Category: Language Arts

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Education, Grammar, Homeschool, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School Math

An In-Depth Look at Lightning Literature’s New Storm Level for Grades 6–8

Little Learner and Mom

As a long-time homeschool mom and devoted user of Lightning Literature, I was excited to try their new Storm Level designed for grades 6–8 with my middle schooler. Having used Lightning Lit since my son was in 2nd grade and even using the 1st grade level to tutor a younger student. I was hopeful this new level would meet our needs, and it truly delivered.

A Trusted Curriculum, Elevated for Middle School

One of the standout features of the Storm Level is how it elevates the curriculum while keeping the familiar structure we’ve come to love. It’s still rooted in high-quality literature, thoughtful grammar instruction, and meaningful writing prompts—but with added depth and flexibility that’s perfect for middle schoolers transitioning to more independent work.

Multi-Level Grammar Instruction: A Game-Changer

What impressed me most was that Storm Level covers three levels of grammar instruction not just one. This multi-level approach is a huge benefit, especially for middle school students who may need reinforcement in foundational grammar while also being challenged with more complex concepts. It’s excellent for review, while also introducing new material and gradually increasing rigor.

This layering of grammar provides natural scaffolding and allows parents to tailor lessons based on their child’s comfort level. Whether your student needs extra practice or is ready to accelerate, this flexibility makes the curriculum highly adaptable.

Diverse & Inclusive Book Selections

The literature selections in Storm Level are diverse, inclusive, and thoughtfully chosen. This is something I value deeply as a homeschool mom raising a culturally aware child. The books include different perspectives, backgrounds, and voices, which made for rich discussions and connections. Lightning Lit has always done a great job of making literature engaging, but this level truly shines in its inclusiveness.

The New In-House Reader: A Wonderful Addition

Another thoughtful update is the enclosed reader. This addition makes life easier for homeschool parents because everything is in one place. It also helps students stay organized and focused, especially those who benefit from having all their materials together. My son found it easy to navigate, and the high-quality printing and layout made it enjoyable to read.

A Secular Curriculum That Plays Well with Others

Lightning Literature remains a secular curriculum, which continues to be a draw for our family. It easily pairs with other programs especially helpful for eclectic homeschoolers like us. Since we are currently using a different writing curriculum, we didn’t complete all the writing assignments in Storm Level. However, I loved that my son could choose which writing lessons to do based on his interest and what fit his week. That freedom kept him engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Weekly Checklists & Student-Friendly Design

The weekly checklist included for students is one of my favorite features. It promotes independence and time management, helping students track reading, assignments, and grammar practice. My son enjoyed checking off his tasks—it gave him a sense of accomplishment.

I also appreciated the inclusion of color and illustrations in this level. It breaks up the text, makes the pages more inviting, and adds visual interest. Middle schoolers benefit from a layout that’s clean but not dull, and Lightning Lit hit the sweet spot.

Who This Curriculum Is Ideal For

Lightning Literature’s Storm Level is ideal for:

  • Homeschool families who value high-quality literature
  • Students who need a review of grammar with increasing rigor
  • Families who enjoy secular, flexible curriculum options
  • Kids who learn well through a mix of reading, discussion, and creative writing
  • Eclectic homeschoolers who may use multiple programs and want a curriculum that integrates smoothly

Why We Love Lightning Literature (and Always Will)

Lightning Literature has been a foundational part of our homeschool journey for years, and the Storm Level reinforces why. It’s thoughtful, well-structured, flexible, and encourages a deep love of reading and language. We plan to continue using Lightning Literature alongside our other programs because it offers such a strong base in language arts without becoming rigid or overwhelming.

Unique Features That Set Storm Level Apart

  • Covers 3 grammar levels to support a range of learners
  • Offers diverse and inclusive book choices
  • Includes a colorful reader and well-designed workbook
  • Provides student checklists for weekly planning
  • Encourages student choice in writing assignments
  • Works as a standalone or supplemental curriculum
  • Fully secular and literature-rich

In short, Storm Level is a strong and welcome evolution of the Lightning Literature series one that honors what’s always worked while thoughtfully stepping up the challenge for middle school learners. We love it and highly recommend it to other families looking for a comprehensive, flexible, and engaging language arts program.

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Education, Grammar, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School, Writing

Illuminating the Path to Literary Appreciation: A Homeschooler’s Review of Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum

Little Learner and Mom

We received Lightening Literature Grade 6 for our honest review and this post may contain affiliate links.

Embarking on the literary journey with a sixth-grade homeschooler can be both exciting and daunting. As a homeschooling parent dedicated to nurturing a love for literature and critical thinking in my child, I’ve had the pleasure of incorporating Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum into our homeschooling curriculum. Here, I share my perspective on this enriching resource. Let me first point out we use Lightning Literature in addition to our spine curriculum and we have used this curriculum since my son was in second grade.

