Anabaptist Bookstore: Rod and Staff Curriculum -- English

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English Courses

As listed in Rod and Staff's 2009 Catalog

A good understanding of language is essential for searching the Scriptures and for communicating with others. The Building Christian English Series is designed to develop such an understanding of English. This series teaches traditional grammar and mechanics (capitalization and punctuation), and it takes a conservative approach in matters of usage. The lessons carry a Biblical tone and promote Christian virtues. Exercise sentences deal with a broad range of topics -- Bible stories and concepts, Christian living, family life, and historical and scientific facts.

The foundation of the English language is its grammar. This series teaches diagraming as an aid in understanding the grammatical construction of sentences. After a good foundation of grammar is laid, the pupils are taught to detect and correct errors in mechanics, word usage, and sentence structure, again for the purpose of effective communication.

Lessons are arranged in units or chapters according to the eight parts of speech. New concepts are built in a step-by-step manner so that pupils see the structure of the English language as an orderly whole rather than as many isolated facts. Each lesson contains detailed explanations and illustrations of the concepts to be learned, followed by exercises that teach the practical use of these concepts.

Facts taught in one grade are reviewed and expanded in succeeding grades. This method of teaching and review provides a Scriptural way for students to retain what they have learned -- "precept upon precept; line upon line." Lessons are thoroughly explained to lessen the need for teacher assistance. Most lessons in the pupil's book (Grades 3-10) include a set of review exercises, and most lessons in the teacher's manual (Grades 3-8) have a list of oral review questions. These reviews include material studied recently as well as material from earlier chapters.

In Grades 2-8, lessons on oral and written composition are interspersed with the grammar lessons and compose about one-fourth of the pupil text. In Grades 9-10, whole chapters on composition are interspersed with chapters on grammar and comprise over half of the pupil text. The number of lessons for each grade level ranges from 150 in Grade 2 to 114 in Grades 9 and 10 Book One. Chapter test are provided in separate booklets. Except for Grades 2, and 9 and 10, worksheets provide additional drill and review.

The teacher's manual is designed to provide help in teaching the lessons, especially for inexperienced teachers. It states the general purpose of each lesson (with new concepts starred), and it suggest ways to introduce the lesson. In grades 4-8, the specific points of the lesson are shown in outline form. Each page contains a reduction of the pupil's page along with the answer key and teacher helps in the margin around the reduction. Copies of the worksheets and tests with answers are also included.

The original English series for Grades 3-8 (copyrights 1968 through 1985 or 1986) has been revised (copyrights 1991 through 2001).

Preparing to Build
Grade 2

Preparing to Build contains 6 units and a short dictionary. Each unit closes with review lessons, an extra activity, and a poem. (Unit 6, as a supplementary unit, does not follow this pattern.)

This book teaches the concept of a sentence as the expression of a complete thought. Basic concepts of nouns, verbs, pronouns, and adjectives are studied. The paragraph is introduced. The supplementary unit teaches alphabetical order and basic dictionary skills.

The teacher's guide suggests ways for the teacher to present each lesson and supplies the answers for the various exercises and unit tests.

A separate test booklet provides tests for each of the first 5 units.

ENGLISH 2

12202.3 Pupil's Textbook $12.90
12292.3 Teacher's Manual $15.25
12212.3 Test Booklet $1.95

Beginning Wisely
Grade 3
Communication skills are taught in Grade 3. Understanding sentence type and structure is basic to writing sentences, and then paragraphs and stories. Sentence parts are studied, and some simple diagraming. Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs and their correct usage are exercised. Dictionary work, capitalization and punctuation, proofreading, and oral communication round out this English course.
A separate booklet of worksheets is available for suplementary practice. They are a resource for the teacher to select and copy the ones needed.
A test booklet provides a test for each of the 5 units.
The teacher's manual gives guidance for presenting the lessons. It shows a reduced copy of the pupil's pages with the answer key beside the exercises. Answer keys are also included for the worksheets and test booklets.

ENGLISH 3

12303.3 Pupil's Textbook $12.00
12323.3 Worksheets $2.95
12393.3 Teacher's Manual $15.25
12313.3 Test Booklet $1.95

Building With Diligence
Grade 4
These 127 lessons are divided into 11 chapters. The first two chapters deal with understanding sentence structure and types. Chapters 3-8 and Chapter 10 focus on seven parts of speech--nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions. Chapter 9 teaches concepts about punctuation. Chapter 11 concludes the course with lessons on capitalization, the dictionary, synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms. Interspersed throughout the book are 33 composition lessons. Continual review is built into the lessons.
The booklet of 68 worksheets is for supplementary practice. The sheets may be copied as needed in teaching this English course.
The test booklet contains 11 chapter tests.
The teacher's manual has reduced copies of the pupil's text, the worksheets, and the tests. The answer keys are beside the exercises. Guidance is given for presenting the lesson to the students. The specific points to be taught are listed, along with further instruction and information for the teacher.

