Elementary Language Arts Level I is designed to ensure that students have a solid knowledge base in grammar, writing, and reading comprehension. They will learn grammar concepts in a fun, interactive style designed to help them master parts of speech and sentence structure, classify sentences, and analyze words in order to gain an understanding of the order that makes up our language. Basic mechanics, such as capitalization and punctuation, will also be taught. They will learn to write proper sentences and paragraphs and then combine paragraphs to create story sequences, essays, and reports. Students will learn to use creative words to “dress up” their writing in order to make it more interesting. Students should expect 3 to 4 one-paragraph papers and 1 or 2 three to five-paragraph papers each quarter. Rubrics are used to evaluate papers, and good writing habits, such as outlining and revising, will be learned. We will also cover vocabulary. Lastly, we will read quality literature, about one novel a quarter, with poems and short stories mixed in. Students will begin to identify the setting, character, and plot sequence. Additionally, we will use creative projects, review games, movement, motivational, and other learning activities to enhance the work and make it enjoyable. To encourage a love of reading, a mobile library will be available for students to borrow books. They will keep a reading log each month, which can be turned in for extra credit. Students should have access to the internet and a word processing program. This class allows students the opportunity to attend three years in a row and not repeat books or assignments. The same basic category of skills is taught, but different literature and assignments are used each year. Students may join in at any time in the rotation and not feel behind.
The following textbooks, novels, and supplies are to be purchased by parents.
Under Class Details, see Class Attachment for a picture of the textbook.
Textbooks:
Shurley Grammar Student Book Level 4
ISBN 978-1-58561-186-7
Copy and paste this address to purchase: https://www.shurley.com/?583c10bfdbd326ba16ff9aae60e1d
IEW Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales Writing Lessons Student book 3rd Edition
ISBN: 978-1-62341-309-5
Shurley English Jingle Time: Levels 3-8 available as CD or digital
Novels:
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
Pie by Sarah Weeks
Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines (Trailblazers) by Nancy Drummond
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
Acting Out: Six One-Act Plays
Short stories and any additional poetry will be provided by the teacher.
Supplies:
3-ring binder (at least 1.5"-2")
Dividers
Loose-leaf paper
Pencils/pens
Pencil pouch
Erasers
Colored pencils
Highlighters
Post-It Notes
Successful completion of the KEYS Placement Evaluation ensures that students are placed at the best level to help them be successful in the coming year. Please contact the office to schedule an evaluation prior to class selection.
Parents are responsible for purchasing all textbooks and supplies before the first day of class.
KEYS will invoice supply fees at the time of registration and class selection. This fee covers materials, lab supplies, and other expenses incurred by the teacher. It is a one-time fee, transferable until August, but non-refundable.
Please note the grade level for this class. Students younger than the recommended grade levels need special permission before signing up for the class. Please contact the office for more information.
What happens if a class is full? You may email administration@keysofva.org to be waitlisted.
