ST. Justin Preschool Curriculum Overview

Spiritual Development

• to learn about God’s love for them
• to develop natural curiosity and wonder about God and the world
• to shape attitudes of love and respect for self and others
• to learn prayer and songs

Social Development

• to be responsible for behavior, classroom materials and school routine
• to learn how to share
• to participate in group activities
• to begin to develop relationships with others

Cognitive Development

• to develop listening and speaking skills related to self expression
• to utilize play to order, generalize, and interpret experiences
• to utilize thinking skills and process information
• to begin to understand symbolic relationship between written and spoken forms of communication
• to develop the basic math concept of number patterns
• to be exposed to the concept of proceeding from concrete to the representational to the abstract

Emotional Development

• to develop a positive self image
• to relate to others in group situations
• to develop self help skills
• to utilize quiet and reflective moments

Physical Development

• to utilize activities to develop gross motor skills
• to utilize activities to develop fine motor skills
• to employ these skills in cooperative outdoor play
• to promote the development of coordination through specific activities

Kindergarten Curriculum Overview

Handwriting

Zaner-Bloser’s vertical manuscript alphabet improves letter recognition and supports reading development because it is the same alphabet children see outside the classroom, every day. The program is presented with an easy, step-by-step process for teaching and learning good handwriting.

Math

The program your child will follow this year is designed to help children learn a wide range of mathematical concepts and insures knowledge of basic arithmetic skills. The children become actively involved with concrete materials and make many discoveries using pattern blocks, snap-cubes, collections of buttons, seeds and other “hands on” manipulatives. Over the school year, the children will work with sorting, geometry, patterns, positions, numbers to 100, tables/graphs, fractions, addition/subtraction, money, time and measurements. The goal of our math program is to help students learn to think mathematically.

Reading/Literature/Written and Oral Language

Reading Street is a comprehensive reading-language arts program. It contains and correlates reading, handwriting, auditory and oral language skills for the child who does not know how to read and write. It produces a high degree of involvement and motivation, so vital for success at this early stage of learning.

The center of the reading program in our classroom is children’s literature itself. Children are immersed in the literature daily. Poetry and stories are introduced several times a day.

Big Books: The children make many big books modeled after books read to them in class. Some books are individually made, others are class made books.

Religion

Our text is divided into 5 units:

• Unit 1: God’s love creates the universe;
• Unit 2: God’s love makes me who I am;
• Unit 3: God’s love gives me people to love;
• Unit 4: God’s love gives me Jesus;
• Unit 5: God’s love teaches me to love.

Our “religion attitude or spirit” is practiced all day. We are taught to act the way Jesus taught us, in a kind and loving way.

Prayers that are taught in the class are:

• The Sign of the Cross
• The Our Father
• The Hail Mary
• The Glory Be
• The Angel of God

Kindergartners regularly attend school prayer services and liturgies.

Science

The children are given experiences involving observing, describing, and classifying. Topics covered include:

• Life Science (Animals and Plants)
• Earth Science (Land, Air, Water, Weather and Seasons)
• Physical Science (Objects Around Us and Investigating Water)

Social Studies

Our presentations and activities pertaining to holidays, learning about our school, our neighborhood, community and daily life, all emphasize cooperation.

Curriculum Overview of the First Grade Program

First graders develop at their own individual rates. The curriculum plans provide for a variety of skill and interest levels within the classroom. Children of this age learn by touching, feeling, manipulating, and talking about the environment around them. Our classroom has many books, math manipulatives and art supplies for the children to explore and use throughout the day.

Religion

Our textbook helps the children see how God is present in their own personal lives. It has a strong foundation in Scripture as well. We enter into the liturgical seasons of the year within our classroom by a variety of experiences, prayer and reflection. Once a month parents are invited to share in prayer and celebrate with us in our classroom as we learn about God, Jesus and His Family.

Math

Our Math program involves a lot of “hands on” activities. The goal is to develop insight into the patterns of mathematics through the use of concrete materials. The activities are designed to help children “see” number concepts and relationships. Students will make many discoveries using tiles, blocks, counters, unifix cubes, etc. They will work with patterning, sorting and classifying, probability. geometry, problem solving, measuring, and graphing. We use lots of activities from the Math Their Way program.

