English & Literature
“Dante and Shakespeare divide the world between them. There is no third.”
– T. S. Eliot
English mastery in reading, writing, and speaking is the mark of an educated person. But these multifaceted skills require many years to reach a high level. An essential component of superior English skills is the study of a classical language, so our Latin curriculum supports and enhances the English skills of our students. Students study English grammar and vocabulary in both English and Latin classes, beginning in 2nd Grade.
Another factor in the development of superior language skills is the study of good literature, which provides models of correct English and excellence in writing. The ear and eye are trained by constant exposure to good English usage. Students learn best by imitation.
Our classroom reading selections are carefully chosen to increase in reading difficulty each year. Books are read slowly and thoroughly in class, accompanied by our literature guides. Poetry is intense and requires careful, slow, and repeated reading. Poetry requires thought and is especially effective in developing comprehension and thinking skills. Students who are properly prepared can begin the study of Shakespeare in the 8th Grade.
We choose the very best literature and poetry for each age, works that model heroes, virtues, and high ideals. Our literature program does more than develop reading skills – it inspires students to love what is good and noble in life.
English grammar, usage, and composition are taught yearly in K-8.
On a more practical side, the development of a legible and attractive cursive hand is a high priority. Unless serious attention is given to penmanship in every grade and class, illegible, careless writing plague students and teachers alike throughout their school years.
Book List
| Kindergarten First Start Reading Books A-D Scamp and Tramp Fun in the Sun Soft and White |
| First Grade First Start Reading Book E Little Bear Frog and Toad are Friends Caps for Sale Make Way for Ducklings Billy and Blaze Blaze and the Forest Fire The Story About Ping Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie Stone Soup The Little House Miss Rumphius |
| Second Grade Prairie School The Courage of Sarah Noble Little House in the Big Woods Animal Folk Tales of America Tales from Beatrix Potter Rod and Staff English 2 |
| Third Grade Farmer Boy Charlotte’s Web A Bear Called Paddington Mr. Popper’s Penguins Poetry Selections Writing Lessons in Structure and Style Introduction to English Grammar |
| Fourth Grade The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Heidi Lassie, Come Home Poetry Selections Classical Composition I: Fable English Grammar Recitation I |
| Fifth Grade Adam of the Road Robin Hood King Arthur The Door in the Wall Poetry Selections Classical Composition II: Narrative English Grammar Recitation II |
| Sixth Grade The Bronze Bow The Trojan War Anne of Green Gables The Hobbit Classical Composition III: Chreia-Maxim English Grammar Recitation III |
| Seventh Grade Wind in the Willows The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson Poetry Selections Classical Composition IV: Refutation-Confirmation English Grammar Recitation IV |
| Eighth Grade A Midsummer Night’s Dream Beowulf the Warrior Sir Gawain and the Green Knight The Hound of the Baskervilles Poetry Selections Classical Composition V: Common Topic English Grammar Recitation V |