English Grade 4 Curriculum
Charlotte Mason Method Β· 36 Weeks Β· Ages 9β10
Β© Fostering Wonder
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This curriculum is designed to be simple and open-and-go. Each week has exactly four lessons. Lessons 1, 2, and 3 each use one book. Lesson 4 is always Dictation Day.
Weekly rhythm: - Lesson 1 β First book of the week - Lesson 2 β Second book of the week - Lesson 3 β Third book of the week - Lesson 4 β Dictation (no reading, no grammar β passage review and writing only)
The four lessons are intentionally left unattached to specific days of the week. Use them on whatever days work best for your family's schedule.
Each reading lesson includes: - What to read (exact chapter, passage, or poem) - A narration prompt - A grammar lesson tied to the week's text - A written narration note (when applicable)
In 4th Grade, the parent reads aloud as the primary method β but this is the year to begin gently preparing your child for independent reading. In 5th Grade, the Charlotte Mason method expects students to read their school books on their own. Starting that habit now, little by little, makes the transition natural.
A suggested approach: Once a week, choose one lesson and ask your child to read a paragraph or a page of the day's assigned reading on their own before you continue. After your child finishes their portion, ask them to narrate just what they read. Then you read the remainder of the passage aloud, and at the end your child narrates the rest β from where they stopped to where you finished. This gives them real practice reading and narrating independently, while keeping the lesson warm and supported.
There is no pressure to do this every lesson or every week. Follow your child's confidence and build gradually. The goal is simply that by the time 5th Grade begins, independent reading feels familiar β not foreign.
The narration prompts in this curriculum are suggestions only. They are meant to spark conversation about the passage being read β not to be followed word for word. If your child naturally begins talking about what they heard, you do not need to use the prompt at all. The goal of narration is simply for the child to tell back what they experienced in the reading, in their own words and in their own way. Any prompt that opens that door is the right one.
Written narration is the child's oral narration written out on paper. It is not a composition exercise β it is the same act of narrating, done in writing.
In 4th Grade, written narration is introduced gently: once per week, rotating across the three books (Lesson 1 book one week, Lesson 2 book the next, Lesson 3 book the week after, and so on). Students should write their narrations on separate paper or, preferably, in a notebook kept specifically for written narrations so they stay organized over the year. A notebook option I like for this is this one. Affiliate disclosure: This notebook link is an Amazon affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, Fostering Wonder may earn from qualifying purchases.
For beginners or students who need support: - Option A: The student begins narrating orally; the parent gently pauses them partway through and asks them to write the remainder. - Option B: The student writes for 5 minutes, then switches to oral narration for the remainder.
Important: The parent does not correct spelling or content during or immediately after a written narration. The goal is for the child to internalize what they heard and make it their own. If there are errors β a name misspelled, a detail confused β address them gently at the start of the next lesson that opens that same book. For example: "Last time we read this book, you told me about [event]. Let's remember together β what was the character's name?" Work together to recall and correct. Keep it warm and collaborative, never critical.
Copywork is a daily handwriting and language practice. Each lesson (Lessons 1, 2, and 3) includes a brief copywork moment β 5 to 10 minutes β where the student selects 1β2 sentences from the passage just read and copies them carefully in their best handwriting.
The parent points out the passage or invites the student to choose. The goal is not speed β it is careful, deliberate formation of letters, words, and punctuation. Over time, the student absorbs correct spelling, punctuation patterns, and sentence structure simply by copying beautiful language.
In 4th Grade, copywork passages are chosen by the parent from the lesson's reading. Look for sentences with strong verbs, vivid description, interesting punctuation (semicolons, dashes, dialogue), or particularly beautiful language. Avoid long or complicated passages β 1β2 sentences done well is always better than a paragraph done carelessly. Students should complete copywork on a separate sheet of paper, or preferably in a notebook kept specifically for copywork. I prefer using a dedicated copywork notebook such as this one. Affiliate disclosure: This notebook link is an Amazon affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, Fostering Wonder may earn from qualifying purchases.
Dictation in 4th Grade is a gentle introduction. Every week has one Dictation Day (Lesson 4). The passage rotates: one week it comes from the Lesson 1 book, the next from the Lesson 2 book, the next from the Lesson 3 book, then the cycle repeats.
Parent note: Always adjust the length of the dictation passage to your child's current ability. A shorter passage done well is far better than a long one done carelessly. As your child grows in confidence, the passages can grow too.
Dictation procedure: 1. During the week (before Lesson 4): Read the dictation passage aloud 2β3 times so the student becomes familiar with it β its rhythm, spelling patterns, and punctuation. 2. On Lesson 4: Read the passage aloud slowly, phrase by phrase. The student listens and writes what they hear, focusing on correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. 3. During writing: The parent watches as the student writes. If the student misspells a word, gently cover it with blue painter's tape as quickly as possible β do NOT wait until the student finishes. The goal is to prevent the incorrect spelling from being fixed in the child's visual memory. Then write the correct spelling on top of the tape.