Beyond the daily Math class, math skills and concepts are integrated throughout the school day. Our work with the calendar investigates number, order, patterns, and place value. We count, estimate, graph and predict outcomes in a variety of classroom situations. Beginning in January, we will have timed Math facts tests (addition and subtraction to 12). In February, we will celebrate our 100th day of school! EXCEL Math is a supplement to our Math program. It reinforces the skills we learn daily in our Math text.

Reading and Writing

The heart of the reading program in our classroom is “children” literature itself. Children are immersed in literature daily. Poetry and song are introduced several times a day. At first we use a lot of predictable stories and books in which the illustrations “carry” the meaning. We model many stories and create our own classroom books. This is called “shared reading”. We will continue to do this throughout the year. By the end of September, classroom reading will be supplemented with daily small group instruction. In this “guided reading” the teacher calls together a small group of children. Every child has the reading text and together they develop and practice reading strategies. Part of the reading time is also spent in “independent reading” where the teacher and aide listen to individual children read and give help as needed. Leveled readers and simple book report writing begins in October.

The children have the opportunity to take home a classroom library book every evening. I encourage them to share the book with you in some manner, whether they read it to you, you read it to them or together you just look at the pictures. The books will be transported in their clear book bag. When the bag and the book are returned the child will be able to take another book home. SSR (silent sustained reading) takes place every afternoon. The children have 20 minutes to explore books within the classroom.

Spelling is taught daily via the phonics and reading text. We begin by reviewing the letter sounds introduced in Kindergarten and do much work with developing the children’s auditory discrimination skills. They learn to listen carefully to the words they wish to spell, and write the letters in sequence to the sounds they hear. We will have weekly spelling lists beginning the middle of September. A child’s spelling evolves in a fairly predictable pattern and you will see great progress as the year goes on. Sitton Spelling, a list of core words (30) is introduced in January. Through in class activities, the words are used and modeled in print. The students will be expected to spell these words correctly in all of their writings.

Our first graders have the opportunity to write everyday. In Writing Workshop (which takes place at least 2-3 times a week), they choose their own topics and write and share their stories. The whole class “writes” together the Daily News each morning, where the teacher explicitly models the writing process. Journal writing takes place daily starting in January. Class made books (books made by the whole class) are always on display and ENJOYED by all!

Handwriting is also taught daily. The formation of the letters is reviewed during spelling and phonic lessons as well.

Social Studies and Science

Many of the core concepts for first grade in these two curricular areas are presented and explored within the reading program. Many of the books we use lead us to learn quite a bit more about a variety of science and social studies topics. We will complete several “mini” units such as an introduction to the solar system, volcanoes, seed and plant growth, and weather. The Science text enables us to take a more direct and instructive approach to Science. We will also track some simple science experiments throughout the year, using the school science lab!

Computers

Twice a week, first grade visits the computer lab. Keyboarding is taught, along with some of the basic knowledge of computing. Computers in the classroom are used for exploration and for reinforcing skills taught throughout the curriculum.

Art and Music

Again both art and music are incorporated into the language arts program. We sing several times each day and listen to music frequently. Once a week, we will have a more formal music class with our music teacher. “Art Vista” is our school wide art program that offers us a more directive and instructive approach to art. “Art Vista” is led by classroom parent volunteers.

Second Grade Curriculum Overview

Religion (Blest Are We; Silver Burdett and Ginn)

Catholic religious concepts and traditions will be integrated throughout the curriculum. The school theme of “Living Our Faith” and the ABC’s of “Attitude, Behavior, and Choices” will guide our Faith Journey this year.

A major focus in second grade is assisting parents in preparing their children to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. A close collaboration between the pastor, principal, parish religious ministry coordinator, and the second grade teachers will be maintained. Supporting and celebrating the reception of the sacraments are important to the St. Justin Parish Community. Opportunities will be provided for families with children, in the Catechetical Ministry and Catholic School instructional programs, to interact and share sacramental preparation together. The two Sacramental books to be completed at home are Making Things Right and Called to His Supper. Benziger Family Life will be integrated throughout the year reaffirming we are made in the Image of God, and the roles of family and Church in the spiritual, academic, and physical development of students.

