English & Literature

“Dante and Shakespeare divide the world between them. There is no third.”
– T. S. Eliot

English mastery in reading, writing, and speaking is the mark of an educated person. But these multifaceted skills require many years to reach a high level. An essential component of superior English skills is the study of a classical language, so our Latin curriculum supports and enhances the English skills of our students. Students study English grammar and vocabulary in both English and Latin classes, beginning in 2nd Grade.

Another factor in the development of superior language skills is the study of good literature, which provides models of correct English and excellence in writing. The ear and eye are trained by constant exposure to good English usage. Students learn best by imitation.

Our classroom reading selections are carefully chosen to increase in reading difficulty each year. Books are read slowly and thoroughly in class, accompanied by our literature guides. Poetry is intense and requires careful, slow, and repeated reading. Poetry requires thought and is especially effective in developing comprehension and thinking skills. Students who are properly prepared can begin the study of Shakespeare in the 8th Grade.

We choose the very best literature and poetry for each age, works that model heroes, virtues, and high ideals. Our literature program does more than develop reading skills – it inspires students to love what is good and noble in life.

English grammar, usage, and composition are taught yearly in K-8.

On a more practical side, the development of a legible and attractive cursive hand is a high priority. Unless serious attention is given to penmanship in every grade and class, illegible, careless writing plague students and teachers alike throughout their school years.

Book List

Kindergarten
First Start Reading Books A-D
Scamp and Tramp
Fun in the Sun
Soft and White
First Grade
First Start Reading Book E
Little Bear
Frog and Toad are Friends
Caps for Sale
Make Way for Ducklings
Billy and Blaze
Blaze and the Forest Fire
The Story About Ping
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
Stone Soup
The Little House
Miss Rumphius
Second Grade
Prairie School
The Courage of Sarah Noble
Little House in the Big Woods
Animal Folk Tales of America
Tales from Beatrix Potter
Rod and Staff English 2
Third Grade
Farmer Boy
Charlotte’s Web
A Bear Called Paddington
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Poetry Selections
Writing Lessons in Structure and Style

Introduction to English Grammar
Fourth Grade
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Heidi
Lassie, Come Home
Poetry Selections
Classical Composition I: Fable

English Grammar Recitation I
Fifth Grade
Adam of the Road
Robin Hood
King Arthur

The Door in the Wall
Poetry Selections
Classical Composition II: Narrative

English Grammar Recitation II
Sixth Grade
The Bronze Bow
The Trojan War
Anne of Green Gables
The Hobbit

Classical Composition III: Chreia-Maxim
English Grammar Recitation III
Seventh Grade
Wind in the Willows
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
Poetry Selections
Classical Composition IV: Refutation-Confirmation
English Grammar Recitation IV
Eighth Grade
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Beowulf the Warrior
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

The Hound of the Baskervilles
Poetry Selections
Classical Composition V: Common Topic
English Grammar Recitation V