Language Arts

Reading – Word Study / Vocabulary – Spelling – Grammar – Listening – Speaking – Writing

Bridgeway’s language arts programs are designed to build readers, writers and excellent communicators. Each complete program includes a study of literature, spelling and vocabulary, grammar, mechanics, reading skill and comprehension, and various forms of communication.

Because we work with a variety of different students, our language arts programs are tailored to individual academic needs and learning styles.

Parents who register for the gold or plantinum plan, may also select a language arts elective to complement the program. Possible selections include: Writing, Reading Comprehension, Daily Editing Practice, Building Thinking Skills, and Daily Language Review.

First Grade | Second Grade | Third Grade | Fourth Grade | Fifth Grade

Grade One

The following course descriptions are for your information only and can seem overwhelming.

Remember, your Academic Advisor will work with you to determine the best choice to meet the specific needs of your child.

First-graders approach reading and writing with comfort and ease as they experiment on their own. Students write their own creative stories, poems, and plays and participate in parent-directed writing lessons.

Although in some cases, a separate text is used, the spelling curriculum is integrated with each reading program. Students learn and use correct grammar, vocabulary, phonics and word study skills, and study skills for spelling and reading.

Your advisor will select between the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts ACE-This Biblically based, character-building program is designed for children who have demonstrated their reading readiness. This lively and entertaining phonetically based program features cartoon characters and includes songs, poems, displays and character-building activities.

Students begin reading words by the end of the fifth lesson and develop confidence in reading early in the program. Because they never encounter a word containing letters not yet mastered, students become enthusiastic and confident readers.

At the conclusion of the focused study of phonics, students move into the reader with development skills program, where they begin to encounter more complex consonant blends, digraphs, diphthongs, and basic grammar. The structure of the program makes this a smooth transition and by the end of the school year, students who have successfully completed the program are able to read chapter books as well as the Bible with success.

Click here to see a sample lesson from this course (sample will be in black and white).

Language Arts Horizons-This is a phonetically based reading program with a strong emphasis on comprehension and language arts skills. In this course, students begin to encounter consonant blends, vowel digraphs, diphthongs and other more challenging reading skills.

Alphabetical order, synonyms, antonyms and homonyms are introduced and students begin to develop writing skills through various writing projects. Students not yet reading should begin with the kindergarten level course before beginning this more intensive reading program.

Included in the program are penmanship and spelling and vocabulary.

Language Arts AOP-Grade 1 is a phonics based program that begins with the alphabet & short vowel sounds. As the student successfully completes each of ten workbooks, he or she masters the basics of reading.

The program also includes a set of 5 Readers, each of which includes 12 stories that are sure to delight your first grade student. Corresponding comprehension questions complement the program.

Click here to see a sample lesson from this course (sample will be in black and white)

Grade Two

Phonics and reading continue to be integral parts of the language arts experience.

Students also study basic grammar and mechanics such as punctuation, capitalization and parts of speech. Writing is an integral part of the curriculum in second grade; therefore, students learn to write both creatively and more formally. They will also take part in a focused study of four classic novels throughout the school year.

Your advisor will select between the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts ACE-A Biblically based mastery program that incorporates character-building principles into the skill-building lessons of reading, grammar, writing and mechanics, literature, spelling and vocabulary. Twelve colorful workbooks present material in an independent study, mastery-based format, and teacher guides present both enrichment and remedial exercises to enhance the program. A separate course in spelling and vocabulary increases students’ vocabulary bases and reinforces their confidence and capabilities in spelling.

Level two expands the students’ grasp of phonetic sounds and combinations and presents appropriate spelling rules and their exceptions by both statement and drill. This course begins with simple words and progresses through complex words, teaching the relationships between words and spelling patterns.

Click here to see a sample lesson from this course (sample will be in black and white).

Language Arts AOP-This Biblically based curriculum emphasizes the improvement of communication skills by integrating all language skills into a single learning sequence. This unique learning approach combines the study of these skills: reading comprehension, grammar, handwriting, composition, spelling, literature, speaking, and listening. The integrated approach combines drill and analysis of grammar with immediate application in composition exercises.

Grade 2 builds the foundation of writing sentences, including punctuation and how to use words.

Click here to see a sample lesson from this course (sample will be in black and white).

Language Horizons-A colorful program that requires more extensive teacher interaction and includes two student books and a teacher’s guide that provides careful guidance for each lesson. Ideal for the student who needs a variety of activities each day. Complete kit includes two student phonics and reading workbooks, two teacher’s guides, student readers, as well as penmanship, spelling and vocabulary texts.