Language Arts

Step Up to Writing

Students will develop and refine their writing and speaking skills each day. An emphasis on paragraph and story writing will be taught throughout the year. Writing will also be integrated with other subjects, such as religion, reading, social studies, and science. Grammar will be taught and reviewed weekly. By the end of second grade the students will be able to

• write a complete sentence with correct punctuation
• write an eight sentence paragraph
• understand singular and plural nouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives
• recognize and use basic grammar mechanics of capitalization, punctuation, proper and common nouns, titles, and initials
• write a letter using correct form
• determine complete and simple subjects, complete and simple predicates

Phonics (Phonics: Level B; Modern Curriculum Press)

Phonics will be one of the tools we use to teach and develop decoding skills for reading. Each day phonics practice will be integrated with our reading instruction. Some areas in phonics the students will be able to identify and use include:

• initial, medial, and final consonants
• short and long vowels
• hard and soft consonants, blends, compounds
• contractions, prefixes, suffixes
• vowel pairs, digraphs, diphthongs
• synonyms, antonyms, homonyms

Reading (Reading Street; Scott Foresman)

The goals of reading are comprehension and fluency. Reading skills will be developed and practiced daily. In addition to our reading anthology and workbooks, the reading curriculum will be supplemented periodically with level books and chapter books. Finally, as part of the reading program, students will complete reading logs at home. Reading aloud facilitates fluency and 10-15 minutes a night will be assigned.

The goals for reading include the second graders will be able to:

• use phonetic skills and context clues to decode words
• expand comprehension of words, sentences, and stories by drawing conclusions, predicting outcomes, and sequencing story events
• preview reading material, using prior experience and knowledge to gain understanding of reading passages
• build and expand reading vocabulary
• use the table of contents and glossary of a book

Spelling (Sitton Spelling)

The Sitton Spelling program was adopted this year. It is a researched based program that utilizes High-Frequency Core Words and Priority Words to create the students’ spelling lists. Approximately 150 words will be introduced, practiced, tested, reviewed, and retested throughout the year. Each day there will be opportunities for word study and spelling strategies will be regularly reviewed. Spelling homework is assigned several times a week. This approach helps students remember spelling words in long term memory.

Handwriting (Zaner-Bloser, Manuscript and Cursive)

For the first half of the year, students will learn and practice the Zaner-Bloser manuscript letters. The students will be encouraged to master this manuscript alphabet. In January, the students will be introduced to lowercase and uppercase cursive letters. The students will practice cursive writing for the remainder of the year.

Math (Sadlier Mathematics and Excel maintenance)

Math skills will be developed and practiced each day. Additionally, each week the students will complete math homework sheets, which relate to the lesson learned in class. By the end of second grade, students will be able to:

• use basic addition and subtraction strategies, such as doubles facts, fact families, and number sentences
• add and subtract two-digit numbers with regrouping
• add and subtract three-digit numbers
• understand basic concepts of time and money
• understand place value to the hundreds, compare and order numbers to 1,000
• grasp concepts of basic measurement, weight, volume and temperature
• recognize two and three-dimensional shapes, make congruent and symmetrical figures
• identify basic fractions and understand probability
• perform basic multiplication and division

Social Studies (California Vistas, People and Places; Macmillan/McGraw-Hill)

The social studies curriculum will focus upon ordinary and extraordinary individuals who have made a difference in history. Map skills, basic concepts of government and simple economics will also be studied. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to read about current events and discuss them.

Science (Science; Harcourt School Publishers)

The students will develop and maintain essential science process skills throughout the year. The students will be asked to observe, compare, classify, gather and record data, measure, predict, infer, and draw conclusions. The second grade science content curriculum includes the study of how living things grow and change, exploring the Earth’s surface, and matter and motion.

3rd Grade Curriculum Overview

Math

In Math, students will build upon what they already know and further develop skills in the strands of Number Sense, Algebra and Functions, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics, Data Analysis and Probability, and Mathematical Reasoning. Students deepen their skill and understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers. They will use patterns to help solve problems, and students will commit to memory the multiplication facts (0-12) as well as their inverse relationship to division.

