Review of Learning Language Arts Through Literature
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Review By Harriet Yoder
 Using an integrated approach,
Learning Language Arts Through Literature (LLATL) is an excellent program and
a reasonably priced solution to language arts needs. I have used the
Yellow, Orange, Tan, and Green LLATL books with wonderful results. My
review applies to those levels. The authors made excellent selections for
the literature passages and book studies. If the child enjoys a literature
passage, he may want to read the whole book!
Integrated Approach
Having used a variety of resources for teaching the various
language arts subjects, it is a relief to have the subjects combined in one
book. For example, we typically used separate grammar, spelling,
vocabulary, composition, handwriting, reading, and literature resources.
Since all of these areas are covered in LLAL, we no longer have to do the "book
flipping!" You know, "Go get this book, now go get that book, etc."
It's all in one book, and that's a blessing to me.
 While the overall Learning Language Arts Through Literature
program is very good, if your child has an area that needs extra attention, you
can always supplement with a separate text for that particular subject.
For example, if a child is having difficulty with handwriting, I can provide a
separate handwriting text. Look at the total cost for separate grammar,
spelling, vocabulary, handwriting, and composition student and teacher texts,
you will see that LLATL is an economical alternative.
Homeschool Friendly
We like LLATL. It is teacher/parent friendly. My
children like learning with them. This is the first program I have found
that encourages my children to "want" to do the required composition and poetry
writing. The lesson calls for a paragraph, and my children produce a page.
I didn't do anything different , but now they want to do the writing!
(remember, I have children in college so I've been doing this a long time!)
The poetry units are thoroughly enjoyable and very instructive.
Multilevel Study is Possible
I easily used the same level for two students in close grades
with similar abilities. This is possible because the books are flexible
and provide adequate instruction for each exercise. Flexibility is
provided by allowing the instructor to select enrichment activities (found only
in the student book) and to choose which skills to review.
Doing the Lessons
At the first of the week we go through the lesson together.
I work with them on the dictation, choose spelling words, and go through each
part. If I feel that they can do a part without my attention, I assign it
for them to do alone. Sometimes we skip an exercise if I know it's been
mastered. We finish up later in the week, checking their work and
finishing up the lesson. Being divided into five parts, you can easily
choose to do one part a day, but my children requested that we do longer
sessions.
Dictation
True confession #1: I put off using this series BECAUSE
of the dictation which I thought was not that big a deal.
True confession #2: I must now confess that dictation
is the neatest thing since sliced bread. It is a big deal.
Dictation of the short literature passage to the students
allows them to develop listening skills, practice spelling, handwriting, and
grammar, and build confidence. The listening and handwriting skills
required for dictation are the same skills necessary for note taking in college.
Dictation also provides a non-threatening environment for putting spelling and
grammar skills to use. With dictation they have to figure out spelling,
punctuation, and capitalization but they don't have to compose at the same time.
Dictation is like a glue that makes all those grammar rules stick to the brain!
Book Studies
From Grade 3 on each level uses from 3 to 6 books (most use
4). All are available in paperback at reasonable prices or they can be
borrowed from the library. (At Lamp Post we offer the book sets in the
Grade 3 and up LLATL book studies for purchase with a 10% discount if you buy a
complete book study set).
One Wish
While the lessons are divided in an outline order with five
main parts (1-5) and sub-headings (a, b, c, etc.), I wish the teacher pages
listed the coordinating student text page number and I could tell them what page
to start on. I know I can say turn to Lesson 12, section 3, part b, but I
catch myself wishing for a page number reference.
 How do I rate this? I use it with my children! We
are very happy with it!
Learning Language Arts Through Literature
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