Pre-Logic “Badgers”
A Two-Year Bridge into Deeper Reading, Writing, Latin, Grammar, and Mathematical Mastery
Ages 10–12
Our Pre-Logic program is a rich, two-year bridge between the grammar school years and the more independent, analytical work of Logic. Students may spend one or two years at this level, depending on age, readiness, and mastery of the material (Students may enter Logic earlier than 12 years old and no later than 13 years old). During these Pre-Logic years, students are challenged to grow in diligence, attention, memory, and clear expression as they deepen their studies in literature, composition, grammar, Latin, mathematics, Christian studies, history, science, spelling, and physical education.
Pre-Logic students continue building strong academic habits while being gently prepared for the increased responsibility and rigor of the upper school. They read more substantial works of literature, write with greater structure and style, study Latin and English grammar more carefully, strengthen arithmetic skills, and begin practicing skills such as note-taking, discussion, and thoughtful written responses. By the end of their time in Pre-Logic, students should be well prepared to enter the Logic program with confidence, maturity, and a strong foundation for continued classical Christian learning.
Literature: Using the Memoria Press’ literature curriculum, students will read, and discuss great works of literature. Students will develop stamina and discipline to read larger sections of literature in a shorter amount of time. Students will also practice forming analytical answers to comprehension questions based on textual evidence found in the literature and will expand their vocabulary by defining words and recognizing those words in the context of the chosen literature books. Titles at this level include: The Hobbit, The Bronze Bow, The Twenty-One Balloons, As You Like It, Trojan War, Poetry and Short Stories for Logic (Year A) and Robin Hood, King Arthur, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wind in the Willows, Anne of Green Gables, Poetry and Short Stories for Logic (Year B).
Composition: Pre-Logic students continue their writing journey with the Institute for Excellence in Writing, building on the structure and style skills learned in Levels D and E. Students will continue practicing key word outlines, rough drafts and final drafts, topic sentences, strong paragraph structure, and the tools of excellent writing, including dress-ups, sentence openers, descriptive vocabulary, and clear organization. Students will use IEW’s Modern History-Based Writing Lessons (Year A), and Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons (Year B), allowing their writing instruction to connect meaningfully with what they are studying in history and literature. As students grow, they will move from summarizing and rewriting source texts toward composing well-organized paragraphs and essays that use concrete examples, thoughtful details, and increasingly mature style. The goal of Pre-Logic writing is to strengthen each student’s ability to communicate clearly, beautifully, and persuasively as they prepare for the more advanced writing and analysis of Logic and Rhetoric.
Grammar: In Pre-Logic, students continue deepening their understanding of English grammar through Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind. In Year A, students will use the Purple Workbook, and in Year B, they will use the Red Workbook. This curriculum gives students regular, careful practice in grammar, usage, mechanics, sentence structure, diagramming, and analysis. Students will continue identifying and applying parts of speech, parts of the sentence, phrases, clauses, and the four sentence structures: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Through repeated practice, dictation, sentence analysis, and diagramming, students will learn to see how language works and how strong sentences are built. This steady study of grammar supports clear thinking, precise writing, and careful reading as students prepare for the more advanced work of Logic and Rhetoric.
First Form Latin: First year Pre-Logic students will continue in Memoria Press’s Latin sequence with First Form Latin, a grammar-first program designed to give students a strong and lasting foundation in Latin. Through step-by-step lessons, regular practice, vocabulary review, and careful memorization of forms, students will build mastery before moving into more advanced syntax and translation. By the end of First Form Latin, students will have studied the six indicative active tenses of the first two verb conjugations, five noun declensions, first and second declension adjectives, and 185 Latin vocabulary words. This steady study of Latin strengthens memory, attention to detail, English grammar, vocabulary, and logical thinking as students prepare for continued Latin study in the upper levels.
Second Form Latin: Second year students who successfully completed First Form Latin will move into Second Form Latin, continuing with a careful study of Latin grammar. Students will review and strengthen the foundational material they have already learned, while expanding their mastery of Latin verbs, nouns, adjectives, vocabulary, and translation. By the end of Second Form Latin, students will have studied all four verb conjugations in the indicative active and passive, continued work with noun declensions and adjective agreement, and gained increasing confidence in parsing and translating Latin sentences. This steady, grammar-rich study helps students grow in precision, memory, language structure, and logical thinking as they prepare for the advanced Latin work of Logic and Rhetoric.
Math: Arithmetic 5. (Click for Scope and Sequence) Students will review and extend concepts learned in previous grades. With an emphasis on word problems, students will also study place value to hundred billion, decimals to thousandths, basic units of the metric system. Students will learn factoring and prime numbers, how to multiply and divide fractions, understand ratio and proportion, and how to calculate fraction-decimal-percent equivalents. Students work with line graphs and learn how to find volume and are introduced to basic geometry concepts of lines, points, and angles.
Arithmetic 6. (Click for Scope and Sequence) Students will review and extend skills learned in previous levels. They will be introduced to the concepts of greatest common factor, lowest common multiple, and learn how to do mental shortcuts in calculation, multiply and divide decimals, find decimal-fraction equivalents, calculate percents, construct circle graphs, and convert English and metric measurement. Students will also study basic geometry concepts of perimeter, circumference, and angles.
Spelling and Dictation: Pre-Logic students will continue strengthening their spelling, phonics, vocabulary, and dictation skills through Memoria Press’s Traditional Spelling program. This curriculum uses a consistent, phonetic approach that helps students see and hear the patterns within words. Lessons include written practice, vocabulary work, words used in context, color-coded phonogram marking, and regular sound dictation. Students practice writing phonograms, spelling words, and complete sentences from oral dictation, helping them develop careful listening, accurate spelling, and stronger sentence mechanics. This steady practice supports both reading and writing as students grow in precision, confidence, and command of the English language.
Christian Studies: Building upon the foundation of Bible literacy begun in Levels A-E, students will continue with a survey of the Bible using Memoria Press’ Christian Studies II (Old Testament History) in Year A and Christian Studies III (New Testament) in Year B. Students will also memorize Psalm 91 and longer portions of scripture monthly.
History: During the afternoon program, Pre-Logic students will study world history through The Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer. This engaging, chronological history curriculum introduces students to the great sweep of human history through lively storytelling rather than dry textbook recitation. Students will rotate through major periods of history by year, including Ancient Times, the Middle Ages, Early Modern Times, and the Modern Age. As they listen to the audio book, students will complete map work, practice note-taking, and participate in thoughtful discussions that help them connect people, places, events, and ideas. This study of history helps students grow in attention, memory, narration, and understanding of God’s providence throughout time.
Science: In Science, Pre-Logic students will use Science Shepherd’s video-based Christian science curriculum. In Year A, students will study Physical Science, exploring foundational concepts in chemistry, physics, and astronomy, including atoms and molecules, the Periodic Table, forces, Newton’s laws, and the solar system. In Year B, students will study Life Science, gaining a deeper understanding of God’s creation through lessons in biology and the study of living things. Through video instruction, discussion, narration, chapter review, and workbook activities, students will grow in scientific knowledge, careful observation, and wonder at the order and beauty of the created world.
Physical Education: Pre-Logic students will participate in 20 minutes of daily P.E. instruction using the SPARK P.E. curriculum. SPARK provides structured, research-based physical education lessons that help students develop healthy habits, physical fitness, motor skills, movement knowledge, and positive social skills. Through active games, skill-building activities, and guided practice, students will grow in strength, coordination, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and enjoyment of physical activity.
Subjects to be covered at home: Life Skills, fine arts, family discipleship, spiritual formation, and nature study.