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7th Grade LA Plan (in progress) – Please help me to think through.
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Literature – This is covered. We have lots of great books in the pipeline. We will continue with written narration, but I need to make the written narrations more specific going forward.
Spelling – combination of prepared dictation and an OG program (either continue SWR or move to a workbook based one like Megawords or How to Spell)
Grammar – I’m flummoxed. I cannot decide between Analytical Grammar, Easy Grammar Plus, or Growing with Grammar. I like the preposition first approach of EGP, but LOATHE the layout. I like the concise nature of AG, but it may be diagramming overkill. I’m wondering if GWG Level 5or 6 might work.
Writing/Composition – Either Apologia’s Jump In! or Beyond the Book Report from Analytical Grammar. Both seem simlilar and concise. I own Jump In!, but if I use AG for grammar, the BtBR might be good. I like the concise nature and seasons. I will be teaching one or the other in a co-op class, too.
Vocabulary or Latin – I’m undecided if I want a full Latin program (leaning toward either Latin Alive or Latin in the Christian Trivium) or a Latin roots vocab. program. Either one needs to be self study.
So, help me think it through. Please.
Christie
I think it depends on your child’s goals for 7th grade. I just did a blog series on planning 7th grade about out process. So we’re choosing to focus on some areas more and let others go for the year. In Language Arts this works out to dropping a formal grammar program (we have done part of Analytical Grammar in 6th, it is heavy on diagramming but you only use it for a set number of weeks per year/season over 3 years). We will pick up with that in 8th, but for 7th Makayla wants to really focus on writing like a ‘real writer’. Producing copious amounts of writing and then using the revising and editing process for those things she wants to polish up. (We’ve been reading Brave Writer materials and like them!).
She did decide to do greek and latin roots this year just by learning 1 each week with the cards for English from the Roots Up. Keeping it simple but effective. And she will have some spelling/grammar/punctuation during her prepared dictation with Spelling Wisdom of course.
So if I were you I would decide is LA is the area you want a really heavy emphasis for 7th grade or if there is a different area. If it is LA then go with the more challenging/thorough items on your list. If it’s going to be a science or math focused year then choose lighter for LA. Not sure if that helps at all?
Christie – this is probably going to make things worse rather than better but I heard Dr. Stobaugh this weekend and plan on putting my daughter in his writing mentorship when she’s in 7th grade and using his LA program for 6, 7 and 8th. https://www.forsuchatimeasthis.com/language-arts-curriculum He GRADES essays for the ACT test and taught test prep for years, so when it comes to writing he knows what they’re looking for on the SATs – not that that’s the END all be all, but helpful for the college minded. Take a peak if you’re interested – I’m not sure I would have stumbled across him had I not been at this convention, ignore if you don’t want any additional confusion!
Rebekah
Thanks, rebekah. Something else to look at. 😉
Tristan, I look forward to reading your blog series. I always appreciate your insight.
Some Decisions…
I will be teaching a combination Grammar and Writing class to kids ages 9-14 (grades 4-8) altogether over the course of 1 school year. I have no idea how many kids will want to participate, but I know I will have at least 6 from 9-13. This class will be outside of our CM co-op class time as it’s a bit different than our typical offerings. I am actually excited about teaching grammar and written narration/composition skills!
Grammar – Jr. Analytical Grammar, Analytical Grammar (season 1), and Jr. Analytical Grammar: Mechanics
Writing – This will have 2 components, written narrations for beginniners and AG’s Beyond the Book Report
I am working on a long range plan that will carry us through from 7th-9th Lord willing with a beginning syllabus that I will share when complete.
I’m excited watching it all come together for you! Can’t wait to see what the Lord has planned for your added adventure.
Blessings,
Becca<><
This is rough draft, but if it’s helpful… Plans
I’m teaching JAG and AG simultaneously along with Written Narrations and Beyond the Book Report for kids aged 9-14. The younger ones won’t do the BBR portion, but only written narration.
Grammar and Writing Class
Grades 4 – 8 (ages 9-14)
- 27 weeks of instruction
- covering grammar, written narration, composition
- Using the AG dvds for instruction in grammar and composition.
- We will watch dvd, work practice problems in grammar/mechanics and students will have daily homework that must be self-checked or parent-checked.
- Parents responsible for grading and making sure kids do the work. We’re providing the teaching 1 day per week.
- Combo of grammar/writing class should last 1 hour or so, 1 day per week
- Full syllabus and schedule to follow. Working Syllabus/Schedule is at bottom. I’ve not planned out the writing portions just yet.