Engaging Content Selection

One of the standout features of Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum is its engaging content selection. The curriculum introduces students to a diverse range of literary works, including classic novels, short stories, poetry, and drama. This rich variety not only exposes students to different genres and writing styles but also fosters a deeper appreciation for literature across cultures and time periods.

Comprehensive Study Guides

The curriculum provides comprehensive study guides for each literary work, offering a structured framework for exploration and analysis. The study guides include insightful discussion questions, vocabulary exercises, and critical thinking prompts that encourage students to delve deeper into the text. This scaffolding ensures that students develop essential literary analysis skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the material.

Integration of Language Arts Skills

Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum seamlessly integrates language arts skills into its literary study. From grammar and vocabulary to writing assignments and oral presentations, the curriculum offers opportunities for students to practice and apply language arts skills in the context of literature. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the relevance of language arts instruction and reinforces connections between reading, writing, and critical thinking.

Promotion of Critical Thinking

The curriculum prioritizes the development of critical thinking skills through its thought-provoking discussion questions and analytical activities. Students are encouraged to analyze characters, themes, and literary devices, fostering a deeper understanding of the underlying messages and complexities of the text. This emphasis on critical thinking cultivates students’ ability to think independently and engage critically with the world around them.

Flexible Implementation

As a homeschooling parent, I appreciate the flexibility offered by Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum. The curriculum can be adapted to suit our homeschooling schedule and pace, allowing for personalized instruction based on my child’s individual needs and interests. Whether used as a standalone literature program or integrated into a broader language arts curriculum, the flexibility of the curriculum makes it a versatile and adaptable resource.

Cultivation of Love for Literature

Above all, Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum nurtures a love for literature and lifelong learning in my child. By exposing students to quality literature and guiding them through meaningful discussions and activities, the curriculum fosters a genuine appreciation for the power of storytelling and the beauty of language. This love for literature transcends the classroom and enriches students’ lives beyond the confines of academic study.

In conclusion, Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum is a valuable resource for homeschooling families seeking to cultivate a love for literature and critical thinking in their sixth-grade students. With its engaging content selection, comprehensive study guides, integration of language arts skills, promotion of critical thinking, flexible implementation, and cultivation of love for literature, the curriculum offers a rich and rewarding literary experience that inspires students to become lifelong readers and thoughtful contributors to society.

4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Education, Family, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School

Hearth & Story Language Arts Curriculum: Nurturing a Love for Language

Little Learner and Mom

We received Hearth & Story curriculum for our honest review!

As a homeschooling parent, discovering a language arts curriculum that fosters a love for literature, writing, and effective communication is crucial. Hearth & Story has emerged as a valuable resource for homeschooling journey, offering a well-rounded and engaging secular language arts program. If you are familiar with Pandia Press History Quest is authored by Lindsey Sodano the creator of this new language arts curriculum.

The Program

One of the standout features of the Hearth & Story curriculum is its emphasis on literature. The carefully selected reading materials expose my child to a rich variety of genres and authors, fostering a love for literature. The integration of classic and contemporary works ensures a balanced and comprehensive reading experience.

The writing component of the curriculum is equally impressive. The program provides clear and structured writing lessons that progressively build on foundational skills. The inclusion of creative writing prompts and projects has sparked my child’s imagination, making the writing process both enjoyable and educational.

The flexibility of Hearth & Story can be a significant benefit for an homeschooling schedule. The well-organized lesson plans and resources allow for easy adaptation to our pace and learning style. The inclusion of assessments and progress tracking tools has been helpful in monitoring my child’s development and identifying areas that may need additional focus.

The incorporation of grammar and language mechanics is seamless. Rather than being presented as isolated exercises, these elements are integrated into the broader context of reading and writing. This approach not only reinforces grammatical concepts but also demonstrates their practical application.

Final Thoughts

From a parent’s perspective, the support materials provided by Hearth & Story are comprehensive. The instructor’s guide, supplementary resources, and online support contribute to a smooth teaching experience, even for parents who may not have a background in education.

One aspect that particularly stood out to us was the “brain food” section, which quickly became our favorite. It’s amazing how it effortlessly stimulates young minds while providing valuable insights. Moreover, the curriculum’s design encourages independence in learning, allowing children to navigate through the materials with minimal assistance. As a parent, this feature not only promotes self-reliance but also instills confidence in my children’s academic journey.

It has been a delightful experience. This curriculum truly caters to the holistic development of a child, addressing various learning styles and fostering critical thinking skills along the way.

Regarding grade level suitability, I found this curriculum to be well-suited for advanced 4th graders, while still offering a challenge for those in 5th and even 6th grade. It’s a versatile resource that adapts to the varying needs and capabilities of students.

