Course Descriptions

Language Arts encompasses Reading, Spelling, Writing, and Grammar. We use an Orton-Gillingham based approach to reading which focuses on phonics, morphology, and on building fluency in these crucial years of language building. The curriculum includes All About Reading, Pathway Readers, living books, study guides, and teacher supplemented materials. For spelling we use Rod and Staff workbooks, Abeka, and teacher created materials, depending on the needs of the students. We begin writing with the youngest students with Primary Arts of Language and handwriting. Students progress through IEW’s writing curriculum, including Bible Heroes and All Things Fun and Fascinating, for a comprehensive course including notetaking, summarizing, re-telling, paragraph construction, and story writing. Children present finished papers to their friends in class, strengthening their speaking and presentation skills. Grammar skills are learned through First Language Lessons which teaches the eight parts of speech, and diagramming in order to understand and utilize good sentence structure in context.

Older students use classical curriculums to further enhance and strengthen their writing, rhetoric and grammar skills. In addition, we use Wordly Wise to increase students’ vocabulary and extend their literacy skills. Literature for upper elementary and middle school includes a variety of genres, examining literary elements, learning annotation, and creating a commonplace book. Book selections correlate to the history cycle currently being used.