ENGLISH 4

12404.3 Pupil's Textbook $14.90
12424.3 Worksheets $2.95
12494.3 Teacher's Manual $20.20
12414.3 Test Booklet $1.95

Following the Plan
Grade 5
English 5 has 119 lessons divided into 10 chapters. The first two chapters deal with understanding sentence types and structure. Chapters 3-7 and 9 focus on the eight parts of speech. Chapter 8 teaches concepts about punctuation. Chapter 10 deals with miscellaneous lessons on capitalization, the dictionary, synonyms, antonyms, Bible reference books, hyphens, and colons. Interspersed throughout the book are 28 composition lessons. Continual review is built into the course.
A booklet of 68 worksheets is available.
The sheets may be copied as needed in teaching this English course. The test booklet contains 10 chapter tests.
The teacher's manual has reduced copies of the pupil's text, with the answer keys beside the exercises. For the worksheets and tests, the answers are shown in color on the reproduced pupil's pages. Guidance is given for presenting the lesson to the students. The specific points to be taught are listed, along with further instruction and information for the teacher.

ENGLISH 5

12505.3 Pupil's Textbook $15.30
12525.3 Worksheets $2.95
12595.3 Teacher's Manual $21.90
12515.3 Tests $1.95

Progressing with Courage
Grade 6
This course has 132 lessons divided into 11 chapters. The first two chapters deal with understanding sentence types and structure. Chapters 3-6 and 8-10 focus on the eight parts of speech. Chapter 7 teaches concepts about capitalization and punctuation. Chapter 11 deals with miscellaneous lessons on the dictionary, Bible reference books, synonyms, antonymns, homonymns, and word families.
Interspersed throughout the book are 32 oral and written composition lessons. Continual review is built into the course.
A separate booklet of 82 worksheets is available for additional practice. The sheets may be copied as needed in teaching this English course. The test booklet contains eleven chapter tests and a final test. The teacher's manual has reduced copies of the pupil's text, with the answer keys beside the exercises. For the worksheets and tests, the answers are shown in color on the reproduced pupil's pages. Guidance is given for presenting the lesson to the students. The specific points to be taught are listed, along with further instruction and information for the teacher.

ENGLISH 6

12606.3 Pupil's Textbook $17.35
12626.3 Worksheets $2.95
12696.3 Teacher's Manual $23.95
12616.3 Test Booklet $1.95

Building Securely
Grade 7
This course has 125 lessons divided into 11 chapters. The first two chapters deal with sentence parts and sentence construction. Object complements and subjective complements are introduced.
Chapters 3-9 focus on the parts of speech. Verbals, progressive and emphatic forms of verbs, intransitive verbs, restrictive clauses, conjunctive adverbs, and so forth, are introduced. Ample sentence diagraming practice is included.
Chapter 10 teaches concepts about capitalization and punctuation. Italics, single quotation marks, and ellipsis points are introduced. Chapter 11 deals with using numerous kinds of reference books, studying words, and studying word families.
Some of the new composition skills taught are guidelines for proof-reading, character sketches, and note taking. Paragraph construction, outlining, letter writing, and poetry are taught at deeper levels.

ENGLISH 7

12707.3 Pupil's Textbook $17.45
12727.3 Worksheets $2.95
12797.3 Teacher's Manual $23.95
12717.3 Test Booklet $1.95

Preparing for Usefulness
Grade 8
English 8 has 124 lessons divided into 11 chapters. The first two chapters deal with sentence elements and sentence structure. Objective complements, elliptical sentences, and compound-complex sentences are introduced.
Chapter 3 teaches concepts about capitalization and punctuation. Dashes, parentheses, and brackets are introduced.
Chapters 4 10 focus on the parts of speech. These chapters reinforce what has been taught in earlier grades and introduce retained objects, dangling participles, and relative adverbs. Problem words are discussed, and there is plenty of sentence diagraming.
Chapter 11 deals with using reference helps and the public library. Composition lessons introduce persuasive arguments and teach effective sentences, paragraph construction, proofreading, outlines, story writing and poetry at deeper levels. Over one-third of the book deals with composition.
A separate booklet of 42 worksheets is available for extra practice. The sheets may be copied as needed in teaching this English course. The test booklet includes chapter tests and a final test.

ENGLISH 8

12808.3 Pupil's Textbook $18.05
12828.3 Worksheets $2.95
12898.3 Teacher's Manual $23.95
12818.3 Test Booklet $1.95

Communicating Effectively
Grades 9 & 10
This Bible-based, advanced grammar and composition course consists of parallel texts called Book One and Book Two. Either book may be studied first, and Grades 9 and 10 can be combined for English class if desired. Both books review grammar concepts from Grade 8 and previous years, but each one deals with different kinds of composition.
New grammar concepts include retained objective complements, nominative absolutes, subjects of infinitives, moods of verbs, and idioms. Composition skills in Book One include lessons on listening and speaking, Bible study, outlining, argumentative essays, poetry, and letter writing. Composition lessons in Book Two teach study skills, expository essays, stories, descriptions, reference sources, and parliamentary procedure.
Interspersed throughout both books are lessons to improve writing, speaking, and editing skills. Writing and speaking lessons focus on style rather than content.

