Language Lessons for a Living Education 8 Package

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