WOL-Language Arts 4

This is a comprehensive course covering reading comprehension, critical reading and analysis, composition, vocabulary, grammar, usage, and mechanics, including sentence analysis and diagramming. Structured lessons on spelling enable students to recognize base words and roots in related words. Lessons are designed to develop reading comprehension, build vocabulary, and help students become more independent readers. The emphasis is on classic literature. Additionally, students read works of nonfiction, as well as four novels selected from a long list of classic titles. Students will also practice the skills and question types they will find on many standardized tests. LITERATURE Students learn to identify and analyze literary elements such as character, plot, theme, and setting. The emphasis is on classic literature, including episodes from Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver’s Travels, and Pollyanna; legends of King Arthur; and folktales from many lands. Students read works of nonfiction, as well as four novels (selected from a long list of such classics as The Cricket in Times Square, My Side of the Mountain, and Sarah, Plain and Tall). A test preparation program prepares students for standardized tests. LANGUAGE SKILLS Composition—Students practice writing as a process (from planning to proofreading), as they write a report, a book review, a persuasive essay, poetry, a news article, and more Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics—Students learn more about sentence structure, parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, and usage. They begin sentence analysis and diagramming Vocabulary—The Vocabulary Workshop program helps enrich students’ vocabulary, develop word analysis skills, and prepare for standardized tests Spelling—Students understand sound-symbol relationships and spelling patterns, and recognize base words and roots in related words. Students learn to identify and analyze literary elements such as character, plot, theme, and setting. The emphasis is on classic literature, including episodes from Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver’s Travels, the legends of King Arthur; and folktales from many lands. Students read works of nonfiction on scientific and historical topics, as well as novels they choose from a long list of such classics as The Cricket in Times Square and My Side of the Mountain. Throughout the curriculum and in specified assessments, students will practice the skills and question types they will find on many standardized tests.