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 and vocabulary in a fun, interactive style designed to help them master parts of speech and sentence structure, classify sentences, and analyze words to gain an understanding of the order that makes up our language. Basic mechanics, such as capitalization and punctuation, will also be a focus. 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 and make it more interesting. Students should expect 2 to 3 one-paragraph papers and one paper of 3 to 5 paragraphs each quarter. Rubrics are used to evaluate papers, and good writing habits, such as outlining and revising, will be emphasized. 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. 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 two years in a row without repeating books or assignments. The same basic category of skills is taught, but different literature and assignments are used each year. Students can join in at any time during the rotation without feeling 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:
Write Shop Junior Book E:
Worksheet Pack
ISBN: 9781608266616
Write Shop Junior Book E:
Fold-and-Go Grammar Pack
ISBN: 9781608266647
Novels:
Detectives in Togas By Henry Winterfeld
Clarion Books; First Edition
ISBN: 9780152162801
The Wild Robot By Peter Brown
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316581097
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe By C.S. Lewis
HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780064409421
(Boys Only)
Ten Boys Who Used Their Talents by Irene Howat
Lightkeepers
ISBN: 9781845501464
(Girls Only)
Ten Girls Who Used Their Talents by Irene Howat
Lightkeepers
ISBN: 9781845501471
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.
