 8–12) step by step through the process of writing a compelling, fully structured novel in one school year. DVD-based and self-directed, it is ideal for home school students but also works in co-ops and schools.

DVD-based and self-directed, this program focuses on fiction and creative writing.

Grade Level – 8th-12th Grade

Price Point – $50+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

The Writing & Rhetoric series is a classical and creative school or homeschool writing curriculum for the modern student. It is comprised of twelve books, each one designed as a one-semester course. Using two books per year, the series will fully train and equip students in writing over a period of six years.

Grade Level – 3rd-6th Grade

Price Point – $37.95+

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Summary 

In order to succeed in every area of life, children must hone the skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively. Through the process of learning to write well, students learn how to think clearly and to express themselves eloquently and persuasively. Our goal is to equip you to assist your child in this process.

Very teacher intensive, but worth the effort. This is an incredible program.

Grade Level – K-12th Grade

Price Point – $20+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

Grammar

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Summary 

Editor in Chief® books teach grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and critical reading in a standards-based thinking approach rather than drill and practice.  After a concise lesson that explains and illustrates the mechanics of writing, students carefully analyze and edit stories, letters, and articles that  that contain mechanical errors.  This effective method allows students to gain mastery over concepts that will translate into their own writing.

Available as a book or as software for immediate feedback.

Grade Level – 2nd-12th Grade

Price Point – $13+

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Summary

The Language Mechanic is a comprehensive program that uses fun examples and logical reasons to eliminate the confusion students often feel while learning the mechanics of language.

This curriculum is written to the student.

Grade Level – 4th-7th Grade

Price Point – $24.99

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

A language study done in three parts with composition woven throughout, this text begins with words, moves to simple sentences and later to complex sentences, easing the child into grammar along the way. The eight parts of speech are studied as well as punctuation.

This is a revised version of the 19th century grammar.

Grade Level – 4th-8th Grade

Price Point – $10.99+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

The purpose of The Winston Grammar Program is to help students understand the structure of language and comprehend the principles of traditional grammar. The Winston Program uses innovative means to achieve conventional ends. It does away with the traditional grammar textbook, lecture approach, and heavy emphasis on memorization.

This is a grammar-only program, without any extras. It focuses on basic grammar skills without distraction and is good for helping a middle-school student retain the facts.

Grade Level – 5th-9th Grade

Price Point – $41.00+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

Summary

A good understanding of language is basic to the study of any subject and for communicating with others. The Building Christian Englishseries is designed to develop such an understanding of English. This series teaches traditional grammar and mechanics (capitalization and punctuation), and it takes a conservative approach in matters of usage. The lessons carry a Biblical tone and promote Christian virtues. Exercise sentences deal with a broad range of topics—Bible stories and concepts, Christian living, family life, and historical and scientific facts.

This textbook program is flexible. The learning material is written directly to the student, but the teacher’s guide does include further instruction. It is a very thorough program. For the most part, students can read the assignment themselves or read along while the teacher reads to them. An “Oral Drill” section allows the students to demonstrate how well they understand the lesson and a “Written Exercises” section is then assigned. Personally, I begin with level 3 and stretch it over 2 years, skip to level 5 and stretch it for 2 years, and then skip to level 7 for the same process. This has allowed us to casually fit grammar in without taking much time.

Grade Level – 2nd-10th Grade

Price Point – $34.30+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

English Lessons Through Literature is a unique program which combines the gentleness of Charlotte Mason’s methods with the thoroughness of classical methods. Level 1 is intended for first or second grade. Each level of this program has three lessons per week for thirty-six weeks, for a total of 108 lessons per year. Each lesson includes copywork, a literature selection to be read aloud, a poem, and an Aesop’s fable. Copywork selections are from the literature, the Bible, poems, and maxims. Each week includes a narration or a picture study.

This 5-volume program is teacher-led, with a beautiful Charlotte Mason and Classical blend.

Grade Level – 1st-8th Grade

Price Point – $25+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

The Mother Tongue actually teaches grammar, and does so in a way that will improve the student’s ability to read and write. Is it difficult? Absolutely, but once the course is successfully completed the mystery of language will be solved and students will find learning as a whole to be much less difficult, whether they’re studying astronomy or French history.

This one is challenging, but can be done independently.

Grade Level – 6th-10th Grade

Price Point – $16+

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Summary

Grammar with a purpose is the overriding philosophy of this program as it seeks to demonstrate the connection of grammar instruction to reading and writing. The lessons are interesting, even appealing. After an explanation of the topic, samples are presented from great literature, so the student can see the technique or rule as used by successful authors such as Agatha Christie, J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jane Austen, Jack London and many more.

This curriculum is written directly to the student.

Grade Level – 7th-12th Grade

Price Point – $5.95+

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Summary

Sentence Composing is an approach to teaching improved sentence structure by using respected professional writers as mentors whose sentences become models for students. Using those models as a starting point, the approach uses four sentence manipulating activities–unscrambling, imitating, combining, and expanding–to provide practice in learning from the mentor how to write similar sentences.

This one is teacher intensive and helps students apply their skills to writing good sentences.

Grade Level – 1st-College

Price Point – $15.50+

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Summary

These exciting and demanding books are phenomenally successful both as stand-alones, and as part of a longer term, progressive English Language Arts curriculum.

 

 

This is a great time for teacher and student to sit down and discuss lessons together.

Grade Level – 2nd-6th

Price Point – $25.00+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

These four books are short. Each contains 19 daily lessons. Since each lesson contains so much material, doing these four books once a year during your high school years would be a really good idea.

It is written directly to the student. It is quirky and simple, but effective in helping students understand the “why” behind grammar rules and to retain that information.

Grade Level – 2nd-6th

Price Point – $19.00 (Each or $72.50 for the 4 book set)

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Summary

Learning Language Arts Through Literature is a fully integrated language arts program that teaches grammar, reading, spelling, vocabulary, writing mechanics, creative writing, thinking skills and more.

These books require teacher interaction and incorporate literary analysis, grammar, and writing all together. Excellent stuff!

Grade Level – 1st-12th

Price Point – $20.00+

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

Logic of English® creates easy-to-teach reading instruction for students of all ages, ability levels, and learning styles. Our materials use engaging, multi-sensory methods to teach phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, spelling, handwriting, and reading comprehension.

This program incorporates reading, spelling, and grammar. Lessons are scripted for the instructor.

Grade Level – 1st-Adult

Price Point – $30.00+ (Digital Curriculum)

Full ReviewCathy Duffy

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Summary

First Language Lessons is a scripted grammar program. That means we tell you everything you need to say to the student.

These volumes are scripted for the teacher. Lessons are given, exercises put lessons into practice, and review is built in regularly to help students retain information.

Grade Level – K-5th

Price Point – $11.95+ (Digital Curriculum)

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This online/app program is great for grammar practice.

Grade Level – 2nd-10th

Price Point – FREE (Limited Use Version) $9.95 (month) or $79 (year) for paid premium version.

 

If you’re like me, and even if you already loved your language arts programs, you now want to question everything you thought you knew and buy more! more! more! great books. So, how about you? What products would you add to this list?

*Please note that the pricing was current at the time this post was written. Always check pricing before checking out.*

You can find the rest of the homeschool curriculum round up series here

Year Round Homeschooling Curriculum Round Up Series

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