Language Arts

Reading, English and Writing

As we searched diligently to find a program that encompassed all the language arts skills and followed essential elements, we wanted to keep focused on growing your precious children for God’s glory by encouraging growth in Christian character.  Bob Jones University (BJU) reading program offers just that and more.  Included is a variety of selections - family stories, adventure, Christian realism, historical fiction, Bible accounts retold, biographies, information articles, folktales, poems and plays.  It also offers delightful instruction building comprehension skills and developing phonics systemically while producing confident eager readers.  Most importantly, it teaches the process of literary analysis that will enable our students to interpret and evaluate what they read in light of biblical truth.

At the kinder level, the goal will be to invite children into the excitement of reading –encouraging interest and a desire to learn.  BJU makes provisions for individual differences using varied methodologies and activities to target the variety of learning modalities.  These young learners will be singing phonics songs, games and motor activities to practice and review sounds/words they learn. It promises to set the stage for comprehension and provides for strong phonics instruction in a logical format. Decoding words is simplified by focusing on predictable patterns.  Another feature is the use of composition activities to promote the reading/writing connection.  It comes with 32 (7”x 10”) small paper books. Our first graders will have 6 books to read throughout the year increasing in difficulty as they progress.
We will also use BJU for English and Writing.  Our initial goal will be to foster an appreciation of language as a gift from God.  Other goals include:  developing the correct use of English grammar in written and oral communication, using the writing process to teach different types of compositions, encouraging clear and effective writing, developing study and reference skills, improving speaking and listening skills, and encouraging enjoyment through chapter themes and connections to other subjects.  Alternating chapters between grammar and writing helps to provide a strong link between these two areas of language arts.  Grammar is foundational to good writing but grammar skills alone do not develop good writers.  Each chapter includes writing, speaking and listening skills.  
The use of journals will also be encouraged as students begin to share their thoughts, observations and creative expressions.