- No cost for the class, only the needed books. While AG is pricey, remember it is 3 years of instruction.
Grammar –
Analytical Grammar Season 1 (ages 11-14) – both student/teacher books are needed – $95 new
Reinforcements & Review Season 1 (ages 11-14) – just the RR book, it includes answers – $20 new
Jr. Analytical Grammar (ages 9-11) – both student/teacher books are needed – $40 new
Jr. Analytical Grammar: Mechanics (ages 9-14) – both student/teacher books are needed – $40 new
- Prices reflect student/teacher sets. Teacher books contain the answers and will help kids check their own work or you to check it. They are highly recommended. However, if you are confident to fly alone – have at it.
- Books need to be the latest edition.
- AG website has a 10% off coupon code – HHC – that makes the books the cheapest of anywhere I found.
Writing –
My Little Handbook of Written Narrations by Angela Wilson (all ages) – each student needs a copy – $7
Beyond the Book Report (ages 11-14) – only the teacher needs
We will learn about narration (oral and written) and how to transition to written narration, ways to evaluate and help your child improve narration. Using AG’s Beyond the Book Report, we will cover:
The Basic Book Report
– Concepts introduced:
Following a rubric
Conflict, Point of View, Climax, Protagonist,Antagonist
Paraphrase and summary
– Activity:
Watch video lecture on literary terms
– Final Product (100 pt total):
Reading Log
Plot summary
Paraphrase of favorite scene
Study questions or crossword
Literary Terms worksheetThe Pamphlet Book Report
– Concepts introduced:
Elements of the plot, mood and tone, setting, genre
– Activity:
Watch second video lecture on literary terms
– Final Product (100 pt total):
Reading log
Pamphlet about the book (60 pts)
Study questions or crosswordThe News Article Book Report
– Concepts introduced:
Headline, byline, dateline, inverted pyramid, lead
Objectivity, bias, objective point of view
– Activity:
Watch video lecture on news writing
Nursery rhyme news
Exercise in bias detection
– Final Product (100 pt total):
Reading log
News article on favorite scene
Opposite bias news article, same scene
Study questions/crosswordLong Term Plan (Lord willing, of course)
Year 1
- Analytical Grammar – Season 1 (Units 1-10) or Jr. Analytical Grammar
- Reinforcement and Review for Units 1-10
- Jr. Analytical Grammar: Mechanics
- Written Narrations
- Beyond the Book Report Season 1
Year 2
- Reinforcement and Review – Review Unit
- Analytical Grammar – Season 2 (Units 11-17)
- Reinforcement and Review for Units 11-17
- Written Narrations (con’t)
- Beyond the Book Report – Season 2
Year 3
- Analytical Grammar – Season 3 (Units 18-34)
- High School Grammar Reinforcement (choose 1 of 4 possibilities)
- Written Narrations (con’t)
- Beyond the Book Report – Season 3
Years 4-6
- High School Grammar Reinforcement (choose 1 of 4 possibilities)
- Continue to apply what we’ve learned re. all types of writing
I will plan to add AG Season 1 and Jr. AG back in when my next kids are ready.
Your plan looks great! As a devoted IEW fan and ci-op teacher, I have to say, the BBR course caught my eye! ;0)
Blessings,
Becca<><
TailorMade, I don’t know if you’ll see this, as it is a couple months old, but I was wondering if you could elaborate on the differences between IEW’s program and Beyond the Book Report program. I am trying to decide on a writing program, and not sure which way to go. We will be using AG this year for grammar.
Thank you!
I’ve never used BBR. I like the outline Christie has shared above.
I’ve used IEW’s Teaching Writing: Structure and Style suggestions while using their Theme Based Writing Lessons (TBWLs).
This year, we are studying Texas history, so I’m basing co-op assignments on TWSS suggestions. IEW doesn’t have a Texas history TBWL.
The TBWLs cover conflict, climax, plot, setting, mood (use of words that appeal to the emotions,) etc., but we’ve not touched on some of the more literary types of terms. Short stories, essays, research papers (mini,) writing from pictures, responses to quotes/other prompts, and comparison/contrast are the types of things we’ve covered at home and in co-op.
IEW has literature resources that discuss literary analysis. I’ve not used them.
The TBWLs are well laid out and easy to follow if you decide to not let a few differences in terminology becan issue. Adverbs are called “-ly words,” for instance.
Maybe someone else has compared the two programs and might offer more insight.
If you search the archives for Andrew Pudewa, you’ll find a pros/cons discussion for using IEW. It should offer some insight into whether it would be a fit, or not. short on time. At Dr’s office.
HTH,
Becca<><
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