ENGLISH 9 & 10

12901.3 Book One Pupil $14.95
12991.3 Book One Teacher's Manual $18.95
12911.3 Book One Tests and Editing Sheets $2.55

12902.3 Book Two Pupil $14.95
12992.3 Book Two Teacher's Manual $18.95
12912.3 Book Two Tests and Editing Sheets $2.55

Rod & Staff English Handbook
2006 Revision
The revised English handbook contains important rules of grammar, usage, and composition. The revision is largely based on Grades 9 and 10 of the Building Christian English series. This improved edition includes writing, speaking, and editing skills; study skills; helps for producing effective compositions; and directions for using reference sources. A thumb index labels the main sectiions, and red text highlights the main points.
The uses of this handbook reach far beyond the school. This handy all-in-one English reference source is an excellent tool for writers and for those who wish to study English without the lesson exercises.
Paperback. 311 pages. More info
(The old English Handbook -- item 12828 -- is no longer available.)

REVISED ENGLISH HANDBOOK

12931.3 Revised English Handbook $15.00

English Worksheets
Grades 3-8

These worksheets are suitable as supplementary work for any or all grades from 3-8 and as remedial work for students above the fifth grade. In some multigrade classrooms, several grades have worked together with good success on exercises of this type.

The worksheets include three sets: The Eight Parts of Speech, The Sentence, and Punctuation and Capitalization. Rod & Staff recommends they be studied in this order. Each subject is presented in two levels of difficulty: Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8. The rate at which they are completed is not important. Some may complete one set of worksheets each year. Others may cover more or less.

Not all the material in the Building Christian English Series is covered in these worksheets, nor do they correspond lesson by lesson. They are not designed to be used in place of the textbooks. They provide drill in specific areas for those who desire it. Answer keys are available in the form of worksheets with answers filled in.

Notice: These worksheets were written to supplement the original English series, copyrights 1968 through 1985 or 1986. They do not correlate with Rod & Staff's present English textbooks.

ENGLISH WORKSHEETS

Pupil's 3-5

12913 The Eight Parts of Speech $3.50
12914 The Sentence $2.50
12915 Punctuation and Capitalization $1.85

Teacher's Editions 3-5

12993 The Eight Parts of Speech $4.30
12994 The Sentence $3.50
12995 Punctuation and Capitalization $2.80

Pupil's 6-8

12916 Parts of Speech $4.70
12917 The Sentence $3.85
12918 Punctuation and Capitalization $2.80

Teacher's Editions 6-8

12996 Parts of Speech $5.80
12997 The Sentence $4.90
12998 Punctuation and Capitalization $3.75

Just in case you wish to supplement the Rod & Staff language materials with additional language resources not found in the Rod & Staff catalog....

SchoolAid

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 1 -- Pupil's Workbook -- $4.00 -- 156 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 2 -- Pupil's Workbook -- $4.00 -- 174 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 2 -- Teacher's -- $7.00 -- 174 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 3 -- Pupil's Workbook -- $4.00 -- 206 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 3 -- Teacher's -- $7.00 -- 206 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 4 -- Pupil's Workbook -- $4.00 -- 170 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 4 -- Teacher's -- $7.00 -- 174 pages. Paperback.

Grade 4 Practice Sheets -- $1.80 -- set of 68

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 5 -- Pupil's Workbook -- $5.00 -- 234 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 6 -- Pupil's Workbook -- $5.00 -- 248 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 5 & 6 -- Teacher's -- $15.00 -- 331 pages. Hardcover.

Grade 5 Practice Sheets -- $3.20 -- set of 70

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 7 -- Pupil's Workbook -- $6.50 -- 278 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 8 -- Pupil's Workbook -- $6.50 -- 286 pages. Paperback.

Climbing to Good English -- Grade 7 & 8 -- Teacher's -- $15.00 -- 390 pages. Hardcover.

Grade 7 Practice Sheets -- $4.25 -- set of 70

Grade 8 Practice Sheets -- $4.25 -- set of 70

Click here for more information about this series.

Also, if you wish to supplement the Rod & Staff language materials with additional writing and composition resources not found in the Rod & Staff catalog....

Christian Light Publications

On Teaching Writing -- $9.00: Jennifer Crider -- This book can help you teach writing effectively. Here are insights into the minds of young writers, encouragement and how-tos for teachers, what makes a good writing class, the four steps used by successful writers, suggestions for presenting written work, pointers for writing lessons, story starter ideas, and much more.
Secrets of Successful Writing -- $8.00: Dewitt H. Scott -- Christian writing is about communicating eternal truths--whether in books, articles, stories, or letters. Excellent Christian writing is priceless.
The Two R's of Poetry -- $3.00: Lucy A. Martin -- Can an ordinary mortal learn to write poetry? This poetry primer covers two basic building blocks of poetry: rhythm and rhyme. This booklet was written on the premise that one should first master the simple rules. The easy-to-follow teaching, examples, and exercises, will help its readers gain greater appreciation for poetry, grasp a better understanding of poetry mechanics, and craft better poetry themselves. 24 pages. Paperback.

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