Language Arts
The centerpiece of BookShark curriculum
Natural and Effective
BookShark’s Method for Teaching Language Arts
BookShark’s Language Arts programs flow from this principle. Each program guides your children through well-paced language activities based on the Readers they’re already enjoying.
As your children grow, the curriculum guides them through writing their first sentences, then simple paragraphs and stories, until they’re eventually writing scholarly compositions in upper grades.
Writing
The ultimate goal of language arts (and possibly the most intimidating subject to teach) is writing. BookShark’s Language Arts curriculum is designed to develop excellent writers through a gentle but effective natural approach.
"Workbooks don’t really teach children how to write effectively"
~ Dr. Ruth Beechick, homeschool expert.
Instead, students best learn to write well as they do these four things:
1. Listen to good writing
2. Look at good writing
3. Copy good writing
4. Then write on their own!
“Benjamin Franklin taught himself to write this way. He outlined essays he admired, then compared his writing to see where he fell short.”
~ Dr. Beechick
Reading great literature is a key to successful writers and kids love our books! Even reluctant readers are typically won over by our carefully selected books.
- Students practice copywork and dictation to absorb critical writing skills from the masters.
- They learn writing mechanics—from similes to diction to organization—as they build on each day’s practice.
- They explore creative writing with tools like zany story-starter pictures and journals.
- They also write about what they learn in history, science, and literature.
Language Arts Levels Progression
Students encounter spelling words tied to phonics principles in Language Arts K through 4. In upper elementary grades, they continue to build vocabulary with words from their books. Meanwhile, they reinforce correct spelling through the highly effective Spelling You See program starting in Language Arts D. In Language Arts D, students make a smooth transition from the basic mechanics of writing to more in-depth, independent writing.
In Language Arts E–H, young writers learn to do research, draft a wide variety of papers, and edit their work. Writing assignments range from personal letters and stories to advertisements and news items. In every assignment, you’ll find plenty of examples to follow from the books your students read. These are the models your children learn to emulate. In time, they grow from these examples and move from basic writing to analysis.
Students in middle school through high school continue to write creative papers similar to their work in Language Arts E-H, but at a higher level. They also analyze and write about the books they read, delving into plot, characterization, mood, setting, and more.
Language arts placement for ages 5-7
All BookShark programs are offered as levels as opposed to grades. Though we offer recommended age ranges with a span of three years for Language Arts and Readers, it is important to place your student based on their current skill level. This is especially important for new students ages 5 to 7 where skill sets vary more than that of students ages 8 and up.
One of the goals of our program is to instill a love of reading in your student, so it is important that they enjoy the many stories that they read over their BookShark years instead of being pressured into a program that is beyond their current reading ability.
Perfect for children ready to learn the alphabet. LA K Introduces each letter and the primary sound(s) it makes, and gets the creative juices flowing with simple writing activities (with you as your child’s scribe).
Designed for children who have just begun to master three-letter short-vowel words. Level 1 helps them move to advanced short words and short chapter books.
Created for children who can decode most words but are still working toward proficiency in reading.
Ideal for students who are ready for more advanced reading practice than easy reader books provide.
Excellent for students able to read anything you hand them, but whom you’d like to protect from the grittier realities of life that more advanced books often deal with.
Request a Consultation
Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We are here to help.
Maddie Suter
School Liaison & Support
720-215-6064
msuter@bookshark.com
BOOKSHARK VIRTUAL
8022 S GRANT WAY
LITTLETON, CO 80122