Discontinued Language Arts Curriculum
Free Extra Resources
For more free downloads, visit the FAQs, Helps, and Extras page for each subject and level.
Videos
How to use the Geography and Grammar Cards
How to Complete Spelling Dictation
Level 4
I am teaching multiple children. What is needed for each child?
Each child will need his or her own course book and Spelling & Writing Workshops. The World Biographies Reader and Level 4 Personal Reader can be shared.
When is my child ready to begin the Level 4 course?
A child is ready for Level 4 Language Arts when he or she reaches fourth grade age and is able to pass the placement test reading passage included in the Language Arts Placement Test. Please see our Placement Test for additional placement suggestions and details.
What resources should I add to enhance this course?
The Spelling Rules Flashcards were previously recommended as a handy resource to help your children learn and memorize spelling rules. We now have a brand-new, completely FREE online Simply Spelling course that we highly recommend to go with any of our language arts courses for grades 4–8.
Gluten- and Dairy-Free Gnocchi Recipe for Lesson 17
Ingredients
2 cups potatoes
1 cup tapioca flour
1 cup almond flour (could substitute oat flour)
1 egg
1. Peel potatoes, cut into large chunks, and boil in heavily salted water until soft. Remove from water and drain. Smash potatoes with a fork or potato masher.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk egg.
3. Add 1 cup tapioca flour, 3/4 cup of almond flour, and 2 cups of mashed potato to the bowl. Mix together. If the dough is too sticky, add more almond flour, 1 Tablespoon at a time (up to 1/4 cup).
4. When the dough comes together into a ball, knead it for 3 minutes. Then, divide the dough into 6–8 smaller balls. Roll each ball out into a long, snake-like roll no more than 1/2-inch thick.
5. Cut the snake into 1 inch long pieces.
6. Boil the pieces in salted water for 3–4 minutes.
Level 5
I am teaching multiple children. What is needed for each child?
Each child will need his or her own course book and Watercolor Around the World set. The correlated reading books and the Geography & Grammar Cards can be shared. The Geography & Grammar Cards are nonconsumable and are used for levels 5–7 language arts.
What resources should I add to enhance this course?
The Spelling Rules Flashcards were previously recommended as a handy resource to help your children learn and memorize spelling rules. We now have a brand-new, completely FREE online Simply Spelling course that we highly recommend to go with any of our language arts courses for grades 4–8.
I can't find the Gabriel and the Hour Book audiobook on the app. Is it still available?
We will continue to provide the audiobook, Gabriel and the Hour Book, on our Homeschool app through at least May 2027. When you navigate to Language Arts on the app, scroll down to the bottom until you see "Resources for Discontinued Courses."
Which watercolors do I need?
You will need a set of quality pan watercolors (not tube watercolors) with at least 24 colors including basic colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black). Although we do not have specific suggestions, this set is one that our customers have found to be a great option:
Watercolors on Amazon
You will also need Watercolor paper.
Are the books required to complete the course?
All of the books in the Book Set are integrated into the course and required. The only book we still sell is The Clockmaker's Son, available on our current Level 5 Language Arts course page. There is a fifth book that is available as an audiobook only on our Homeschool app that will continue to be available on the app through May 2027. The other books can be purchased used.
Unit 1: Chico of the Andes
Unit 2: Gabriel and the Hour Book (audiobook only)
Unit 3: Marjorie
Units 4 and 5: The Clockmaker’s Son
Unit 6: Captured Words
How long will it take to complete the Level Five Course Book?
The course consists of 120 lessons divided into six units, three section reviews, and a course assessment. To complete the course in one average school year, the child should complete one lesson daily, four days a week. This allows for five weeks of vacation days and/or sick days in addition to normal school breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break.
Are the Geography & Grammar Cards still being used?
Yes, the course tells students when to practice the Geography & Grammar Cards. Our current Language Arts online component includes these Geography & Grammar Cards online.
Level 6
I am teaching multiple children. What items do we need?
Each child will need his or her own course book. The Level 6 Answer Key, Level 6 Reader, and Geography & Grammar Cards can be shared. The Grammar & Geography Cards are nonconsumable and are used for Levels 5–7 Language Arts Courses.
When is my child ready to begin the Level 6 course?
A child is ready for Level 6 Language Arts when he or she reaches sixth grade age and is able to pass the placement test reading passage included in the Language Arts Placement Test. Please see our Placement Test for additional placement suggestions and details.
When should my child start reading Little Lord Fauntleroy?
Your child will begin reading this book in Lesson 33.
Why is there no daily checklist for Level 6?
Each level is slightly different from the other levels in order to provide variety and to prevent boredom. In Level 6 there are less items for the student to do on a daily basis; however, a checklist is provided on the first page in your Level 6 Course Book.
Level 7
I am teaching multiple children. What items do we need?
Each child in your household will need his or her own course book and Daily Checklist. The Course Companion, Level 7 Reader, and Geography & Grammar Cards are non-consumable and can be shared. However, it may be helpful for each child to have his or her own set of Geography & Grammar Cards.
When is my child ready to begin the Level 7 course?
A child is ready for Level 7 Language Arts when he or she reaches seventh grade age and is able to pass the placement test reading passage included in the Language Arts Placement Test. Please see our Placement Test for additional placement suggestions and details.
My child completed Level 7, is he or she really ready for High School Language Arts levels?
Yes, your child is now ready for our High School Language Arts levels. However, you may want your child to complete our Level 8 Book Studies before starting high school courses for some of the following reasons:
1. He or she finished Level 7 in the middle of a year and wants something to work on before starting high school in the upcoming school year.
2. He or she is not interested in eventually completing high school courses earlier than 12th grade.
3. He or she is not quite ready for more intense reading, or needs more review of principles before moving on to high school courses.
4. He or she is not old enough for books with more mature (but still appropriate) topics and some wholesome romance.
The Level 8 Book Studies are optional; students do not need to complete any Book Studies between Level 7 and high school. They do not teach any new grammar, punctuation, or usage principles. Rather, the Book Studies review principles learned through Level 7. However, the Book Studies include new literature, spelling words, memorization, geography, art, handwriting, and writing assignments.
Can I count Level 7 as high school credit?
The instruction in Level 7 is comparable to 9th grade work.
What do I do if my child has finished the Geography & Grammar cards?
Your child should review the completed cards once or twice a week to retain the information.