Grades 1 - 8
Introduction FAQ Grade One Grade Two Grade Three
Grade Four Grade Five Grade Six Grade Seven Grade Eight
Individualized Program for Early Learning to Grade 8
For those of you who are familiar with our service or, for that matter, people who are looking at our catalogue for the first time, you might be wondering, "Why don't you just simply tell us what we will do in each grade?"
The simple answer is, "We just don't operate that way!" A better answer, however, is that our service has always been about listening to parents, helping them develop a course of study that best fits their child's needs, and then, if required, further assisting them by offering a monitoring service. In other words, we don't have a canned curriculum. If you run your cursor further down this page you will find a "scope and sequence" for each grade. Of course, this does not fit every child or every family and therefore should not be consider "cast in stone" when it comes time to set up your program during our telephone interview
Rather than think in "grades" we instead want to encourage you to think of learning as a lifelong endeavour; one that, to be sure, requires certain skills to make it a profitable and enjoyable experience. This is why parents should begin early to read to their children, talk to them, play, expose them to beautiful art and music, explore God's creation, and generally provide a safe, nurturing environment that promotes a love of God, family, neighbour, and learning.
Sometime around age five or six, however, most children are ready to begin some sort of formal education experience. This may include reading instruction and practise, penmanship, copybook work, grammar, oral narration, memorisation, recitation, and an introduction to Bible, history, science, art, and music. While helping you get a handle on the academic skills in the early years is the primary goal of our service, it has been our experience that character, discipline, and scheduling issues do more to derail a positive homeschooling environment than anything else. To this end we will also help you in this area to insure that you get off to a good start.
Through the "middle elementary" years we will continue to advise you to further master previously learned skills, adding deeper study and appreciation of literature, second language (especially Latin), written narration and dictation, critical thinking skills, and encouragement to get involved in voluntary service.
The "middle school" years bring its own special joys and struggles. In many areas students will continue steadily in their spiritual, academic, and social development. In others some sort of remedial work may be necessary to get essential skills "up to speed". This will also be the time when some sort of study of logic will begin. Overall we are looking to see if the child's reading, writing, and thinking skills are ready for high school. One aspect of a child's development that is often overlooked amongst home educators is oral communication skill. We will suggest how this might best be accomplished.
So...enjoy browsing the following links, but, again, keep in mind that this is merely a suggested listing of topics to be covered. Your program may look quite different.
How do I enroll?
We require that parents complete a Family Profile Questionnaire for each child they wish to enroll. If you've just received a catalogue, there should be a copy inside, or you can download one here. Send the completed questionnaires to us along with a sample of your child's written work (where applicable) and a $25.00 non-refundable deposit for first-time enrollees. When we receive your information, we will contact you by phone to schedule a consultation.
What happens during the consultation?
The telephone interview can be from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the number of children and the complexity of questions asked. Essentially the interview will use the questionnaire and other information gathered during the time on the phone to suggest a tentative course of study, explanation of the materials, and general suggestions for implementation.
What happens after the consultation?
You will be sent a pending invoice in order to verify the materials you will need to purchase to implement the program. We ask that you get back to us within one week to finalize your invoice. Your personalized binder, which includes specific guidelines, a one week sample schedule, planning pages, etc., will then be compiled, along with any materials you need and mailed to you as soon as possible. (Please allow 4 to 6 weeks) Material costs will vary, but it is best to plan for $300.00 - $600.00 per child each year. We try to use non-consumable material in our programs which reduces the cost considerably for younger children coming along.
What is the difference between the monitored and unmonitored programs?
Essentially you get exactly the same service outlined in the previous two sections with the exception that families enrolled in our monitored program will complete an evaluation and send in requested samples of work three times per year. These packages will be reviewed by our staff and returned along with an anecdotal report of your child's progress as well as suggested answers to questions you may have raised on your evaluation form.
Can I have my child monitored for one subject only?
Yes, some families don't require help in setting up a program of studies for their child, but wish to have some feedback on progress in a special area, usually written work. The procedure for enrollment is the same as previously outlined. The cost is $95 per course and this provides for up to ten written submissions per school year.
How do I make payment?
