Language Arts

All About Me Links Literature Links
Spelling Writing/Grammar

Language Arts: Literature

We go to the library once a week for either a book report book, or free-read books.

We will read the novel, The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander. It is the first book in his series of the adventures in Prydain. The genre is fantasy, and it is along the lines of The Lord of the Rings books. Other books in the series are, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King. Alexander also wrote The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, along with many other books.

Language Arts: Spelling

Students are introduced to a new spelling list each week. We go over the words in class, including pronunciation, definitions, patterns in the list, rules if applicable, and ways to remember how to spell them. I do not give spelling homework. By sixth grade, I think students each know the best way to remember spelling words. The spelling test will be every Wednesday (exceptions noted on the Edline calendar and in class).

Here are some ways to learn and practice spelling words: (many ideas are from the students)

  • Write the words several times.
  • Do a practice spelling test. A parent says the words, one at a time, and the students write them down. The parents will then correct the words and the student should write the wrong words several times (you decide how many). Another practice test later would be beneficial. When saying the words, it should be word, sentence, word. (ex: "Accept. Please accept my gift. Accept.")
  • Have a spelling bee and see how many words your child can spell aloud.
  • Trace the words.
  • Break the word into syllables to make it easier. (ex.: "continue": con-tin-ue)
  • Use mnemonics - a trick to remember a hard spelling word (ex.: In February, we say "brrr" because it's cold.)
  • say the word how it sounds, not how it's spelled (ex.: for "vegetable": veg-et-able; "together": to-get-her)
  • Write all words several times.
  • Spelling Strategies

    Language Arts: Writing/Grammar

    We review grammar rules and sentence structure, as well as "commonly misused words and phrases" to help the students with the large amount of writing that they do this year. We do a lot of writing during the year, including a report called All About Me, and the country report.

    Links:

    Literature: A Reader's Choice

    The Book of Three
    Lloyd Alexander

    Country Report Links

    The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
    Commonly Misused Words
    Commonly Misused Words and Phrases
    English Grammar Quizzes
    English Lessons and Tests
    Practice Your Spelling List
    Scribbs National Spelling Bee: practice for the spelling bee
    Spell It!: practice for the spelling bee
    "Spelling Making a Comeback in School": an article about the importance of spelling
    Spelling Strategies

    Other Language Arts Links


    All About Me Project Links:

    Birthdate Events

    The Day You Were Born: calculate on what day of the week you were born
    Born on This Day
    Brainy History: Today in History
    On This Day: BBC: historical events
    On This Day: IMDb: famous people's birthdays
    This Day in History

    Coat of Arms Outlines (Pick any one here, or get one from Miss Crachi)

    Coat of Arms
    Coat of Arms
    Coat of Arms Template
    Heraldry for Kids (scroll down to where it says "Shields" to see the outlines)

    Name Meanings

    Baby Names World
    Behind the Name: history of first names
    Biblical Baby Names
    Christian Names Dictionary
    Name Meanings

    Symbols

    Design Your Own Coat of Arms (just for ideas)
    Heraldic Clipart
    Marks of Cadency (birth symbols)
    Symbol Meanings
    Symbols.com
    Symbols: Chinese
    Symbols of States


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