|Building Thinking Skills Book 2
Building Thinking Skills Book 2 was a favorite school assignment in our family. This comprehensive, straightforward program develops four basic analytical skills (similarities/differences, sequences, classification, and analogies) through both figural and verbal problems. Sound intimidating? Don't worry, the exercises are clear, with sample completed activities so that the student can see exactly what to do. The activities offer lots of variety, too, from finding the identical matching figure to selecting the most similar adjective from a list or describing the parts of a whole.
When you think of grammar, do you think of endless memorization and lengthy, tedious workbooks, suitable only for the most meticulous older student? If so, you're not thinking of Language Lessons! Language Lessons is the finest implementation of the Charlotte Mason method of instruction we've seen. The short daily lesson may include a picture study with a full-color painting, poetry appreciation, narration, copy work, or more. What a great way to cultivate language skills in your fourth-grader!
Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 4 uses a quick daily lesson approach to build writing skills without overwhelming him.
Sequential Spelling is not only the most logical spelling program we've seen, but it is also one of the easiest to use. Simply read your child one list of words a day to write down, correcting any mistakes as you go. That's it! The sequences are based on building from easy words to advanced words such as from all, to tall, stall, install, installment, and installation; this is an intuitive approach with no memorization required. Sequential Spelling 3 Student Workbook only is included in the Fourth Grade Curriculum Refill. If your student has not yet completed Sequential Spelling books 1 and 2, you will want to do those titles first.
You'll notice that he does not have a specific handwriting book this year. By now he is likely well acquainted with the mechanics of writing and so we suggest that the writing he does with Language Lessons and Sequential Spelling is sufficient for most children if done neatly. If your child still needs the additional practice, and especially if he has not yet tackled cursive, by all means add a handwriting book.
Why include Word Roots? Because everyone agrees that children who have a solid grasp of word roots are bound to be children with better spelling and reading comprehension skills, primarily because they have acquired the ability to decode words. We knew we didn't want to teach Latin and Greek roots with a program that was too dull, too schoolish, too intense, or based too heavily on mythology. We also knew that moms are busy enough without another teacher-intensive topic to worry about. With those objectives clarified, it was easy to see that Word Roots is perfect, with its self-teaching, simple, and engaging approach. We've not seen any word roots program more effortless than this one!
Editor-in-Chief Beginning Book provides your child with a fake newspaper article and picture in each lesson, and then asks him to find and correct the errors. What a fantastic way to take the drudgery out of applying his budding language and spelling skills, while also enhancing his critical thinking and observation skills!
While we believe reading is the single most important skill to foster in your fourth-grader, you'll notice that we did not include any traditional readers. Don't let this puzzle you. Our experience is that the best way to help your child become an eager reader is to constantly supply him with reading materials that interest him. Future doctors may want to read up on anatomy, young explorers are drawn to the escapades of adventurers young and old, and the baby-lover in your family will be captivated by adoption stories. Assign reading if you must, but encourage it at all costs; a child who enjoys reading will find it easier to excel in every area.