Payment can be made by cheque, money order, or credit card. (Visa and Mastercard). We require that all materials be paid prior to shipping but tuition costs can be spread over three payments. Make sure you ask to have a payment plan set up for your tuition
Children will learn to read using a phonics approach. When reading is well underway, they will begin working through a series of readers and corresponding workbooks which test for comprehension and give instruction in vocabulary, phonics, and sight words. Handwriting practice is included and Journal/Copy Book opportunities are explored.
The incremental approach is used in Mathematics, covering a variety of topics including: skip counting, comparing and ordering numbers, sorting, patterning, problem solving, number facts, time, measurement and more. Manipulatives are utilised for visual understanding of the concepts taught. Worksheets review all areas of study.
Appreciation of Classical Music and Western Art begins using a variety of resource materials such as cassettes, large art prints, and colouring.
Bible study, with a Bible storybook or a survey of the Old Testament, is begun if this option is desired.
French is taught using cassette tapes that focus primarily on basic vocabulary skills such as days of the week, numbers, parts of the body and commonly used phrases.
The study of History is accomplished with read aloud selections followed by narration. The main focus is on pioneer life.
Development of observation skills is essential to prepare children for the formal study of Science. Students will therefore begin a Science Discovery Notebook by sketching and identifying what they see in the natural world.
Tree of Life also provides read aloud selections, a private reading list, and suggested poems and passages of Scripture for memorising.
Students will continue in the reading series with workbooks, phonics instruction, and handwriting practice. An introduction to creative writing and grammar instruction further enhances the child’s knowledge and language experience. The Journal/Copy Book serves as a vehicle for practice of these newly acquired skills.
Review of Math concepts learned last year and the introduction of new ones such as perimeter, area, addition and subtraction of two digit numbers, fractions, symmetry, and multiplication provide a solid foundation for every student in year two.
Art and Music Appreciation remains focused on the idea of exposure to a wide variety of artists/musicians and their work.
For students who began one of our Bible courses in year one, these studies are extended through the second year.
The next level of French language study continues to use an oral approach with tapes and text with English translation.
Students will explore concepts in Geography using a combination of text, colouring book, and tapes.
Observation of nature and the Science Discovery Notebook remain the key focus of Science study.
Tree of Life continues to provide read aloud selections, a private reading list, and suggested poems and passages of Scripture for memorising.
Grammar concepts are taught within the context of dictation/copy lessons from great literature. This leads to creative writing opportunities and is further reinforced through journal writing. Readers and workbooks continue to be used with the main emphasis on comprehension and vocabulary development. Cursive or Joined Italic handwriting is introduced.
New concepts in Math are: higher level problem solving, multiplication and division facts, adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers, integers, adding and subtracting fractions and some basic geometry.
The study of Greek and Latin begins with a program which introduces the student to 100 Greek and Latin roots and their English derivatives.
Art and Music Appreciation continue using tapes and art prints, complimented by biographical readings.If desired students will complete the final portion of the Bible survey focusing on the New Testament.
The next level of French language study continues to employ an oral approach using tapes and text with English translation.
History for this year is divided into two sections. Students begin with a detailed study of Ancient Egypt using a wide variety of materials. The year concludes with a look at either Canadian or US history highlighting events of the Colonial period. If students have not already begun a timeline, they will do so this year using A Point in Time. (See page 39)
Students continue in their study of nature, extending exploration into areas such as stars, rocks, minerals, and the Earth’s atmosphere.
Tree of Life continues to provide read aloud selections, a private reading list, and suggested poems and passages of Scripture for memorising.
Students continue in the study of the English language following the same methodology as that done in year three. Novel studies play a more prominent role this year.
The study of Mathematics becomes more independent on the part of the student and teaches the concepts of computation, problem solving, patterns, measurement, geometry, fractions, decimals, statistics and probability.
Students begin a study of the lives of selected composers and their work in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Art Appreciation concentrates on Byzantine and Renaissance art.
The Seven Laws of Perspective are learned and practiced in a self-directed study.
There are several Bible study options available.
A formal study of Latin as a language is begun this year. French is continued with placement based on level of competency.
Old World history with a detailed look at Ancient Greece is done this year. Students begin to focus on note-taking, with continued practice in listening skills and narration.
