Homeschool Resources: First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind

This year I started using First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind Level 1 by Jessie Wise with Mary.  We have been really happy with the Spell to Write and Read program for spelling.  Initially, I thought it would also serve as a resource for grammar also.  While it does provide different grammar exercises that you can use to reinforce the spelling words, I didn't like jumping from compound words to antonyms to superlatives, etc.  I wanted to find a more systematic approach to teaching grammar.  We're two-thirds of the way through First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind Level 1, which I have been really please with.

The 100 lessons in this book use four tools to teach grammar rules and usage:

1. Memory work
2. Copywork
3. Narration
4. Grammar

The memory work consists of short poems that are fun for children to recite.  The copywork can be tailored to suit the child's writing interest and ability.  Mary has especially enjoyed writing the full names of every member of our family:)  Narration is taught through both oral and visual means.  Sometimes the parent will read the child a story and ask the scripted questions to elicit responses.  Other times, the child will look at a piece of artwork reproduced in the book and be asked to answer questions about the artwork.  Grammar rules and definitions are taught and reinforced with enrichment activities.  There are also periodic oral usage exercises.  Topics covered in this text include nouns, pronouns, verbs, and types of sentences as well as the days of the week, months of the year, and the four seasons.

Each scripted lesson is designed for the parent to use interactively with the child.  This is not a text that the child can complete independently.  While I have read some negative criticism about this text being too repetitive or too easy, I find that the repetition and ease is actually a plus for us.  I definitely plan on continuing with Level 2 next year!