Language

In third grade, Old Testament stories and Native American tales form the basis of the language arts lessons.

In grammar lessons, the class studies the parts of speech and is introduced to the four types of sentences.

Students learn how to form and punctuate complete sentences, and they write compositions in class from their own ideas and/or based on main lesson topics. Time is spent on editing compositions for main lesson books. Spelling is a daily activity with weekly dictation or quizzes. The children read independently and in small groups for in-class reading. Reading at home is expected. Homework assignments may now be given.

In fourth grade, grammar studies focus on tenses, syntax, and comparative adjectives. Accurate spelling is emphasized in writing assignments, and spelling is a weekly study. The students also work in varied compositional styles, including journal entries, letters, and book reports. Main lesson books are created from the stories that the class composes together and from independent writing, often based on Norse myths that are the literary theme of the fourth grade year. Handwriting, punctuation, and paragraphing are stressed, and the children learn to revise and edit their work. They also write their first research report during one of the main lesson blocks.