When we learn a new subject, we must first learn its grammar, that is, the basic facts and rules that form its foundation. At Tall Oaks, we emphasize the grammar of each subject from kindergarten through fifth grade, a time when children, because of their stage of development, enjoy memorizing information in chants, songs and other repetitive activities. We teach spelling and reading with a strong phonics-based program that teaches the students why words are spelled the way they are. Our students learn to write by imitating good writing. They learn the foundations of mathematics, a basic chronology of history, English grammar, Latin, (beginning in third grade), and a survey of the Bible.
Grammar School Classical Curriculum
Kindergarten
Tall Oaks Classical Cursive Handwriting
Phonics using Spell To Write and Read
Saxon Math for Kindergarten
Reading Circle/Story time-Introduction to Children’s Literature
Bible Survey – Creation to Pentecost; Attributes of God
Memorization of Hymns, Poems, and Scripture
Hands-on-Science with songs and chants
Community Awareness
Art – reflecting weekly phonogram, Physical Education, and Chorus
1st Grade
Saxon Math for First Grade
God’s Plan – CSI
Science – Unit Studies in Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
Literature - based Reading Program
Phonics and Spelling using Spell to Write and Read
Tall Oaks Classical Cursive Handwriting
Shurley 1 English Grammar
Geography – Map Skills, Continents, Oceans, Delaware, and Australia
Art, Physical Education, Chorus, and Grammar of Music
Scripture Memory Program
2nd Grade
Saxon Math for Second Grade
Bible Survey – Genesis through Deuteronomy
Science – Unit studies in Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
Literature - based, in-class Reading Program
Phonics and Spelling using Spell to Write and Read
Tall Oaks Classical Cursive Handwriting
English/Composition – Shurley Grammar 2 and Excellence in Writing
History – Old Testament and Ancient Egypt, Map skills
Geography – Africa, US States and Capitals, Review of Continents
Art, Physical Education, Chorus, and Grammar of Music
Scripture and Catechism Memory Program
3rd Grade
Saxon Math for Third Grade
Bible Survey Joshua through 1 Kings 2 (death of David)
Science – Unit studies in Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
Literature - based Reading Program
Phonics and Spelling using Spell to Write and Read
Tall Oaks Classical Cursive Handwriting
English – Shurley Grammar 3
Composition – Excellence in Writing
History – New Testament Times, Ancient Greece and Rome
Geography – Asia and the Middle East, Map Skills
Latin 3 - Latin for Children, Book A
Art, Physical Education, Chorus, and Grammar of Music (Recorder)
Scripture and Catechism Memory Program
4th Grade
Saxon Math 6/5
Bible Survey 1 Kings 3 through Malachi
Science – Unit studies in Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry & Physics
Literature-based Reading Program
Phonetic Spelling using Spell to Write and Read
Tall Oaks Classical Cursive Handwriting
English – Shurley Grammar 4
Composition – Progymnasmata (Fable)
History – Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation
Geography – Europe & Eurasia
Latin 4 - Latin for Children, Book B
Art, Physical Education, Chorus, and Grammar of Music (Recorder)
Scripture and Catechism Memory Program
5th Grade
Saxon Math Course 1
Bible Survey the Gospels
Science – Unit studies in Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
Literature - based Reading Program
Phonetic Spelling using Spell to Write and Read
Tall Oaks Classical Cursive Handwriting
English- Shurley Grammar 6
Composition - Progymnasmata (Narrative)
History – Exploration, Settlement, and Colonization of Early America
Geography – US States and Capitals in depth, South and Central America
Latin 5 - Latin for Children, Book C
Art, Physical Education, Chorus, and Grammar of Music (Hand chimes)