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LANGUAGE ARTSCURRICULUM DESIGN
The Secondary Tier
MICHAEL CLAY THOMPSON
rfwp.com Email: [email protected]
Tel: (845) 726-4444Fax: (845) 726-3824
Royal Fireworks PressPO Box 399First Avenue
Unionville, NY 10988
This implementation model appliesto the upper tier of the MCT curriculum,including The Word Within the Word,The Magic Lens, the 4Practice series,
and the top three poetry texts.
All MCT language arts textsare based on the belief
that students need challenging academics,and that academics are inherently thrilling.
Language artsis the core of all content.
If we can make students better at language arts,
it will help them in every class.
Grammar Town 1
Grammar TownMichael Clay Thompson
Art by Milton N. Kemnitz
ROYAL FIREWORKS PRESSROYAL FIREWORKS PRESSROYAL FIREWORKS PRESSROYAL FIREWORKS PRESSROYAL FIREWORKS PRESSGrammar Voyage 1
Michael Clay ThompsonArt by Milton N. Kemnitz
ROYAL FIREWORKS PRESS
Grammar Voyage
GRAMMAR
PRACTICE
POETICS
VOCABULARY
WRITING Coming soon.
What are the principles of a powerfulacademic program of language arts?
How do the MCT textsfit together?
What is the sequenceof instruction?
For teachers, school systems,and home-school parents who wish
to implement an MCT-based program,here are some fundamental principles
and strategies. They can bemodified for optimum fit.
Launch
grammar
first.
Academic writing depends upon a prior knowledge
of grammar concepts and standards.
Punctuation rules are grammar-intensive.
A four-level grammar launchmust precede the instruction
of academic writing.
All MCT texts usethe MCT 4-Level analysis strategy for comprehensivegrammar instruction.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
Start with grammar. It is the foundation for punctuation, writing, and vocabulary usage. Use the first section of the grammar book in the first quarter, and follow up with the Loops chapters, with application, and with the practice book throughout the year.
Use the language of grammar continuously in discussing vocabulary usage, punctuation, and writing.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
Start with grammar. It is the foundation for punctuation, writing, and vocabulary usage. Use the first section of the grammar book in the first quarter, and follow up with the Loops chapters, with application, and with the practice book throughout the year.
Use the language of grammar continuously in discussing vocabulary usage, punctuation, and writing.
Latin-based
Vocabulary.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
WWW is a Latin/Greek-based program for learning English vocabulary. It is designed for high challenge.
WWW provides a lesson for each week of the year. You can begin WWW in the same early weeks as Magic Lens, but as soon as possible, begin using the parts of speech to discuss correct word usage.
This vocabulary is a foundation for the advanced words in all subjects.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
WWW is a Latin/Greek-based program for learning English vocabulary. It is designed for high challenge.
WWW provides a lesson for each week of the year. You can begin WWW in the same early weeks as Magic Lens, but as soon as possible, begin using the parts of speech to discuss correct word usage.
This vocabulary is a foundation for the advanced words in all subjects.
Continuous
Four-Level
Practice.
The Magic Lens has a compactintroduction followed by Loop chaptersthat provide review and reinforcement.
This can be powerfully supplementedby the 4Practice text, which
gives teachers or parents 100 4-level sentences(three per week for a year)
for continuous reinforcement.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
The practice books are designed to be used flexiblyafter the lecture section of The Magic Lens is completed.
Each page gives a four-level analysis problem. The problems are organized into four 25-page sections, each section focusing on one of the four levels of grammar. Study in sequence or pick and choose.
The practice books also reinforce the vocabulary of the companion vocabulary book.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
The practice books are designed to be used flexiblyafter the lecture section of The Magic Lens is completed.
Each page gives a four-level analysis problem. The problems are organized into four 25-page sections, each section focusing on one of the four levels of grammar. Study in sequence or pick and choose.
The practice books also reinforce the vocabulary of the companion vocabulary book.
4-L
EV
EL
PR
AC
TIC
E
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
The practice books are designed to be used flexiblyafter the lecture section of The Magic Lens is completed.
Each page gives a four-level analysis problem. The problems are organized into four 25-page sections, each section focusing on one of the four levels of grammar. Study in sequence or pick and choose.
The practice books also reinforce the vocabulary of the companion vocabulary book.
4-L
EV
EL
PR
AC
TIC
E
The four-level analysesin the 4Practice series combine and
reinforce the grammar and vocabularycontents. Each grammar sentence contains
words or stems from The Word Within the Word.
A sample page from the teacher manual of
4Practice, Volume Two.
A sample page from the teacher manual of
4Practice, Volume Two.
Quarterly
MLA
papers.
Formal, standard, academic writingis the essential genre of writing
for all students who intend to advancethrough challenging high school classes
and on to college.
College papers are rarely submittedas journals or as short stories.
The formal, academic paperis too complex to master in one pass.
Students must be givenlayers of opportunity
to accumulate mastery.
A combination of quarterlymajor papers and more frequent
one-page MLA point papers--with formal essays on literature tests--
provides a continuous program.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
Advanced Academic Writing teaches students the elements of standard academic writing,using the MLA research model as the format preference.
Academic writing takes time and practice. Rather than doing one major term paper during the year, students get four: one major formal project per quarter term, giving them a chance to learn this complex skill in increments.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
Advanced Academic Writing teaches students the elements of standard academic writing,using the MLA research model as the format preference.
Academic writing takes time and practice. Rather than doing one major term paper during the year, students get four: one major formal project per quarter term, giving them a chance to learn this complex skill in increments.
Continuous,
rigorous
literature.
One or two classics per yearare not sufficient to change
students’ reading comprehension.
