Grammar & Writing 6: Classical Academic Press - Learning Options

Course Description

The Veritas Approach to Grammar & Writing and Composition

No one disputes the need for children to learn to read and write. They’re two of the three Rs. But mastering grammar and writing exceptionally has fewer devotees. We’re guessing that’s because it’s hard to clearly define and even harder to produce in our students. Yet when we read something that’s well written, it holds our attention. We’re intrigued by cleverly turned phrases and metaphors that paint visual images we can’t forget.

At Veritas, the entire English curriculum is designed to teach your child to become one of those great writers. That’s not to say that everyone is equally gifted. Rather, our goal is to develop a child’s gifts fully.

The grammar of language is about language structure, how the words contribute to a sentence. Why do poorly written sentences and bad grammar even matter? The rules of language—like any other rules—exist to systematize and prescribe what the speakers of that language agree to be correct and effective communication. Students who ignore or never learn what is considered proper English will be at a distinct disadvantage in their education and in life.

Grammar as a subject has been taught for a long time. The first grammar text, written in 1586, was based on William Lily’s Latin grammar text. In the United States the first English grammar text was published in 1765. Up until the last generation, teaching English grammar was considered to be as crucial as teaching reading.

Our search for best-in-class grammar curricula led us to Shurley English. We knew we wanted easy memorization, not logical deduction, to be the primary learning method. Through fun chanting, children in the grammar stage are taught the parts of speech and what makes a complete sentence. Imagine a six-year-old who can identify nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and prepositional phrases in sentences. This seems amazing to our modern sensibilities, but this was once the norm. Once children can identify parts of speech through a learned pattern, they are better equipped to write their own sentences, paragraphs, and stories.

To teach writing classically, we wanted a program that modeled other writing as a key teaching technique. In the past, children were taught to write by modeling the masters. Over 20 years ago, we found the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). This program follows patterns of composition similar to those taught in the classical exercises called the progymnasmata. Using this method, children learn by imitation, just like in ancient Greece and Rome.

An alternative track we offer in grammar school uses the Writing and Rhetoric and Well-Ordered Language books from Classical Academic Press (CAP). This track starts in third grade and has proven beneficial for those students not reading as well in first grade. Children will engage with the English language in a way that captures the imagination and is sure to make them want to become masters of their own language.

With enough practice, students will be ready to take the training wheels off. Students are now developing their own writing. The composition program we use was developed by us in partnership with the staff at WORLD Magazine. WORLD is known for their excellent writing staff. Too many times what children learn is only theoretical in nature. We are pleased that through our composition curriculum your children can learn from and be inspired by those who actually write for a living. Students will learn many different styles of writing in Composition I and II. Further interest in writing can be further fostered through several electives offered as live online courses.

Some students may need more work before starting a composition course. If your seventh grader is not ready to go into Composition I, we offer a transition course that will allow the student to get caught up.

Live Online Course

Building on concepts learned in Grammar and Writing 5, students will use Well Ordered Language to expand their knowledge of English grammar by identifying the parts of a sentence and understanding further how words operate in a sentence. Students will actively engage with the concepts in each lesson, using reading, writing, speaking and listening. Physical movement, songs and chants are used to enhance learning.

Students will also use Writing and Rhetoric Book 7: Encomium and Vituperation Program and Writing and Rhetoric Book 8: Comparison Program to develop the art of persuasive writing. This course will have students writing essays in no time, and students will be led step by step through a basic research project. This course is particularly good for students who have had a limited grammar or writing background. Homework will average 3-4 hours per week.

View Grammar and Writing 6 Classical Academic Press Syllabus

Price: $649.00

Prerequisites

Minimum age of 9 and maximum age of 12 on the first day of class.

You Teach

You Teach is our term for those who take our curriculum and teach it themselves, whether at home or at school.