Grammar Level D: “Horse”
Ready to Write and Study Literature
Ages 8-10
Literature: In Level D, “learning to read” gives way to “studying literature.” Students at this level are taught how to think more deeply about what they are reading. Books are carefully chosen and read together, at a slow pace, spending much time in the exploration of vocabulary and the discussion and consideration of questions designed to foster understanding of virtues, struggles, triumphs and connections. Students respond orally and in writing, mastering content and vocabulary for unit and final tests. Titles at this level include: Farmer Boy, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, The Moffats, Charlottes Web, and A Bear Called Paddington as well as a beautiful collection of poems.
Spelling: Systematic instruction in phonics continues for spelling at Level D, with a review of all spelling and phonic rules covered in Levels B & C. Words and lists are longer at this level, and spelling practice is for the purpose of solidifying skills and keeping them sharp.
Latin & Grammar: This year, students begin their learning of Latin in earnest, learning to read, spell, and translate over 100 Latin vocabulary words, 20 common sayings, and 4 traditional Latin prayers. Students begin to identify English derivatives from Latin, and are introduced to basic Latin grammar forms. Level D students will also review the eight parts of speech and learn to apply all grammar, capitalization, and punctuation rules.
Cursive Penmanship: Cursive instruction gives way to daily practice with teacher oversight and accountability for students to do all written work with “museum quality” cursive.
Writing Composition: Having been prepared, in Levels B and C, with basic spelling, grammar and handwriting, Level D students are ready to begin instruction in classical composition. The process of learning to write well is complex and difficult for young students as it requires learning to think in an organized manner. Level D students follow a systematic approach to writing instruction in which they summarize simple texts into key word outlines and then retell the text using interesting and varied vocabulary. The process requires much teacher guidance for every step to achieve mastery. Upon completing Level D, students will be able to easily summarize a simple text and rewrite it in their own words using interesting language, a variety of sentence styles, proper English grammar, and logical organization.
Math: Arithmetic 3 (Click for Scope and Sequence) Level D students continue to master adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers with borrowing and carrying, are introduced to multiplication and division and memorize the facts from 1-12. Students at this level continue to master telling time, adding and subtracting money, and working with fractions.
Christian Studies: Level D students study the Old Testament from Creation to Moses, learning vocabulary, discussing themes, memorizing weekly verses, and studying maps. Students in also memorize the books of the Bible and memorize longer portions of scripture monthly.
Subjects to be covered at home: Life Skills, physical fitness, fine arts, family discipleship and spiritual formation, nature study and history
Grammar Level A Grammar Level B Grammar Level C Grammar Level E Logic