Reading/Literature/Written and Oral Language

Our Balanced Literacy Program offers students a comprehensive approach to reading. Students read and respond to a variety of literary genres, such as contemporary fiction, biography, informational articles, fantasy, folk tales, plays, interviews, historical fiction and narrative poetry. Students will compare and contrast stories and characters, form opinions, reach conclusions and examine cause and effect relationships based on the material they read. Development of vocabulary and spelling skills are key components of our program.
Students will write with clarity, description, sequence and organization, for a variety of purposes such as poetry, friendly letter, summary, exposition, autobiographical incident, book reports and journals, using both manuscript and cursive handwriting. Students will participate in all stages of the Writing Process: Prewriting, First Draft, Independent Revision, Peer Editing and Teacher Conference and the Final Draft. In addition, they will read and share their writing during Author’s Chair.

Religion

Each student will grow in his/her personal relationship with God. In Religion, students understanding of the Catholic Church will deepen in terms of Doctrine, Scripture, Worship and Christian Living. Students will experience the Church as a Christian Community. Students will explore God’s gift of family, self and life. Students will understand how making healthy choices in our lives brings us closer to Jesus as we strive to be more like Him.

Science

Students will learn and investigate our three main areas of Science, which include Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. They will study plant growth, different types of animals, endangered species and extinction, and ecosystems (Life Science). Students will learn about planet Earth. Students will take a look at how the Earth and Moon interact. They will learn what causes seasons. Students will learn about the Solar System and beyond (Earth Science). Students will study the properties of matter and changes they make. Students will learn about energy, light and color (Physical Science). Students will experience the Scientific Method.

Social Studies

In Social Studies, students will describe the major physical landforms of our nation. By using maps and photographs, they will be able to organize information about the people, places and environment in a spatial context. Students will compare and contrast Native American tribes of California. Students will analyze the relationship between the early settlers and the already established Native Americans. Students will understand how natural resources are used in farming, industry and transportation. Students will understand and identify our nation’s cherished symbols of liberty and will gain knowledge of our national holidays. Students will learn about the lives of important American heroes, such as Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

4th Grade Curriculum Overview

Literature/Written and Oral Language

We will use the text as the basis for our reading program. Students will come across new vocabulary and work towards using the words orally and in written sentences. Step-Up-To-Writing is used to organize and strengthen writing skills. We will review and discuss the story and focus on comprehension skills. Language arts skills are incorporated into the text and include figurative language, prefixes, suffixes, inference story mapping and dictionary skills. Students will learn to keep work organized in their copybooks.

Book reports will be part of the curriculum and students should always have a book to read for pleasure school and at home. There will be a variety of reports required during the year and will reflect different forms of literature as well as the current curriculum.

Math

Math skills grow tremendously in fourth grade. A strong computational base is needed, as well as an understanding of the reasons and processes of math. Skill sets taught and reinforced include the following: place value, mastery of multiplication facts, 3 digits by 2 digit multiplication and division (with remainders, addition, subtraction and reducing of fraction, geometry (lines, angles), addition and subtraction of decimals, percentage, estimation and rounding of numbers. Word problems are incorporated into each skill set to develop higher level thinking and enhance math strategies.

Religion

The focus of the fourth grade program is morality, using the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes as the basis for God’s plan. Through sacred scriptures the students come to now and love God as a loving, merciful, forgiving Father and se Jesus as the example of Christian life. Activities center on trust, friendship, respect, self-esteem, decision-making and kindness.

Science

Science uses a hand-on approach, which incorporates scientific methods and investigations. Students will compare, question, record, draw conclusions, and interpret results. Content areas include animal growth and adaptations, plant growth, biomes, changes to Earth’s surface, rocks and minerals and physical properties of matter. Students use copybooks to take notes, summarize lessons, and chart or graph ideas. It is also used as a study guide for quizzes, assessments, and projects.

Social Studies

Social Studies focuses on the study of California. Students will study the geography and history of our state, beginning with the Native Americans and ending with statehood and growth in present day California. Students will attend a variety of field trips that correspond to units we studied. (Ohlone Indians, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Columbia State Park/Gold Rush). Students use copybooks to take notes, summarize lessons, and chart or graph ideas. It is also used as a study guide for quizzes, assessments, and projects.

Spelling

This program is all about words for reading, writing, speaking, thinking and spelling. It is a comprehensive curriculum that contains phonics, vocabulary, usage, literature and writing. It is an integrated communications approach. Students will be presented with a variety of activities to enhance their overall language skills.

