Wondering what to teach when? While there isn’t one correct approach to teaching Language Arts, there is a logic progression of skills across these areas. For guidance, check out our LA Sequence, which lays out grade-by-grade learning objectives for each of the core subject areas. Note that if you use a curriculum, you will almost certainly find its Scope & Sequence to be somewhat different from the LA Sequence. However, most, if not all, of the material laid out herein will probably be covered at some point during the Elementary & Middle School years. Go to Language Arts Sequence →

Take the Sequence with a grain of salt. Keep in mind that the grade-by-grade skills outlined in the LA Sequence are based on (idealized) school standards. As homeschoolers, we have the luxury of deciding for ourselves when we want to start serious academic instruction in the Language Arts. If your first grader shows no interest in holding a pencil, writing a friendly letter, or learning proper punctuation, don’t worry about it. Any of these skills can be easily learned when your child is developmentally ready.

Don’t confine yourself to grade-level designations. The Sequence assumes a progression of skills from grade to grade, so if you’ve taken a relaxed approach and your third grader is just now learning to read, be sure to review the Reading skills listed for the earlier grades in order to get up to speed.

Make any curriculum work for you. Although you don’t need a curriculum to teach Language Arts, we do include recommendations for several high-quality programs across the LA pages. When choosing and using a curriculum, remember that your program is meant to work for you and should be adapted to fit the needs of your child.