Depending on student and/or family preference, students may continue to develop their Science Discovery Notebook or may begin a textbook science study.
Tree of Life continues to provide read aloud selections, private reading list, and suggested poems and passages of Scripture for memorising. Regular correspondence and volunteer service opportunities are encouraged beginning this year.
Students continue in the study of the English language following the same methodology as that done in year four. Novel studies are again a part of this year’s emphasis and they will develop and deliver an oral presentation.
The Incremental approach is continued with a review of previously learned concepts. New material includes percent, integers, and problem solving strategies. If appropriate, students will work through a Building Thinking Skills course.
The study of "Beautiful Music" moves into the Classical period while the Impressionists are the focus of this year’s Art Appreciation. Students also continue with practice in the Seven Laws of Perspective.
Latin and French are continued as appropriate to the development of the student’s skills.Bible study considerations will depend on the student’s previous experiences in this area.
Students will complete an in-depth study of Ancient Rome and choose between a History of Canada or the United States around the Civil War period.
Depending on student and/or family preference, students may continue to develop their Science Discovery Notebook or may begin a textbook science study.
Tree of Life continues to provide read aloud selections, a private reading list, and suggested poems and passages of Scripture for memorising. Correspondence, volunteer service, and development of a timeline remain objectives for this year.
Vocabulary building from classical roots is introduced this year. A focus on creative writing and novel studies constitute the bulk of the program. However, students continue progress in the reader series and grammar skills. Concepts, procedures and vocabulary that students will need to be successful in upper level algebra and geometry are introduced and practiced. Exponents, square roots, formulas, and more detailed work with integers are just some of the new work covered.
The focus of this year’s music appreciation is the Early Romantic period. The Post Impressionists are studied in art with a continuation of the Seven Laws of Perspective.
Students will begin a three year survey of the Bible.Students conclude their three year introductory study of Latin.
Grammatical structure, vocabulary and written practice make up this year’s French studies. Choices are dependent on the student’s development and experience.
History studies continue into the Middle Ages for a portion of the year. Students will then take a look at US history or Canadian history.
A textbook approach is used for the area of Science. Tree of Life continues to provide read aloud selections, a private reading list, and suggested poems and passages of Scripture for memorising. Correspondence, volunteer service, and development of a timeline remain objectives for this year.
The final reader, combined with study of vocabulary and grammar, novel studies, speech writing, and a creative writing course make up the Language Arts component of the program.
This year’s Math course acts as a transition program for students who are not yet ready to begin pre-algebra. For those who show a high level of competency, pre-algebra may be taken.
Music Appreciation continues with the study of composers of the Late Romantic period. Art Appreciation focuses on Modern Art with a review of previously studied schools.
The Bible survey continues to the end of the Old Testament.A review of Latin grammar, or an introduction to Greek are options for this school year.
Written French with an emphasis on grammatical structures and vocabulary is continued.
A study of The Renaissance and Reformation makes up a portion of the year. Other selections will be made according to the student’s previous experience.
A textbook approach is used for Science.
Tree of Life continues to provide read aloud selections, a private reading list, and suggested poems and passages of Scripture for memorising. Correspondence, volunteer service, and development of a timeline remain objectives for this year.
Other options for this level include Sign Language, Building Thinking Skills and Typing.
Our Research and Composition course forms the core of year 8 Language Arts. Other components include vocabulary and grammar as well as novel studies.
If not begun in year 7, students will begin pre-algebra. Upon completion of this course students will be well versed in the following areas: fractions, decimals, integers, operations, order of operations, percent, ratio, equations, and geometric and measurement concepts.
The study of 20th century composers concludes the survey of Classical music.Canadian or American artists are the focus of this year’s Art studies.
Both Latin and Greek are options for Classical Language study.
Students will conclude their three year Bible survey with a look at the New Testament.
Options for History will depend on previous courses covered. Some possible topics may be World or Church History.
A textbook approach is used for Science.
Tree of Life continues to provide read aloud selections, a private reading list, and suggested poems and passages of Scripture for memorising. Correspondence, volunteer service, and development of a timeline remain objectives for this year. Other options are also available for this year.
