NOTE: The material for this course is based on accepted third-grade level language arts standards. It may also be appropriate for higher achieving second graders or fourth graders needing additional practice or review. I am happy to accept ages 7-9 in this class, and am always willing to communicate regarding any learner's placement if you'd like.

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TEACHER REFUND POLICY: Many families prefer to book far enough in advance to guarantee a spot in the class as they prepare for the coming academic year. I also realize that plans can shift and change. In order to reasonably help families who like to plan ahead, but also allow me the time to fill a space left after an unenrollment, please know that if you need to withdraw your learner for any reason up to FIVE WEEKS before the start date of this class, you can contact me with the details and I will be happy to issue a full refund. 
 
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This twelve-week unit is one independent half of a one year third grade language arts course.  The full two-semester course is designed to provide learners with a strong language arts foundation for third grade studies. At this stage in their development, learners begin to move into exciting new areas of learning. They begin to read more independently and gain a deeper understanding of grammatical structure and vocabulary, finding a greater freedom in their writing. 
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WHAT WILL WE STUDY?

LITERATURE STUDY:
In this first semester, we will read and discuss four books: 

"Gooney Bird Greene" - a delightful tale by Newberry-Award winning author Lois Lowry. This book will serve as a fun mentor text for our narrative writing project as we get tips about the great art of storytelling from the title character.  

"Mr Popper's Penguins" -  the rollicking adventures of the Popper family as they care for an ever-growing family of performing penguins.

"Sarah, Plain and Tall - a story of fulfillment and love.  Sarah comes from Maine to a simple pioneer homestead in response to an ad for a wife and mother.  The child Anna narrates the tale of Sarah's arrival and the uncertainty everyone feels about whether Sarah will choose to stay.   NOTE: This story references the death of a mother during childbirth several years prior to the start of the story. This death is mentioned gently and quickly, serving only as background information. 

"The Mouse and the Motorcycle" by Beverly Cleary: 
In this imaginative adventure from Newbery Medal–winning author Beverly Cleary, a young mouse named Ralph is thrown into a world of excitement when a boy and his shiny toy motorcycle check in to his home at the Mountain View Inn. 


WRITING PRACTICE
     Persuasive/Opinion Paper
     Narrative Essay


GRAMMAR FOCUS: 
     *All About Sentences: Students will learn to identify true sentences, to use proper punctuation and capitalization, and to combine sentences properly to create simple sentences.

     *Vocabulary Skills: synonyms, antonyms, homophones, comprehension, context clues, prefixes, suffixes, and roots, and figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification, idioms)