Literature and Creative Writing-Literature & Creative Writing encourages students to visualize, use their imagination, and give creative responses to questions following one-page stories.

Instead of drudgery, reading suddenly becomes a true learning experience, and writing blossoms into a comfortable skill. To round out the program, each workbook provides practice in handwriting and speed reading.

Click here for a sample lesson from this course (the sample will be in black and white).

Grade Three

Instruction in language arts skills that were introduced in grade two are reviewed and expanded. Emphasis is placed on mastery of basic word attack skills, literal and inferential reading skills and the development of oral and written comprehension skills.

Writing is integrated throughout the curriculum with instruction both in directed and creative writing. Writing includes poems, journal entries, research reports, original stories, letters, invitations and thank you notes

Your advisor will select one of the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts DS3-This program includes four separate workbooks: Reading (focusing on reading skill), Grammar and Usage, Spelling and Phonics, and Vocabulary.

By separating the key components for language arts, students are instructed and challenged each day in reading comprehension and analysis, vocabulary, writing skills, grammar and usage, and spelling and phonics. Studies in vocabulary, grammar and phonics continue to provide the basis for strong writing skills.

Language Arts ACE-A Biblically based program that incorporates character-building principles into a careful study of grammar, mechanics, writing and literature. Twelve colorful workbooks present material in an independent study, mastery-based format.

Bridgeway parents also receive our specially developed teacher’s guides, which present both enrichment and remedial exercises to enhance the program, including a writing assignment for each unit and websites for additional practice and guidance.

Level three concentrates on verbal skills. The material covers types of sentences, parts of speech, confusing word pairs, and simple punctuation, while also emphasizing cursive writing. Students will expand their knowledge of poems and rhyming words, while also developing creative writing skills.

Click here for a sample lesson from this course (the sample will be in black and white).

Language Arts AOP-This Biblically based curriculum emphasizes the improvement of communication skills by integrating all language skills into a single learning sequence. This unique learning approach combines the study of these skills: reading comprehension, grammar, handwriting, composition, spelling, literature, speaking, and listening. The integrated approach combines drill and analysis of grammar with immediate application in composition exercises.

Grade 3 reviews previously learned skills while building new ones. The student will continue the study of root words & sentence building. He or she will also continue to develop reading skills, while also developing the skills of writing well.

Language Arts E3-A mastery-based program that presents the study of grammar, mechanics, reading and vocabulary in a step-by-step format. Ten workbooks present material in nondistracting black-and-white format and are ideal for the struggling or distractible student who needs material presented in smaller, more focused chunks.

Students may also receive our advanced vocabulary program, which reinforces the understanding of phonetic patterns while increasing knowledge in word study (parts of speech) and the use of effective language.

Literature and Creative Writing- Literature & Creative Writing provides more practice in critical thinking and writing. Special activities require choosing the best endings for stories, writing story titles, identifying rhyme in poetry, and learning the various genres and parts of books.

Students study character, setting, and plot as they read specific chapters in the two required resource books and they continue to develop speed reading and handwriting skills.

Click here for a sample lesson from this course (the sample will be in black and white).

Spelling and Vocabulary-Your advisor will work with you to choose between traditional spelling and vocabulary and our advanced vocabulary program. The traditional spelling program places its emphasis on recognition and use of correct spelling from a phonetic approach; the advanced vocabulary is designed to build higher-level vocabulary as well as critical-thinking skills.

Grade Four

Students study grammar and literature as well as effective writing. Punctuation, parts of speech, spelling and study skills are reinforced in writing assignments, which involve creative writing, exposition, explanatory, persuasive, narrative, letter writing and research writing.

Using novels as a tool, students also increase their knowledge of understanding the author’s purpose, character, plot and vocabulary development, drawing inferences, cause-and-effect relationships, sequential order, comprehension and fluency.

Your advisor will select one of the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts DS4-This program includes four separate workbooks: Reading (focusing on reading skill), Grammar and Usage, Spelling and Phonics, and Vocabulary.

By separating the key components for language arts, students are instructed and challenged each day in reading comprehension and analysis, vocabulary, writing skills, grammar and usage, and spelling and phonics. Studies in vocabulary, grammar and phonics continue to provide the basis for strong writing skills.

Language Arts ACE-A Biblically based program that incorporates character-building principles into a careful study of grammar, mechanics, writing and literature. Twelve colorful workbooks present material in an independent study, mastery-based format.

Bridgeway parents also receive our specially developed teacher’s guides, which present both enrichment and remedial exercises to enhance the program, including a writing assignment for each unit and websites for additional practice and guidance.