The graphics within the curriculum are not only visually appealing but also possess a calming effect, creating an environment conducive to learning. The beautifully illustrated content brought back fond memories of another curriculum we had previously used when my son was younger. He particularly enjoyed revisiting similar styles, using it almost as a nostalgic review session. The cost is of the complete curriculum is inexpensive and you have options to purchase individual areas of interest.

I was pleased to discover the literature sections, which included titles like “The Giver,” a book typically reserved for older grades. This demonstrates the curriculum’s commitment to offering enriching and thought-provoking material, catering to a wide range of reading levels and interests.

Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate exploring the upcoming 6th-grade language arts component. The flexibility of this curriculum is another commendable aspect; it leaves room for additional supplements, allowing for customization based on individual needs and preferences.

Overall, our experience with this curriculum has been nothing short of excellent. It’s a well-rounded educational tool that not only educates but also inspires young learners to explore and grow. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent or educator seeking a comprehensive and engaging learning resource for their children.

In conclusion, Hearth & Story Language Arts Curriculum has the potential to be a cornerstone of homeschoolers language arts instruction. Its focus on literature, comprehensive writing lessons, seamless integration of grammar, and flexibility make it a standout choice for homeschooling families seeking a well-rounded language arts program. I highly recommend Hearth & Story to parents looking to cultivate a love for language and literature in their children.

6th Grade, 7th Grade, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Family, Grammar, Homeschool, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School, Middle School Math

Nurturing Independent Thinkers: Oak Meadow 7th Grade Curriculum Review!

Little Learner and Mom

As a homeschooling parent navigating the educational landscape, finding a curriculum that fosters both academic growth and independent thinking is paramount. Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum has been a cornerstone in our homeschooling journey, providing a holistic and engaging approach to education for our child. If some of you may remember we used Oak Meadow’s 5th and 6th grade last year. We did a hybrid homeschool year and we are doing the same thing this year. The bulk of his spine is Oak Meadow’s 7th grade and he is wrapping up the last of the Oak Meadow’s 6th grade math and will move into the 7th grade math book in March. With that little disclaimer lets jump into Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum wonderfulness.

Overview

Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum encompasses a diverse range of subjects, from core academics to creative arts. This holistic approach aligns seamlessly with the developmental needs of a 7th-grade student, offering a well-rounded education that goes beyond traditional textbooks. One of the standout strengths of Oak Meadow is its emphasis on fostering independent thinking and a love for learning. The curriculum encourages students to explore topics independently, promoting critical thinking and a sense of curiosity. The integration of hands-on activities and projects not only reinforces academic concepts but also makes learning enjoyable.

Navigating through the curriculum is straightforward, thanks to Oak Meadow’s clear and well-organized structure. The weekly lesson plans, detailed guides, and the flexibility to adapt the pace to our child’s learning style have made it easy to seamlessly integrate lessons into our homeschooling routine. This adaptability has been a boon for tailoring the curriculum to our child’s unique needs.

Real World Connections

Oak Meadow excels in connecting academic content to real-world scenarios. The curriculum often integrates practical applications, allowing our child to see the relevance of what they are learning. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also cultivates a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Homeschooling parents will appreciate the robust teacher support provided by Oak Meadow. The curriculum includes comprehensive teacher manuals, answer keys, and additional resources that simplify the planning process. This support has been invaluable, especially for parents who may not have a background in education.

Oak Meadow’s approach to student engagement goes beyond traditional methods. The inclusion of interactive projects, outdoor activities, and a variety of learning resources keeps our child excited about learning. The curriculum promotes a love for exploration and creativity, making each lesson an enriching experience.

Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum has proven to be a valuable asset in our homeschooling journey. Its focus on independent thinking, clear structure, real-world connections, and ample teacher support make it a well-rounded choice for parents seeking a holistic and engaging education for their 7th-grade students. Oak Meadow has not only facilitated academic growth but has also nurtured a love for learning that extends beyond the homeschooling environment.

While Oak Meadow has been a positive experience overall, it’s important to note that the level of parental involvement may vary depending on the child’s learning style. Some children may require more guidance, especially with the independent nature of certain assignments.

In conclusion, we love Oak Meadow as a company and as our homeschool curriculum. We are here for the long haul and my son couldn’t be happier he looks forward to that brown box every year. 

Until The Next,

Mom and J

5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, Language Arts, Literature Base

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary Product Received from Hewitt Learning!

We have been long-time users of Hewitt Learning Lightning Literature & Composition curricula. My son has completed grades 2nd-4th grade, I have also taught the 1st grade online. Each year our family has loved the curricula! Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide & Student Workbook is no different than the previous years and brings that same familiarity my son has grown to love.

Who is Hewitt Learning?

If you aren’t familiar with Hewitt Learning the company has always been at the forefront of supporting homeschool education since the early 1960. The company has since created award-winning literature-based curriculums for grades 1st-12 grade. They also have administered over 350,000 P.A.S.S tests to homeschool students for standardized testing. Along with the curriculum and standardized testing, they have ventured into the arena of STEM with their Innovators Challenge program. Hewitt Learning is currently developing an online component coming soon. This Fall their highly anticipated release of Kids Chemical Solutions is coming in the next few weeks.

