Grammar and Spelling

Elementary Grammar

It is our goal to insure that each student understands how language functions in both written and oral formats.  Using a variety of concrete materials, we present the nine basic parts of speech and their symbols and functions in the lower elementary classes and the additional extensions of the basic parts of speech in the upper elementary classes.  Students use the concrete symbols to identify these parts of speech in sentences.  They also learn to do structural analysis of sentences, thus expanding their understanding of how words and phrases function.  Older students continue to expand their knowledge of grammar by studying the history of the English language, etymology, affixes, word families, noun classifications, comparative and possessive adjectives, verb conjugations, mood, voice, negatives, auxiliary and linking verbs, transitive and intransitive verbs, infinitives, gerunds and participles.  They also study simple, compound and complex sentences, adverbials, attributives, appositives, direct address and the functions of clauses.

Elementary Grammar Chart

Our strong emphasis on the study of grammatical systems facilitates reading and writing competencies.

First and second graders progress through the Spelling Lists which follow phonetic rules with special word lists interspersed throughout the program.  The children progress at their own rate of speed and parents are encouraged to help their children move through this program.  After a child completes the required spelling lists, a commercial spelling book is introduced.  Children work through this series until they are ready to move into a Vocabulary Development Program around 4th or 5th grade.