The Heron Basics Spelling Program for grades 4 through 8 takes a thorough approach to teaching spelling. While learning, on an individually tailored basis, to spell a wide range of words, a student also learns the fundamental principles and rules of English spelling. Spelling vowel sounds, typically a troublesome area, is learned thoroughly and well. Then a student advances through guidelines and rules for adding prefixes, suffixes, and spelling contractions, compound words, plurals, possessives and commonly confused homonyms. Later he branches out into Greek and Latin word elements and derivations as keys to spelling “irregular” words taken from other languages. He also learns to proofread effectively and by the end can produce (without using a spellchecker) a five hundred word essay with few or no spelling errors.
Grammar is introduced and then firmly mastered to ensure that students fully understand correct punctuation and sentence structure. Thorough definitions of grammar terms ensure that students get a usable grasp of the mechanics of writing.
Weekly writing seminars teach students how to effectively convey their ideas on paper in a variety of different writing forms. The emphasis here is on excellent communication. Students are introduced to and then practice expository (a type of writing that is used to explain, describe, give information, or inform), narrative (story telling), persuasive and descriptive writing.
Through a lot of exposure to excellent writing, achieved through the reading program, and carefully tailored instruction in how to express oneself, students become good writers.