About Lightening Literature & Composition Grade 5

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide & Student Workbook has kept that same standard of rigor. The curriculum is not religious. A complete set includes the Teachers Guide and Student Workbook. Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 is the last of 2 left in the elementary series until middle school. You have the option of purchasing the physical books or pdf. Their is a literature pack bundle if you would like to get the readers.

I love the design of the student book, the illustration are colorful and not overwhelming. There are 36 weeks of lessons which include grammar/mechanics and reading comprehension. Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 students will read nine novels. Students will also work on poetry which is included in the student text. The included poetry is new for us this year. In grade 4 we used a poetry book that my son LOVES and had me buy the sequel to the book.

The literature selections for this year’s curriculum are phenomenal. Every book selected for this year was on my to-be-read list. You can purchase the literature pack from the company or check them out from your local library. I was equally impressed by the inclusivity and diversity of the book selection. The very first-week students are The Mighty Miss Malone.

Gary, New York City, and the Deep South; they’ll journey to Canada, Europe, and Pakistan; they’ll travel from a hundred years in the past to some unknown time in the future; and they’ll explore a fantasy world peopled with strange characters.

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5

I love the student checklist that breaks down the chapters the students are responsible for reading for the week. The checklist also includes the grammar/mechanics as well as the composition assignment for the week. Each week has four days of written work including reading comprehension questions. The fifth day is reserved for finishing the final draft of the composition or extension lessons. Students are expected to work on their compositions throughout the week.

Students will also review sentences diagramming. My son loves to diagram sentences I am not a huge fan, but I do understand the reason behind learning the skill.

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 doesn’t include spelling, reading, and handwriting. These other disciplines can easily be supplemented and blended into the curriculum.

About the Teacher’s Guide

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide is comprehensive. The how-to-use sections provide parents with information on how to teach the lessons. I really like how the guide tells you to tailor the course to your needs. The teacher guide also includes a week at a glance for the lesson along with the answers to the student text. There are also extra resources available on the the companies website.

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide includes detailed help for guiding your student through writing their composition for the week. Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide is must have when working with your student, please don’t skip purchasing this guide.

How We Use

Okay, this isn’t our first time working with this curriculum, so I consider ourselves pros now. We have used both pdf and hard copies of Lightening Literature & Composition curriculums. I like both versions, but for this review, we are using the Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 hard copies. My son is a grammar monster he loves grammar. This year we have a spine English curriculum, but Lightening Literature & Composition Grade 5 is also being used alongside his spine as his independent work.

This year we are excited to use Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 and have already started listening to and reading week one novel. We use the novels from Lightening Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide & Student Workbook novels as our read-aloud. My son works on the lesson on his own and he does the compositions as part of his writing time on Fridays.

Parent Involvement and Preparation.

With any curriculum there is some level of parent involvement. With the upper elementary levels 4-5 grade students are on the independent track. I personally preview the lesson each week on Sunday and evaluate if this something my son can do on his own or do I need to review with him. I also enjoy reading/listening along to the literature so we use them as our read a-louds and do the reading comprehension questions together. If you purchase the hard copies you don’t need to prep the lessons you can tear them out the book and put in a binder or keep them in book. My son prefers I tear them out each week. If you feel you need to prep external resources for the lesson that is clearly up to you. The pdf version does need some preparation. The curriculum is low prep and requires parent involvement based upon your students capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 is a great curriculum it can be used as a stand-alone or combined with another spine. The lessons are short and in-depth. Students have plenty of practice over the week of the grammar and mechanics. After every five lessons, students will get a review of the previous lessons. The poetry is spread throughout the book over the course of 36 weeks.

Is it on grade level? Absolutely, actually above grade level in my opinion. My son works well in Lightning Literature & Composition curriculums, the literature picks are great and keep his interest. If your student doesn’t have a strong grammar background I would consider looking over the sample pages of each of the grade levels before purchasing. I would also recommend that if your students aren’t familiar with the writing process you give them a quick review or use the composition as a way of teaching them about the mechanics of writing.

Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to:

  • instill a love of literature in students,
  • expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and
  • prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts.
Hewitt Learning

Hewitt Learning’s website provides excellent sample pages of the curriculums and great customer service. At the time of this review Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide & Student Workbook combo is on sale for $80.65 and the regular price is $84.90. If you would like to purchase the Lightning Lit — Gr-5 Pack w/Readers the cost is $154.33 on sale!

I highly recommend Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 we have used their curriculas for several years. One of the things I really enjoy about this curricula is their commitment to including divirsity in their booklist and illustrations. My son loves the books and academically they have been phenomenal. I think that curricula works well for those looking for a relaxed approach to grammar while being challenging. The upper grades provide checklist for students allowing them to be independant and a steward over thier learning. You can do the lessons as part of a morning basket and the learning schedule will fit into a loop homeschool schedule perfectly.

