DIY Homeschooler

Sometimes in the interest of “doing it right” we needlessly complicate simple things. One of these simple things is language arts — practicing the art of using the English language. This is one area where the curriculum can balloon out of control, exceeding not only our budget, but also our time — with spelling classes, vocabulary classes, grammar classes, writing classes, and Latin or a class or two covering Latin roots. Enter language arts the natural way!

In this series we cover the basic elements of a natural approach to learning language arts. Yes, at some point a grammar course or two may be in order. A child who has trouble spelling may need some extra attention in that area. But by providing each child with a natural foundation, even remediation will be greatly simplified — focusing on what is needed rather than throwing the kitchen sink at it.

And perhaps it needs mentioning, though it is hopefully obvious — to learn to write, a child needs to write! Therefore, when a child reaches the stage of being comfortable with a pencil, he writes something EVERY day.

With that background in mind, here are four elements that work together to create good writers and communicators:

Language Arts the Natural Way: Introduction

In this series we offer tips and ideas for implementing natural language arts elements in your homeschool, no matter what educational approach(es) you use.

Language Arts the Natural Way: Reading

Most great writers are great readers. Reading, then, is crucial to pursuing language arts the natural way.

Language Arts the Natural Way: Narrating

Narrating employs all of the skills we use in writing — but without the pencil.

Language Arts the Natural Way: Copying

As he is copying, he is learning a variety of writing skills — spelling, grammar, mechanics, and how to correctly form sentences, phrases, and cohesive thoughts.

Language Arts the Natural Way: Dictation

Now that he is familiar with language and has been writing comfortably for some time, we can start dictation.