First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind, Level 4

by Jessie Wise, Sara Buffington

This volume, the Level 4 Instructor Guide in the complete elementary grammar series, uses classical techniques of memorization, dictation, and narration to develop your child's language ability in the important, foundational years of language study.

The text covers a full range of grammar topics, including parts of speech, punctuation, sentence diagrams, and skills in beginning writing and storytelling. Optional end units provide practice in dictionary use and letter writing. Designed to follow Levels 1-3, the Level 4 Instructor Guide can also be
used as a first grammar text for older students. A Level 4 Student Workbook is available separately with worksheet and activities. Grade Recommendation: Grades 4-5.

Genres: Language

380 pages, Paperback

First published December 22, 2008

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would have used this curriculum with my older children. Susan Wise Bauer is thorough and her scripts make this easy to teach since grammar is not my strength.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am currently using this to help homeschool a friend’s fourth-grade daughter. Grammar is her favorite subject, but unfortunately I’ve gotta say...I think it’s in spite of this book, not because of it.

I have the teacher guide and it is just so, so, so excessively detailed and scripted. Some explanation is good for those adults who are less familiar with grammar themselves, but this book is several inches thick and takes scripting to a whole new level. I skip big chunks of the paragraphs and summarize or rephrase a lot because it would bore her to tears. I also don’t tend to be extremely in the classical camp, so I think the emphasis on repetition of the definitions of parts of speech is not as useful as understanding what they do.

So for this fourth grader who loves grammar, I think the teacher guide for this is overkill. And for the fourth grader who didn’t, I think this would confirm their dislike.