Until the Next Time,

Mom

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4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Curriculum, Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Language Arts, Literature Base, Unit Study

Progeny Press: Farmer Boy Study Guide Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

We have never read any of the Laura Ingall book series, I know how could we be a homeschool family and never read any of her books? It’s simple for us my son and I didn’t find the books relatable as an African -Latino family. When the crew was given an opportunity to review Progeny Press Farmer Boy Study Guide 4-6 grade, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to check out the series.

Farmer Boy is the second book in The Little House series, the story follows the adventures of 9-year-old Almanzo Wilder as he works on his family’s farm. As the book moves through the different seasons we learn about the chores of a farmer boy and Almanzo’s many adventures in farm life.

We have previously reviewed two other Progeny Press study guides and have found them to be comprehensive literature guides. We received the pdf and answer key, you will need to purchase the book or you can use the audio. Farmer Boy Study Guide follows the same flow as the previous guides providing the student with:

  • Instructor Notes
  • Book Synopsis
  • Author & Historical Background

Students start the study guide with activity ideas for pre-reading the book. These activities can include reports, giving an informative speech, map work, and much more. The goal is to get your student’s mindest prepared for the book as it whisks them away to the Wilder farm at the turn of the century.

As the student moves through the study guide the lessons are divided into chapters, some lessons covering more than one chapter. Students will work on vocabulary, literary terms, comprehension questions, projects, and writing. You will see Biblical scriptures reference in some of the activities, but it isn’t overwhelming and can be easily skipped over if that is your preference.

I really do like Progeny Press study guides and the Farmer Boy Study Guide was a welcoming introduction to one of the Little House book series. I like how we can easily use the activities that will work well for us and do some activities orally. The study guide can be done over a period of time or it can be used just as your literature lesson for a month. One of the other things I do like about these study guides is that each study guide works on character-building and moral lessons. Farmer Boy Study Guide is for grades 4-6, so your student can work independently.

There are a few more Progeny Press study guides I plan to pick up over the next few years. I really like how they have organized their guides and it’s not a bunch of busy work. The guides are affordable and are in black and white so they don’t eat up your ink. Be sure to check out the other Crew’s reviews of Progeny Press study guides by clicking the banner below.

Social Media Links

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Grammar, Homeschool, Language Arts

Institute for Excellence in Writing: Fix It! Grammar Level 4!

Little Learner and Mom

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew!

It is so great to be able to review the revised editions of Institute for Excellence in Writing Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan grades 6-8 and Fix-It Grammar Cards. If you missed my previous reviews of Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse and Level 3 Robin Hood be sure to check out those reviews here. So let’s jump into Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan.

Just like levels 2 and 3 Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan received a revision. Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan also include:

  • Scope and sequence
  • Table Contents
  • Proofreed Marks
  • Vocabulary Chart
  • Grammar fixes checklist
  • Writing space

What I really love with Fix-It Grammar curriculums is they continue to build off of each level. So if your student has done the previous levels they will easily transition into the next level. Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan don’t disappoint it follows the same setup as the previous levels. Even though my son is still working his way through Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse and will start Level 3 Robin Hood in the Fall, he was more than capable of completing the first few lessons in Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan, because it starts off in my opinion with a review and then it continues to build. With that being said my son has a solid foundation in grammar and is working his way through a rigorous spine grammar curriculum. I would recommend that you check out the scope of a sequence of Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan before selecting this level. I would also recommend that if your student has not worked in a Fix Grammar book you select the level below.

Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan builds on concepts taught in previous levels and presents a thorough explanation of additional punctuation rules, essential/nonessential clauses, complex sentence patterns, transitional prepositional openers, and more.

IEW

Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan follow the characters from Jungle Book. Okay, let me admit I had no idea who these characters were until my son told me. Once he told me I was like oh wow really I remember that movie. So the kids will read the sentences and then fix all the grammar, punctuation, and writing mechanics. Students also have daily vocabulary words to review, as well as rewrite the passage. Students complete one lesson per day which should take about 15 mins. The “Learn It” section which starts the week’s lesson off will review the concepts the student will be identifying over the course of the four-day lesson week. There are 30 weeks of lessons and I highly recommend you follow the daily schedule especially if you are using another language arts as your spine. In the back of the book, students will find the completed story and Fix-It Grammar, glossary, and more.

The Fix-It Grammar Cards are an excellent resource to use to help your student review the concepts and help them do the lessons. There are 30 durable colored cards that come complete with a digital list of games and activities. Be sure to check out the other Crew’s reviews by clicking the banner below.

Education, Grammar, Homeschool, Language Arts, Writing

Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW): Fix it Grammar Levels 2 and 3

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received!

