Your
student is ready for this course if they can write two to three well-written
paragraphs, are familiar with and have written a book report, use basic grammar
and punctuation, recognize abstract ideas, and are somewhat independent in
daily work. Lessons follow a set weekly schedule. Each lesson begins on Day 1
with a special feature (such as a picture or Scripture study), vocabulary
(taken from the nonfiction selections), and Scripture memory. Day 2 focuses on
grammar and punctuation. On Day 3, students develop their communication skills (written,
verbal, nonverbal, or even using technology). Day 4 turns students to examining
and responding to worldviews. A strong focus of Level 8 is leading students to progressively develop their own statement of faith (i.e., doctrinal statement). These will highlight the major components of Scripture,
salvation, the nature of God, the Church, and special topics (creation,
heaven/hell, angels and demons, and eschatology). Students will engage with biblical
content by studying referenced passages in their own Bible and also by reading
the overarching themes taught in the required God’s Story.
On the last day of each week (Day 5), students review the concepts they’ve learned.
Scripture memory is integral to this course. In the first semester, students
will memorize John 20 and in second semester, Matthew 13:1–52 and 18:10–35. Scriptures
are taken from the KJV, ESV© 2001, and NIV© 2011.
Writing
Skills includes weekly
grammar study and composing. Composition assignments include short story,
paragraph, character sketch, and essay (descriptive, comparative, expository,
narrative). Following a Charlotte Mason style, students will work weekly
through quotation, picture, and poetry studies. Students will begin learning and
applying MLA formatting (guidance is included in the text). After reading and
evaluating short statements on Scripture, the Trinity, Jesus, Holy Spirit, sin,
salvation, marriage/family, human life and dignity, and creation (from a Protestant
viewpoint), students will develop and write their own personal statement of
faith as a culmination of a multi-week project (forms for the final draft are
found in the supplementary material). Literature is featured weekly and
includes unique special features such as responding to book passages, hymns,
scriptures, and poetry. Students will begin their week by responding to these
selections, such as examining a hymn, poem, or Scripture. Additionally, your
students are encouraged to read independently. Some reading suggestions are
provided in the teaching helps in the back of the book, but you’ll want to
choose additional independent reading books and record them on the form
provided. Lessons will also provide optional bonus activities, which will
expand on the content and themes from the week.
This
course also teaches communication/interpersonal skills that fall under
the category of good interpersonal communication and etiquette, such as common
courtesies, voicing a complaint, resolving conflict, being a good listener, how
to properly cut meat at the dinner table, and more. Some additional supplies
are needed: 3x5 index cards, colored pencils, a notebook, Bible, dictionary,
and independent reading books. Over 100 pages of teacher resources, student reproducibles,
and answer key are included in the back of this text. Purchase the individual
consumable or a convenient package with the required God’s Story.
510 perforated, 3-hole-punched pgs, sc. ~ Ruth