Low-vocabulary books or dumbed-down booksdo not create growth in comprehension.
A rigorous program of in-class and outside readingis required. The outside readingshould allow for student choiceof titles, guided by the teacher.
Students should be readingevery month of every year.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
Students should read an extensive list of classic works that are the common experience of educated individuals in the world.
The in-class titles are great books that are assigned, and that are evaluated with quizzes and essay tests.
The student should perceive most books as being hard to read, i.e., challenging.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
in-class
Students should read an extensive list of classic works that are the common experience of educated individuals in the world.
The in-class titles are great books that are assigned, and that are evaluated with quizzes and essay tests.
The student should perceive most books as being hard to read, i.e., challenging.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
in-class
We tend to assign everything, but students need choice. The outside classics are chosen by the student with guidance.
They are designed to double the reading quantity and to give students a reader’s--rather than a student’s--experience.
They are therefore best evaluated with amiable conversations, book talks.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
outside
in-class
We tend to assign everything, but students need choice. The outside classics are chosen by the student with guidance.
They are designed to double the reading quantity and to give students a reader’s--rather than a student’s--experience.
They are therefore best evaluated with amiable conversations, book talks.
In conjunction with the literature program,students can write MLA point papers,
one-page MLA mini-papers on points of literary interpretation.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
In addition to the four major papers assigned in Advanced Academic Writing, students can do MLA point papers--one page mini-MLA papers in response to the literature they are reading.
Essay-based literature tests can further expand the students’ experience with formal, standard English.
The guiding concept for students at this point is the realization of what a standard is, and that standards are real.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
In addition to the four major papers assigned in Advanced Academic Writing, students can do MLA point papers--one page mini-MLA papers in response to the literature they are reading.
Essay-based literature tests can further expand the students’ experience with formal, standard English.
The guiding concept for students at this point is the realization of what a standard is, and that standards are real.
Serious
poetics.
Poetic devices are commonin great prose, as in classic novels.
Poetic devices are also an important elementof all outstanding writing.
These elements are not learned from prose;they are learned from a serious study
of poetry and poetics.
Poetry is an academic training groundfor great reading and great writing.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
The poetry books can be woven into the assignment matrix as is convenient, with the proviso that student writing will benefit from an alert sense of sound.
Poetry is crucial core content because it is the training ground not only for itself but for advanced prose, and therefore for advanced reading and writing.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
PO
ET
RY
AN
D P
OET
ICS
The poetry books can be woven into the assignment matrix as is convenient, with the proviso that student writing will benefit from an alert sense of sound.
Poetry is crucial core content because it is the training ground not only for itself but for advanced prose, and therefore for advanced reading and writing.
CHART
REVIEW
MAY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
AUG
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
Start with grammar. It is the foundation for punctuation, writing, and vocabulary usage. Use the first section of the grammar book in the first quarter, and follow up with the Loops chapters, with application, and with the practice book throughout the year.
Use the language of grammar continuously in discussing vocabulary usage, punctuation, and writing.
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
WWW is a Latin/Greek-based program for learning English vocabulary. It is designed for high challenge.
WWW provides a lesson for each week of the year. You can begin WWW in the same early weeks as Magic Lens, but as soon as possible, begin using the parts of speech to discuss correct word usage.
This vocabulary is a foundation for the advanced words in all subjects.
APR
MAY
The practice books are designed to be used flexibly,after lecture section of The Magic Lens is completed.
Each page gives a four-level analysis problem. The problems are organized into four 25-page sections, each section focusing on one of the four levels of grammar. Study in sequence, or pick and choose.
The practice books also reinforce the vocabulary of the companion vocabulary book.
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
4-L
EV
EL
PR
AC
TIC
E
APR
MAY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
Advanced Academic Writing teaches students the elements of standard academic writing,using the MLA research model as the format preference.
Academic writing takes time and practice. Rather than doing one major term paper during the year, students get four: one major formal project per quarter term, giving them a chance to learn this complex skill in increments.
MAY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
in-class
Students should read an extensive list of classic works that are the common experience of educated individuals in the world.
The in-class titles are great books that are assigned, and that are evaluated with quizzes and essay tests.
The student should perceive most books as being hard to read, i.e., challenging.
APR
MAY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
outside
in-class
We tend to assign everything, but students need choice. The outside classics are chosen by the student with guidance.
They are designed to double the reading quantity and to give students a reader’s--rather than a student’s--experience.
They are therefore best evaluated with amiable conversations, book talks.
MAY
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3
MLA PAPER 4
In addition to the four major papers assigned in Advanced Academic Writing, students can do MLA point papers--one page mini-MLA papers in response to the literature they are reading.
Essay-based literature tests can further expand the students’ experience with formal, standard English.
The guiding concept for students at this point is the realization of what a standard is, and that standards are real.
APR
MAY
BOOK BOOKMLA PAPER 4
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
AUG
WEEK
LY V
OC
AB
ULA
RY
FOUR-LEVELGRAMMAR
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
BOOK
MLA PAPER 1
MLA PAPER 2
MLA PAPER 3 PO
ET
RY
AN
D P
OET
ICS
The poetry books can be woven into the assignment matrix as is convenient, with the proviso that student writing will benefit from an alert sense of sound.
Poetry is crucial core content because it is the training ground not only for itself but for advanced prose, and therefore for advanced reading and writing.
SUMMARY
Launch grammar first.
Latin-based Vocabulary
Academic Writing
Academic Poetics
Rigorous Literature.Email: [email protected]
Tel: (845) 726-4444Fax: (845) 726-3824
Royal Fireworks PressPO Box 399First Avenue
Unionville, NY 10988
BUY ONLINE
at RFWP.com
or by phone or fax