When I was in school I didn’t love grammar, but since I have been homeschooling my son I have learned to love it. I am not the best at it but I am relearning along the way with him. We were sent Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse for grades 3-5th and Level 3 Robin Hood for grades 6-8th.

It was such a coincidence that I was getting ready to start my son on the older version of Level 2 Robin Hood when Institute for Excellence in Writing released the new books. I like the old books but I LOVE the new books. The redesign of the new books is super exciting. I love how the company added another book to the Fix-It Grammar lineup. The new Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse is a perfect bridge from Nose Tree.

We are very familiar with Institute for Excellence in Writing we have used Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level A Basic and the original Level 1 Nose Tree. I have really liked using both of the above mention products so I was really excited when I was asked to review the newly released Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse and Level 3 Robin Hood.

The new revised edition upgrades still feature the read it, mark it, fix it patterns which can be done in any order. The revised also includes:

  • Table of Contents
  • Proofreading chart
  • Scope and sequence charts
  • Weekly Vocabulary chart
  • List of Grammar Fixes
  • Indiviual daily pages
  • Writing space

My son has a strong grammar foundation and I was looking for a program that I could add as a complement to our current spine grammar curricula and Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse are perfect. Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse and Level 3 Robin Hood is 30 weeks of comprehensive incremental grammar lessons. There is a detailed scope and sequence on the Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse product detail page under the samples tab. Students will cover lessons that cover:

  • Parts of Speech
  • Captialization
  • Commas
  • Clauses
  • Homophones
  • Stylistic Techniques and much more.

The Level 3 Robin Hood also covers the same items of targeted grammar and mechanics. It reviews the concepts of the previous level while adding:

  • Additonal Comma Rules
  • Various phrasel/ Clause Concstructions
  • Quotations
  • Indefinite/ Demostrative/ Reflexive Pronouns
  • Much more

You can also find a sample of the scope and sequence of Level 3 Robin Hood on the product detail page under the samples tab. We haven’t started working in Level 3 Robin Hood as of yet because we started in Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse. We did however start working on the older version because that was originally the next level after the older version of Nose Tree. The company inserted the new Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse so now Level 3 Robin Hood is the 3rd book in the series. The insertion of a new level 2 is a great bridge between level 1 and level 3. I did feel like the old level 2 of Robin Hood was really heavy coming from Nose Tree.

I started my son in the Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse because we are working on a rigorous grammar curriculum and I wanted to use Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse as a way to lighten his load 3 days a week. We are currently on week 7 and he has really enjoyed working the lessons. At the beginning of each weekly lesson I sit down with him and go over the grammar instruction and for the rest of the week, he works on the lessons independently. Students only have to complete 4 days of lessons. So how do lessons go:

  1. Students learns or reviews grammar concept at the beginning of the week
  2. Check the bold vocabulary word (learn defination)
  3. Search for the grammar concepts in passage and correct puncuation
  4. Rewrite passage with corrections

The new design of the Fixt Grammar Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse and Level 3 Robin Hood is perfect because all of his work can be completed in the student book. Each day has its own page, unlike the old version where each sentence from the passage was to be completed on one page on a small line.

How We Do a Lessons

At the top of the lesson page, students have a list of what grammar concepts they need to search for and how they should identify them. I put little highlighted dots next to each one and I tell my son to check off each one he has found. The very top line of the rewrite area my son uses that for his vocabulary word definition. The Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse has primary lines for writing and Level 3 Robin Hood has regular lines with plenty of room for those students that like to write large.

Both of the levels include a downloadable vocabulary list that you can download and retrieve from your files on IEW. We also received the new Fix-It Grammar Cards I LOVE THESE!!!! You have no idea how much I love these cards we use them across our spine grammar curriculum. It is so hard to find grammar cards that are high quality and comprehensive. The great part is that the Fix-It Grammar Cards can use alongside all 6 levels of Fix-it Grammar books.

Looking to check out the other levels of Fix-It Grammar check out the other squad’s reviews by clicking the banner below and if you are curious out Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level A Basic review click this link here. Institute for Excellence in Writing Structure and Style for Students series is a great complement to Fix It Grammar levels. Be sure to be on the lookout for our upcoming review of Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan.

Until the next time,

Mom and J

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Critical Thinking and Logic, Curriculum, Education, Language Arts, Vocabulary, Writing

Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary Product Received!

This homeschool year has been difficult choosing a language curriculum. I decided to go with the curriculum we had last year, but that was an epic fail. After 3 months of trying to find a new language arts program before our 2nd semester started, I ran across Royal Fireworks Press language arts curricula Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town. The Melanated Gold Squad was offered the opportunity to review MCT Level 2 Complete Homeschool Package and I was selected to review it.

My son is newly turned 9 and he loves grammar, we noticed early on he was gifted in this area of his homeschool studies. Finding a grammar curriculum that was both rigorous and amusing has become arduous. This year alone we have set aside 3 curriculums and decided on multiple review books. Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town has been the curriculum we needed to feed his ferocious grammar inclinations.

Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town is for students ages 9-11 in grades 4-5. Grammar Town picks up where Grammar Island leaves off with the continued practice of the “4 grammar analysis of (1) parts of speech, (2) parts of the sentence, (3) phrases, and (4) clauses.” No worries if you haven’t done the previous level as long as your student has a strong understanding of grammar they will be alright with starting level 2, but I wouldn’t recommend jumping into level 3 without previously doing level 3. Even though the curriculum is presented for children who are gifted/dyslexic I have found that children who are able to read fluently and have strong reading comprehension will find this curriculum gratifying.

Level 2 : Grammar Town Layout

MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town is beautifully designed with simple distinctive vibrant illustrations. The curriculum covers 5 strands Grammar (Grammar Practice), Vocabulary, Writing, Poetics, and Literature. The complete homeschool package comes with a lesson guide, student books, and teacher’s manuals (this includes the readers) for each of the MCT sections. The program in my opinion is designed to be conversational. MCT is not like your typical language arts curriculums you will not find the typical question and answer busy work. The lessons are intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking. I found myself relearning and grasping a better understanding of grammar. My son instantly took to the Grammar Town book, he repeatedly would point out how he better understood grammar concepts.

There are 30 weekly lessons of MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town the lessons are designed to gradually include the other textbooks included in the MCT Level 2 Complete Homeschool Package. Students should work at their own pace and make sure they have a complete mastery of the Grammar Town book before moving on to the next book. There are assessment pages in the books, but you can also download the assessment pages from a link provided by Royal Fireworks Press inside the book. The assessment pages are there to make sure your student is mastering the materials before moving on to the next section in the book. These assessment pages are not the same as Practice Town.

The very first-week students are to read the Grammar Town book on their own. I was amazed to see how intrigued my son was by the illustrations and the story. Several times he came to me and asked questions and wanted to discuss the stories. On the days we didn’t do lessons he requested MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town over his other language arts books.

Today lesson was intellectually restorative….Learning about the complexity of sentence structure and how all the the words we use in sentences are reflective of the 8 parts of speech that make a sentence cohesive. Thinking about it from that point of view makes sense into why a sentence must a have a subject and verb.

J

Caesar’s English is the vocabulary section students will embark on a historical language journey. Students will learn Latin roots, history, and word origins. Again students are exposed to wonderful visual and practice pages. Students will also see a brief intro to Latin roots in Grammar Town on the first pages. Practice Town includes 100 sentences of practice for students on the skills learned in Grammar Town and writing. Paragraph Town is another fun-filled narrative about learning paragraph fundamentals and punctuation. The poetry book Building Poems is metaphoric it is written to teach students poetry terms as if they are constructing a building. MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town includes the literature books:

  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
  • Peter Pan
  • The Wind in the Willows

Each book is reproduced in its entirety and includes Michael’s “language illustrations”—close-ups of poetic techniques, four-level analyses of interesting grammar, and comments about writing strategies

Royal Fireworks Press

How We Used MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town

For the first 3 weeks, we used the curriculum as the implementation guide suggests. I made little tweaks here in there. My son was introduced to some Latin roots and I wrote these roots on index cards for him. I also wrote out grammar cards for him of all of the parts of speech components. We also put together a vocabulary journal for words we were instructed to define. My son enjoyed the assignments on select pages, some of these we did in his notebook, and some we did on a dry erase board. The lessons are short we spent time in meaningful discussions.

MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town was used daily for the first 3 weeks and I added in some supplemental resources just to ensure mastery. After week 3 we went to a 3-day-a-week schedule and 2 days a week supplemental materials. I was sure to use supplemental material that would complement MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town. Overall my son prefers MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town over his previous language arts curriculum and I have shelved what we were using prior. We are in week 6 of the suggested implementation lesson guide and have begun using Caesar’s English I, Classical Education Color Edition.

Wrap up

MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town is a rigorous and complete language arts program. If you are looking for a new way to introduce grammar to your student I highly recommend this curriculum. The curriculum does require parent involvement in my opinion wasn’t intense and I welcomed it. I enjoyed having conversations with him and seeing his face light up. The curriculum is designed for mastery and it is suggested you don’t move on until your student has mastered each section.

While the literature part I thought was going to be monotonous. I understand why the books were selected and remastered to complement the curriculum. I do hope in the future the company would consider adding some optional remastered diverse readers.

Would I buy Level 3 in the Fall absolutely! I again caution against not jumping into level 3 without going through level 2. You can get away with not doing Level 1, but making that jump into level 3 is not advisable. The levels don’t coordinate with the grade levels so please take note of this. If you are the type of homeschooler that needs tons of worksheets after each lesson this is not the curriculum for you. MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town is in a class by itself rigor without the complexity of busywork, this was more of relaxed conversational language arts. MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town takes its time to ensure students really understand language and how they work together. I learned so much in the last 6 weeks reviewing MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town.

MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town works on this sequence per their website:

  1. Do grammar first.
  2. Begin the vocabulary text after you finish the parts of speech in the grammar book.
  3. Begin the practice book after the entire text of the grammar book is complete.
  4. Begin the writing text once the four-level analysis is strong, as seen in the practice sentences.
  5. Begin the poetics text after the writing book is complete to develop expertise in controlling the sounds of sentences.
  6. Extend the curriculum with literature.

Royal Fireworks Press provides Overview Chart, Elementary Guide, and Secondary Guide on their website. There are seven levels to the MCT Language Arts program and there are also implementation videos.

The cost of MCT Level 2 Complete Homeschool Package is $290 the company is also converting their books into Kindle format which may help you cut costs. This program is comprehensive and worth the cost. I highly recommend MCT Language Arts: Level 2 Grammar Town if you are looking for a different way to teach language arts. Be sure to check out the other squad’s reviews of Royal Fireworks Press curriculums.

Until the Next,

Mom and J

4th Grade, 5th Grade, Curriculum, Education, Homeschool, Language Arts, Math

The Critical Thinking Co: Mathematical Reasoning E and Language Smarts Level E!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary Product Received!

We have been long-term users and reviewers of The Critical Thinking Co. My son’s first math book was Mathematical Reasoning Beginning 1 and his first logic book was Building Thinking Skills Beginning 1 we developed a love for this company’s products over the years. I was really excited when granted an opportunity to review the Mathematical Reasoning Level E and Language Smarts Level E.

About Critical Thinking Co.

Just to give you a little background on The Critical Thinking Co. it was established in 1958 and its mission has been to supply learning resources that are fun and have students work to their highest abilities. All of their resources integrate logic and critical thinking skills.

“If we teach children everything we know, their knowledge is limited to ours. If we teach children to think, their knowledge is limitless.”

– Michael Baker, President

Mathematical Reasoning Level E

Mathematical Reasoning Level E arrived just in time when we were doing a complete overhaul of our math curriculum choices. My son was not struggling with math concepts he was disliking his current math curriculum layout and busywork approach. I looked over the Mathematical Reasoning Level E with him and the first thing he said was “It has color!”. Then he noticed how the book didn’t look like your typical math text. Mathematical Reasoning Level E uses vibrant colors, and festive illustrations to teach math. There isn’t a lot of wording it’s straight to the point then kids practice the skills. The text is 384 pages of slowly spiraled concepts that include easy-to-follow explanations, charts, and examples.

“This book emphasizes problem-solving and computation to build for success in higher-level math and math assessments.”

The Critical Thinking Co.

Each page is an adventure in learning 4th-grade math. Mathematical Reasoning Level E is a comprehensive full math curriculum that can be used as a supplement or a full curriculum. Mathematical Reasoning Level E teaches all the concepts for 4th-grade math and also includes concepts that aren’t presented until 5th-grade math. What I like about Mathematical Reasoning Level E is that it provides my son with just the right amount of rigor while promoting mathematical reasoning.

Mathematical Reasoning Level E is available on hardcover or ebook. The Mathematical Reasoning series has books for Toddler- 6th grade. Keep in mind from my experience with the grade-level books they will cover those grade-level concepts as well as introduce the next grade. Mathematical Reasoning Level E is a full curriculum this isn’t a workbook. We are using the book as a full curriculum alongside our RightStart Level E this is a perfect pairing. We love Mathematical Reasoning Level E so much that I went ahead and picked up Mathematical Reasoning Level F.

Mathematical Reasoning Level E (4th grade) and Mathematical Level F (5th grade)

Language Smarts Level E

I was pleasantly surprised by the Language Smarts Level E, I had no idea this textbook was so comprehensive. We have been using the Word Roots Beginning and the Reading Detective Grades 3- 4 this year we love these 2 texts and now we are enjoying Language Smarts Level E. The Language Smarts Level E is a fantastic language arts textbook it provides 400 pages of rigorous, vibrant, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Students will also learn skills meant for 5th grade which means you can stretch this book into your student’s 5th-grade year. Language Smarts Level E can be used as a supplement or a full curriculum.

The textbook also has easy explanations and provides students a fair amount of practice. What I really enjoy is the simplicity of the lessons, my son didn’t feel overwhelmed and he could do lessons independently.

I highly recommend The Critical Thinking Co. Mathematical Reasoning Level E and Language Smarts Level E comprehensive full curriculum textbooks. They are both available as physical and ebook. I also highly recommend any resources from The Critical Thinking Co. This is one company that will be a permanent fixture in our homeschool. The website provides excellent sample pages and details of all of their books. You will find your student loving these vibrant funny pages that engage them to think critically and logically.

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