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Homeschool Curriculum Reviews > Learning Language Arts Through Literature
Review
Review of
Learning Language Arts Through Literature
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Review By Harriet Yoder
Using an integrated
approach, Learning Language Arts Through Literature (LLAL) is an excellent
program and a reasonably priced solution to language arts
needs. I have used the Yellow, Orange, Tan, and Green LLAL 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 LLAL is an economical alternative.
Homeschool Friendly
We like LLAL. 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 LLAL 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 so 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!
©Wynne and Harriet Yoder 2002-2008
Learning Language Arts Through Literature
Revised
06/18/08 |
