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LEARNING LANGUAGE
ARTS THROUGH LITERATURE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS??? |
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Welcome to Learning Language Arts Through
Literature, a complete language arts program for first grade through high school.
Using an integrated approach to learning, students learn the skills appropriate for each
grade level in the context of real literature. This generates a greater interest in
language arts. |
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| The integrated
language approach has the benefits of all teaching methods. By working with
pieces of real literature, you focus on English grammar, reading, vocabulary, spelling,
writing mechanics, thinking skills, penmanship and more. Your student has the best
advantage for learning skills in this effective and lasting manner. For example
English grammar is taught in conjunction with reading and writing skills, not as an
isolated subject. |
Question:
1. I have a first
edition of Learning Language Arts Through Literature. How do the new editions compare to
the first editions? What changes have you made?
Answer:
1. Learning Language Arts Through Literature is now better than ever! The revised 1998
editions are bigger, better, and more complete! While still using the integrated language
approach, the easy-to-use format now includes MORE English grammar and spelling
instruction (words, tips, and rules). PLUS more creative writing exercises, study skill
instruction, and higher order reasoning are incorporated into each lesson. Review
Activities follow most lessons providing opportunities for additional skills practice.
Question:
2. LLATL looks so simple, is it really effective?
Answer:
2. LLATL is simple for the
teacher to use and very effective for the student. Excellent for home schooling or
the traditional classroom environment. Research shows that isolating language arts
skills are ineffective in the practical use of them. When the skills are kept in the
context of literature and writing they take on new meaning for the student. This method
not only gives the student more understanding for the skills, but add to the retention of
them. Our mail indicates that students who once disliked language arts when using a basal
program, decided it was their favorite subject when they used Learning Language Arts
Through Literature.
Question:
3. How is
spelling integrated into LLATL?
Answer:
3. You have two options for
spelling in this program. Your student may use a list of suggested spelling words found in
each lesson or choose words from the literature passage. Easy to understand spelling tips
give your student the tools he needs to be a better speller. Weekly tests may be given or
spelling can be checked during the final literature lesson.
Question:
4. What if my student needs more review of
the skills?
Answer:
4. Throughout each level the language
arts skills are reviewed on a regular basis. At the end of each weekly lesson there is an
optional review activity that provides your student with more practice in any skill
covered that week. You may assign him only the sections that he needs to review.
Assessments throughout each book help you determine what skills need to be reviewed by
your student.
Question:
5. Can my student work independently in
Learning Language Arts Through Literature?
Answer:
5. Yes. Daily lessons include
independent work. The amount of independent work will depend on the student’s ability
and the grade level. Higher level books have more independent work. Using the Student
Activity Book will increase the amount of independent work your student can accomplish.
Question:
6. What is in the Student Activity Book for
LLATL?
Answer:
6. Everything your student needs to
complete the program is found in the Student Activity Book, including the literature
passages, activities, and plenty of space for your student to complete a task. PLUS there
are Enrichment Activities found only in the Student Activity Book, including word puzzles,
analogy lessons, and logic activities.
Question:
7. I am purchasing The Blue Book and
The Red Book. Are the Teacher and Student Books necessary for each? Also, what is the
difference between the "readers" and the "read alouds" mentioned in
the programs?
Answer:
7. Both the Teacher and Student
Activity Books are necessary to the completion of The Blue and Red Books. The entire
program is needed (TB, SAB, and readers) as the Teacher Book references the Student Book
and readers. The READERS were created by Common Sense Press especially for these programs,
addressing specific skills, so most likely you will not find them available at the
library. The READERS should not be confused with the REAL READING.
You could break the literature components of these programs into three parts: 1) The
READERS 2) The REAL READING --- commonly listed as "read alouds" -- should be
available at the library or you may purchase them. 3) The literature PASSAGES (used in The
Red Book). The passages are contained within The Red Book program and these books are NOT
necessary. They are very, very old and most are out-of-print and impossible to find. These
were chosen for the purpose of copying and/or dictation to complement skills being taught.
The necessary components are in each program - the teacher book, the student book, and
readers.
Question:
8. How do you use the Book Studies? Should my
student read the book before beginning a Book Study? When a passage from a Book Study book
is included in Everyday Words, should I teach the Everyday Words lesson along with the
Book Study or after the Book Study is complete?
Answer:
8. We encourage you to be flexible
when using Learning Language Arts Through Literature. Any of the options you mention is
feasible and acceptable. Most teachers we speak with allow one-two weeks for each Book
Study.
During this period, the student will read the book and the teacher will use the discussion
questions and vocabulary as the student completes the sections (page numbers and chapter
breakdowns are included). After the Book Study is complete, you begin the Everyday Words
lessons. However, some teachers use the Book Study during four weeks simultaneously with
the Everyday Words.Sometimes
there are no Everyday Words lessons which accompany a Book Study. Simply take a week or
two to do the Book Study and encourage the student's enjoyment of good literature. |
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