Level four covers three basic sentence types with an emphasis on usage and the writing process. The student studies nouns, verbs, and other parts of speech along with more confusing word pairs. The material touches on proper telephone manners and writing friendly and business letters.

Click here for a sample lesson from this course (the sample will be in black and white).

Language Arts AO4-This Biblically based curriculum emphasizes the improvement of communication skills by integrating all language skills into a single learning sequence. This unique learning approach combines the study of these skills: reading comprehension, grammar, handwriting, composition, spelling, literature, speaking, and listening. The integrated approach combines drill and analysis of grammar with immediate application in composition exercises.

Grade 4 continues the foundations of writing & develops excellence in communication & report writing skills. Grammar, word study, and fiction are also covered.

Click here for a sample lesson from this course (the sample will be in black and white).

Language Arts E4-A mastery-based program that presents the study of grammar, mechanics, reading and vocabulary in a step-by-step format. Ten workbooks present material in nondistracting black-and-white format and are ideal for the struggling or distractible student who needs material presented in smaller, more focused chunks.

Literature and Creative Writing-Literature & Creative Writing provides opportunities for students to use their imaginations, to learn dictionary skills, and to practice cursive handwriting. Creative answers are encouraged throughout the course and should be evaluated subjectively. Students learn to put critical thinking skills into action as they draw conclusions and examine ideas attributed to heroes and heroines in the required reading assignments.

Click here for a sample lesson from this course (the sample will be in black and white).

Vocabulary-Your advisor will work with you to determine the best vocabulary course for your child. Students may receive a phonics approach to spelling and vocabulary or our advanced vocabulary program, which reinforces the understanding of phonetic patterns while increasing knowledge in word study (parts of speech) and the use of effective language.

Grade Five

The primary objective of the fifth-grade language arts curriculum is to develop a love of the use of the written and spoken word, both in reading and writing. Confidence in speaking, the ability to listen and offer intelligent observations and the aptitude to discuss unfamiliar ideas intelligently are linked with the goal of higher-level thinking

Grammar in fifth grade builds upon the student’s fourth-grade experiences while strengthening the student’s overall ability to write, think and communicate effectively. Vocabulary development and spelling are reinforced throughout the school year.

Writing includes a study of sentences, paragraph writing, various forms of exposition and, by the end of the year, a formal research paper. Grammar is emphasized and integrated throughout the curriculum. Dictionary and thesaurus work in book and computer forms, contextual study and word analysis skills are all included in this process.

Your advisor will select one of the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:

Language Arts DS5-This program includes four separate workbooks: Reading (focusing on reading skill), Grammar and Usage, Spelling and Phonics, and Vocabulary.

By separating the key components for language arts, students are instructed and challenged each day in reading comprehension and analysis, vocabulary, writing skills, grammar and usage, and spelling and phonics. Studies in vocabulary, grammar and phonics continue to provide the basis for strong writing skills.

Language Arts A5-A Biblically based program that incorporates character-building principles into a careful study of grammar, mechanics, writing and literature. Twelve colorful workbooks present material in an independent study, mastery-based format.

Bridgeway parents also received our specially developed teacher guides, which present both enrichment and remedial exercises to enhance the program, including a writing assignment for each unit and websites for additional practice and guidance.

The fifth grade level includes exercises and review of capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure. The course covers the eight parts of speech more extensively in addition to synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, and heteronyms. The student learns sentence diagramming, agreement of subject and verb, conjugation, and sentence elements. Letter writing and dictionary work are also a part of this course.

Click here for a sample lesson from this course (the sample will be in black and white).

Language Arts AO5-This Biblically based curriculum emphasizes the improvement of communication skills by integrating all language skills into a single learning sequence. This unique learning approach combines the study of these skills: reading comprehension, grammar, handwriting, composition, spelling, literature, speaking, and listening. The integrated approach combines drill and analysis of grammar with immediate application in composition exercises.

Grade 5 focuses on understanding the elements of stores, written reports, poetry, word usage, and reading.

Click here for a sample lesson from this course (the sample will be in black and white).

Language Arts E5-A mastery-based program that presents the study of grammar, mechanics, reading and vocabulary in a step-by-step format. Ten workbooks present material in nondistracting black-and-white format and are ideal for the struggling or distractible student who needs material presented in smaller, more focused chunks.

Literature and Creative Writing-Literature & Creative Writing teaches students more about setting, characters, plot, and order and provides opportunities to paint word pictures with similes and metaphors. Students also explore anagrams, analogies, and alliteration, while practicing reading, observing carefully, and considering facts to find conclusions.

Click here for a sample lesson from this course (the sample will be in black and white).