5th Grade Curriculum Overview

Fifth grade is a wonderful year full of new learning opportunities.

Math

In math, students will practice skills using whole-number concepts and computations; estimation; patterns and sequences; fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers; properties of operations; percents and square roots. Throughout the year, the students will make mathematical, real-world connections.

Reading/Literature

In reading, the students will read from a variety of chapter books, such as Crash by Jerry Spinally, and Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech, as well as study from our anthology book.

Religion

In religion, the students will learn that the sacraments are the center of our whole liturgical life, which nourishes and strengthens us…In other words; we participate in God’s own life through the sacraments. All students are expected to be prepared with their religion text, a composition book for notes, and a pencil or pen in class everyday. There will be homework assignments and a test at the end of each chapter. The late work policy for this class is the same as the rest of the 5th grade.

Science

In science, students will study units on plants, weather, matter, Earth and its recourses, and the human body.

Social Studies

Social studies will bring to life famous people, major events, changes in ways of travel, communication and the principles that made America great. The student will be exposed to an overview of the life of our country from its conception to the present. The student will also take a look at the history of one of our 50 states and complete a state report.

Written and Oral Language

In grammar, the students will practice the proper use of nouns, verbs, adjectives and pronouns. They will build sentences, and learn to use commas and apostrophes. Writing skills will be developed as the students plan, draft, revise and proofread paragraphs with topic, supporting and concluding sentences.

6th Grade Curriculum Overview

Reading/Literature

In 6th grade, we focus on higher-level comprehension skills, fluency in reading, character/plot analysis and response to literature. There are a variety of trade books we read throughout the year, in which the students strengthen these skills. We also use the Glencoe 6th Grade Literature Anthology to supplement each of the reading genres, i.e. short story, poetry, biography, etc.

Religion

6th grade religion focuses on the Old Testament and how it relates to the works of Jesus Christ. Students are required to memorize the prayers used commonly in the Catholic Faith. We use the Blessed Are We series, and supplement during the special seasons of the liturgical year.

Social Studies

We will begin the year with the students learning how to read their text and use resources to improve their reading for understanding skills. From there, we will investigate the development of the civilizations in the Middle East. We will follow this with an examination of the ancient civilizations of India, China, and the Americas. We will then discover the Ancient Greeks, the development of the Roman Empire and conclude with the Rise of Christianity.

Students will learn to take notes from the text in the outline format. We will work on our test preparation skills and initially take open text or open note tests. We will normally have homework, guided reading activities with each chapter. As we approach the third trimester students will begin to select, write about and share with the class
current events taken from their local newspaper.

Spelling

Rebecca Sitton’s approach to spelling is the primary way students strengthen their spelling habits. Students are expected to know the “Commonly Misspelled Words” for the 6th grade level.

Written and Oral Language

Students focus on Expository, Persuasive, Narrative and Research in English Class. The Step Up to Writing approach is used for each of these genres. There is a strong emphasis on grammar, as well as mechanics. Students will use the grammar text by Glencoe Language Arts.

7th Grade Curriculum Overview

Reading/Literature

Students will work on a wide range of genres including short stories, drama, nonfiction, poetry and novels. Throughout the seventh grade year students will read six books. All of the books that we read will require the students do a project as their culminating part of their work. We will also do some of the book projects as group work such as literature circles. We will start the year with a biopoem, and then do a seasonal poem and assorted poems from the text. From there, we will do an American Poetry Odyssey using poetry circles and conclude with a project that ties the unit together. We will do several research papers dealing with such subjects as Dr. Martin Luther King, Famous African Americans, Notable Women and Cesar Chavez along with other topics. These are all research papers that require the use of the Internet and the library for information on the various topics. In conjunction with this, students will learn how to do bibliographies (works cited) and end note/footnotes. Students will also do an interview of one of their grandparents and write an essay based on the interview of one of their favorite people. Throughout the year, students will do presentations where the students learn the skills necessary to speak in a public forum either individually or with a group on the various essays, book and poetry projects. We will also read the play “A Christmas Carole” during advent. At the end of the year, students will do an essay final to begin the preparation for high school.

