Language Arts
This area is very basic and comes with many options. There are several ways to learn grammar. One can learn it through copy work, reading or workbooks. For me, I find it best to learn it through both reading, copy work and just traditional writing. Penpals, for example, or letters to family would be a good example.
But don't they need to learn grammar? A 'noun' for example? A verb? Some may say no, but yes, I do see where that will be important.
Think of it this way. In grade 1, they study nouns, for example. In grade 2, they study nouns, adjectives and verbs. In grade 3, they study nouns (again!), adjectives (again!), verbs and adverbs. You get the picture. Why waste all this time in review? When they reach grade 6 they will review them all over again, for the 'grade 6 language arts class' (or whatever your state calls it). At that age, they can pick things up quite quickly, and you can introduce them all in a months timespan. Why waste your time on it now, when there is 'so' much more to learn?
But I do see where some would still want to 'link' it into this curriculum.. So I would propose this. In your game, (at this time) include a grammar pile. Use noun (person, place or thing), adjective (describing word) and a verb (action word). It should take about 5 minutes to explain each at this age, if that. When they come upon that question, they need to define it (lets say they roll a 3, they move 3 spaces), give an example (another 3 if they get that right), and use it in a complete sentence (another 3 if they do this). Think of it as the 'bonus pile'. Do this, while working on whatever level you're on next. As the levels move on, I'll be adding more 'grammar supplements'.
For this level I will encourage you to read with your child. By this level books can become a little overwhelming, so you may want to alternate paragraphs between the two of you. You can continue with the McGuffey readers I posted on the kindergarten page, or choose your own at the library. Remember to always give your child the phonics sound, and only 'give them' the word when it looks like they're getting overwhelmed with the words. (A few words to sound out is fine. If your child picks out a book that is nearly every other word... that can be frustrating). If it does come to this, don't interrupt their reading. Whisper the word to them as they come to it. Doing this, the child didn't have to stop and ask, there was no struggle, and more than likely the child will smile they 'read it all by themselves!' As usual, the words they do not know will go on an index card to learn either through flash cards or board games. After they get the card correct with no second thought, for at least a month, toss this card to make room for others. Remember, if they miss a word, give them the same word next time. Place that card a few words down so they can review it through out the game. Missed words will cause them to move backwards, but with chutes and ladders game boards, or monopoly (you can pass go twice!), this may not be a negative thing! Just always make it fun.
But that's not all. There is another step on this level.
Welcome to the world of writing!! There are many options here. Some parents like journaling. For me a journal is personal, a child may not want you correcting it.
Option 2: letters
Make a list of family members that will want to receive letters, preferably those that will write back. You can also get them a penpal. Below is a link to a penpal site I have used with my kids. My 8yo has been writing to the same girl in England for over a year now. You can choose kids from all over the world!http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/
My best request is to choose 3 or 4 and then find the one you like the best. Not all will write. My 8yo likes to send stickers and the girl in England likes to send recipes
As to how your child writes the letters, have them dictate them to you. You write the letter in neat writing, with proper grammar. They will copy as neatly as they can. At this point letters that are written with little to no effort will need to be rewritten. Understand, however, your childs developmental stage. Do not expect perfection. You know what your child is capable of. When they are done have the child read the letter to you.
Through this they are learning simple grammar and writing.
There will be more writing on the next level, but for now start here. When your child feels comfortable writing the letters and can write clearly, move onto the next level. Do not worry about age or grades. Each level is staged at a developmental level, not grade. There is no behind. And remember,
Have fun!Your child is reading now. They feel comfortable reading paragraphs on their own while alternating paragraphs with you. They are ready for this level.
The joy of reading is it can be used in any subject. Why schools have a special reading class, but also have a science or history class, has always intrigued me. They read in science. They read in history. So much wasted time!
At this point your child should still be making his or her way through the Liberty Kids series. For those coming in late (the link was posted on the previous page in kindergarten,) Here is the link on youtube. Liberty Kids is an excellent way for kids to learn history! Simply pop it in while your child is eating lunch!
I'll explain :
Children learn a lot though just reading fun, short books. At this age there are so many!! What are your child's interests? At this age my oldest loved animals. We read books on dogs and bunnies.
(example)
Bob bought a New Bunny.
Little Suzie gets a Goldfish
Books like that. How do you raise them, what do they eat? Many of them have vocabulary words at the end also. Use those words for your games! Feel welcome to add new cards, as well. If you're reading a bunny book,, you may want to include easier facts, such as, "what do bunnies eat?"
Add 'pronoun' to your grammar pile (he, she, herself). An adverb is a word that takes the place of a noun.
In one lesson, you have
1. reading
2. vocabulary
3. science
4. grammar
All in one! How easy is that? And best of all, it's in a subject you know your child wants to learn, what could be easier!?
Continue with the penpals and letters to family. Continue to have your child dictate the letters and have them recopy. This will avoid them beginning any spelling or grammar habits.
Just don't forget to have fun!
*** If you have Netflix, 'Bill Nye the Science Guy' is now on there. This is another excellent program to watch during a meal or in your free time. Fun in learning is hard to find, and this guy appeals to all ages.
It's difficult to tell when your child reaches this level. Is your child reading fine on their own with little to no help from you? Can you trust them to do work on their own, with out constant reliance on you?
Continue the penpals and checking out books on science topics. You may also want to get into chapter books at this point and read them together. There are plenty of classic books out there that will have history in them, even. Or you can just read for fun! That is up to you.
What is most important at this age is inspiring the love of reading!
Make sure your child has say in what is read.
Add 'adverb' to your grammar pile. An adverb is a word that modifies or provides more information about a verb. Here are some examples, this one can be tricky, so if you're like me have an online source at your hand to check!
This is a list of 100 adverb examples
Continue on and have fun!
This portion here is entirely up to you.
At this point your child can begin doing regular grammar sheets. Do not worry about grade level, or keeping up so you can finish the worksheets throughout the year. Just begin where your child is at and start there.
On Monday do Reteach
On Wednesday do Practice
On Friday do Extend
One sheet each day should be fine.
http://www.mhschool.com/languagearts/2001/teacher/teachres/workbooks.html
Continue doing everything else you were doing. Don't forget to add new concepts to your index cards.
Have fun!
On Monday do Reteach
On Wednesday do Practice
On Friday do Extend
One sheet each day should be fine.
http://www.mhschool.com/languagearts/2001/teacher/teachres/workbooks.html
Continue doing everything else you were doing. Don't forget to add new concepts to your index cards.
Have fun!
No comments:
Post a Comment