Spectrum Language Arts (2015 Edition)

Description

For the most part the newest edition (2015 copyright) is essentially the same as the older edition (2007 copyright). The tables of content are identical but very occasionally wording on an exercise page has been changed, seemingly to raise the reading level of the material. These hefty worktexts cover mechanics (capitalization, punctuation), usage, and grammar in approximately 50 two-page lessons plus periodic reviews. A Writer's Handbook section with ten writing lessons is also included, along with complete answer keys. These are comprehensive but inexpensive texts that can be used alongside Writing Strands or another writing program for a complete English course. The series features a revised sequence of skills and more nonfiction activities.

The two newest additions to this series are kindergarten and first grade and are aligned to state & national standards. Written at a grade appropriate level, the kindergarten workbook covers parts of speech (nouns, verbs, pronouns), capitalization (I, names, first word in a sentence), punctuation (periods & question marks), while still working on the alphabet, letter sounds, and more. Chapter 5 is a 'writer's guide' in which students will practice using telling words, proofreading, and writing a friendly letter. The first grade book covers parts of speech (common & proper nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives), types of sentences (statements, questions, exclamations, combining sentences), capitalization (first word in a sentence, I, names, places, days, months), punctuation (period, question mark, commas in dates/cities & states, apostrophes), subject-verb agreement, contractions, irregular & past tense verbs, plurals, pronouns I and me, synonyms, antonyms and more. The 'writer's guide' for grade one takes students through the steps of writing a paper - planning, writing, revising, proofreading, publishing, and writing a friendly letter. The answer key is found at the back of the books. These books are done in a visually appealing format, with wide lines, cute graphics, and a good amount of white space so they aren't visually overwhelming for young learners.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.