Religion

The instructional focus of 7^th grade religion is The Life of Jesus. We use Benziger’s The Life of Jesus. Students learn about Jesus’ life, beginning with his nativity and ending with his resurrection. They learn about the idea of parables as well as their meanings. They learn how to apply crucial sayings of Jesus such as the Our Father and the Beatitudes to their lives. They learn to appreciate Jesus’ life and his sacrifice for us.

In addition to studying Jesus’ life, students are exposed to many Church teachings throughout the year. Students learn of all the sacraments and their origins. They also learn how to apply the teachings of Jesus to the real world. They learn the value of personal morality as well as Catholic Social Teaching.

In addition to the Life of Jesus and faith development, students are also exposed to Catholic family and morality teaching through Benziger’s Family Life. This enables them to live out their Catholic values outside the classroom and in their future. At St. Justin, we enable students to live out their faith, and this book shows students how to use their faith to guide their values in the future.

Social Studies

The students will begin their investigation into world history with a look at the links to the ancient world. Students will continue their travels through the ancient world by exploring the growth of Islam and the rise of the empires in sub-Saharan Africa. The students will also investigate an African country and present their finding to the class. As students delve into Asian civilizations they will learn about the feudal society in Japan and compare it with feudal Europe as they study Medieval societies. The students will work in groups to complete a Chinese cultural investigation. From there, the seventh grade will traverse the Renaissance, Reformation and the Age of Exploration. We will then cross the Atlantic and look at the early civilizations so the Americas. We will finish the year with a look at European rule and expansion, culminating with the Enlightenment

Written and Oral Language

Students will focus on a variety of writing genres, including:

1. Fictional narrative
2. Autobiographical narrative
3. Persuasive
4. Expository

Writing will be taught through the implementation of the “Step Up to Writing” program. Grammar and the conventions of English will be a focus throughout the year, as well.

All students are expected to bring their text and composition book with them to class everyday.

8th Grade Curriculum Overview

Reading/Literature

In 8th grade Language Arts, we expose students to a variety of readings while students perform a variety of writing tasks. We read several passages from our textbook California Treasures. These include short fiction pieces, nonfiction essays, and poetry. Students are encouraged to develop their reading skills to analyze elements of plot, character and theme. This enables them to read future works analytically and thoughtfully. We also supplement textbooks with various novels.

Religion

The instructional focus of 8th grade religion is Church History. We use Benziger’s The Story of Our Church. Students learn the history of the Church to see the Church as the body of Christ guided by the Holy Spirit. We begin with Christ’s resurrection and end the year with Vatican II. They are also assigned to read about several saints and learn their vital contribution to the Church.

In the middle of the year, students take the ACRE religion test. This enables the school to assess what the students are learning and where areas of growth exist. Students prepare for this exam, which allows them to learn about their faith.

In addition to Church History and faith development, students are also exposed to Catholic family and morality teaching through Benziger’s Family Life. This enables them to live out their Catholic values outside the classroom and in their future. At St. Justin, we enable students to live out their faith, and this book shows students how to use their faith to guide their values in the future.

Social Studies

The students will build a solid foundation in U. S. history from the initial colonization through the beginning of the Twentieth century. We will focus on colonization and the reasons for the differences in the individual colonies. Students will then investigate the formation of the Constitution and how it relates to similar documents from other countries. We will, then, move into the establishment of the nation and the development of its various regions. Students will then investigate the causes of the Civil War, the Civil War itself, and its aftermath. We will finish the year with a look at America’s transformation into a world power as she emerges into the Twentieth Century. Each unit will include an investigation into the important geographic features of our country and the role these geographical features played in the formation of the nation. We will investigate the treatment of Native Americans throughout the course of American history. We will finish the year with a study of the environment and consider the differences between conservation and preservation included in an investigation of some of our national parks and monuments.

Spelling

We also use Sitton’s Spelling program. This program is based on the idea that there are words we use on a regular basis. Rather than assign words that people rarely use in speaking or writing, the program assigns we use regularly and it repeatedly assesses students on those words. As a result, students learn to spell correctly in their everyday writing. In other words, this program helps students become better writers.

Written and Oral Language

In writing, students are assigned work in a variety of formats. These include narratives, essays, and research papers. They are given rubrics and taught how to analyze works of writing. This enables them to use critical thinking skills and write analytically in high school. Our grammar book also helps students improve their writing through grammar exercises.