LINGUISTICS 4 IS A YEAR-LONG COURSE FOR STUDENTS IN GRADE 4.

Students will sharpen their spelling skills in this course. Each lesson presents a rule, jingle, or hint, with words that follow the rule or break it. Students will learn the spelling rules and words using a multi-sensory approach. Daily spelling tests support the goal of complete mastery. This course will use the Phonetics Zoo Level B List.

The Veritas Approach to Linguistics

At Veritas, Linguistics includes learning spelling and word roots. It includes an unexpected observation, too, which is this. The ability to spell—probably more than any other academic skill—is a gift from God. Some have it; some don’t. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t teach it. It means only that we should have realistic expectations.

In the 1980s, it was popular to have children memorize the “look” of whole words rather than learn spelling rules. Classical educators know this makes no sense. English isn’t like Chinese, which doesn’t have an alphabet. Chinese uses a logographic system of symbols to represent words. Memorization is the only option.

The grammar stage provides the opportunity for children to learn tools of learning, including spelling rules. Learning spelling rules proves important for mastery of the English language. Remember “I before E, except after C”?

Students learning English should start with a phonics program like The Phonics Museum. The Phonics Museum introduces basic spelling rules. Upon completion—typically at the end of 1st grade—students are ready to learn more advanced spelling rules. To help students master these rules, The Phonetic Zoo provides three exceptional years that fit well anywhere between 2nd and 5th grades. In the grammar stage, children learn well through repetition. In The Phonetic Zoo, students study the same rules for three years, but they encounter words of increasing difficulty. The curriculum’s multisensory approach allows children to hear, see, and feel (write) the rules.

Each lesson presents a rule, jingle or hint and 15 words that either follow the rule or break it. Flashcards with animals and animal names can be used for visual reinforcement. Every fifth lesson is a personalized spelling test using words from the student’s own writing or vocabulary. Students learn independently. They listen to a CD (headphones are helpful) and practice a ten-minute lesson each day. They practice again and again until a perfect score is achieved. With the repetition of auditory input, this classical approach is the best way for most children to learn spelling rules and vocabulary.

In 6th grade, students move on to study word origins using Vocabulary from Classical Roots. Students learn to unlock the meaning of words by looking at their Greek and Latin roots. This word-root approach to vocabulary development prepares students to read impressive works. It equips them to master far more word meanings than what’s typical for their grade level. As with spelling, why ask students simply to memorize word meanings? Better to give them tools to ascertain word meanings by their roots.

Live Online

Students will sharpen their spelling skills in this course. Each lesson presents a rule, jingle, or hint, with words that follow the rule or break it. Students will learn the spelling rules and words using a multi-sensory approach. Daily spelling tests support the goal of complete mastery. This course will use the Phonetics Zoo Level B List.

Live Online – The Veritas Approach

Veritas has been offering live online classes since 2006. Here are some reasons why you should consider our live courses:

• Classes meet twice weekly for 75–90 minutes.
• Synchronous interactions use audio and video.
• Engage with material throughout the week, per assignments.
• Interaction with peers from across the globe. It's not uncommon to have students from five or six different countries in one classroom.
• 20:1 student:teacher ratio, with an emphasis on individualized attention.
• World-class teachers, more than two-thirds have advanced degrees.
• Veritas Scholars Academy is accredited by Middle States Association

You Teach

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

The Linguistics 3 - You Teach Kit includes all the materials for the teacher and one student for teaching Linguistics 3 (spelling). The award winning Phonetic Zoo from the Institute for Excellence in Writing and the Veritas lesson plans make up this kit. Note that this kit uses the same level of the Phonetic Zoo as Linguistics 2 does.

Course Kits are offered as a discounted package. However, you may only need some of the books. Select the ones you need below for easy ordering.