Various poets from different time periods are discussed. Exams are typically essay. First semester - grammar including parts of speech, sentence components, punctuation, capitalization, and mechanics, spelling and vocabulary development. Second semester - Literature including short stories by authors such as London, Twain, Kjelgaurd and Kipling, poetry by poets such as Millay and Frost, dramas by Simon, Barrie and Buck, the novel Old Yeller by Gipson and a mythology unit inclusive of Greek and Norse gods and goddesses. Spelling and Vocabulary continue this semester.
Compositions are descriptive, narrative and expository nature.
Spelling and vocabulary are studied all year. Composition is emphasized by reviewing the limiting of topics, brain storming for specific details, outlining and organizing papers. Organizational patterns used are spatial, chronological and order of importance. Their papers are generally expository. Projects include money management simulations, garment construction, meal planning, and preparation, and observation of children.