Note: The student does NOT write from memory. The parent reads the passage aloud during the lesson, and the student transcribes what they hear.
Formal grammar lessons begin in 4th Grade. In this curriculum, grammar is tied directly to the books being read each week and appears in Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 only β two times per week. Lesson 3 (poetry) is kept free of grammar work so the focus there can remain on reading, narration, and memorization.
These grammar activities are meant to be short and clear, not heavy or overwhelming. They help the student begin naming and working with the parts and patterns of language in a direct way. Topics covered across the year include: nouns, verbs, plural nouns, plural possessives, prefixes, suffixes, root words (English roots only β the familiar base word inside longer words), complex alphabetizing, antonyms, synonyms, homonyms, compound words, and dialogue punctuation.
Students may complete grammar activities in their copywork notebooks, which is often a simple and organized way to keep the work together. They do not always have to write the answers out themselves if that is not helpful. For example, if the lesson asks the student to find five verbs from the story, the parent may simply write a heading such as "Verbs" in the notebook and write down the words the child finds.
The grammar exercises in this curriculum include an answer key for parents. Sample answers, worked examples, and explanations for every grammar noticing in this guide are found in the companion file:
English-Grade4-Answer-Key.pdf
This file is included in the full curriculum folder. Open it alongside this guide whenever you need support with a grammar exercise. Sample answers are meant as a guide β your child may find equally correct examples from the text.
All books in this curriculum carry strong academic credentials and are appropriate for educational purposes.
Grade 4:
Academic skills addressed: Reading fluency (oral) Β· Vocabulary acquisition through context Β· Oral narration Β· Written narration (introduced) Β· Dictation (introduced) Β· Grammar embedded in authentic texts Β· Literary analysis Β· Poetry appreciation and memorization Β· Mythology literacy Β· American literature
This curriculum is a teacher's guide. The lesson steps, narration prompts, grammar lessons, and dictation passages are all contained here. The actual stories and poems are read from the books listed below, which parents purchase separately.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links below are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Fostering Wonder may earn from qualifying purchases.
Grade 4:
Parent note: The copy used for this guide appears to be out of print. Any unabridged edition of these stories should work well.
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Part I β "A Giant, a Cow, and a Hero" (pages 1β7)
Vocabulary: Audhumla (the great cow at the beginning of the story), Ginnungagap (the vast empty space of the Norse beginning), majestic (grand and noble), marvellous (wonderfully surprising), torrent (a rushing stream of water), homage (special honor or respect)
Read aloud: pages 1β7.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): Write a narration telling this story from the beginning, and tell what you remember best about Bur and Odin. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Nouns: "A noun is a naming word. Find three nouns in today's reading. Now find one noun that names a being, one that names a place, and one that names a thing."
Lesson 2 β The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Open to: pages 7β11. Stop before the sentence "His schoolhouse..."
Vocabulary: visionary (given to strange imaginings or visions), imbibed (taken in or absorbed), apparitions (ghostly appearances), sojourned (stayed for a time), cognomen (a name or surname), lank (tall and thin)
Read aloud: pages 7β11, stopping before "His schoolhouse..."
Narration prompt: "Tell about Sleepy Hollow, and tell what kind of man Ichabod Crane seems to be."
Grammar β Nouns (continued): "Irving uses many vivid nouns in this story. Find three nouns from today's reading that helped paint a picture in your mind. What did each noun help you see more clearly?"
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Eagle"
Read aloud: "The Eagle" twice.
Narration prompt: "Tell what the eagle is doing, what the poet lets you see beneath him, and what happens in the last line."
Copywork: "He clasps the crag with crooked hands;"
Memorization: Begin learning "The Eagle." This is the first poem for memorization and recitation.
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"The head was more handsome than could be described, and a wonderful light beamed out of its clear blue eyes."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Part II β "Air Throne, the Dwarfs, and the Light Elves" (pages 8β14)
Vocabulary: JΓΆtunheim (the land of the giants), husbandman (a farmer), summons (a call to come), cowering (drawing back in fear), propensities (natural habits or tendencies), despatched (sent off quickly for a purpose)
Read aloud: pages 8β14.
Narration prompt: "Tell what happened in this reading, and tell what you remember about the strange creatures Odin ruled over."
Grammar β Verbs: "Every sentence needs a verb β an action word, or a word that shows a state of being. Find five verbs in today's passage. Which verbs feel especially strong or surprising?"
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Open to: pages 11β16. Begin with "His schoolhouse..." on page 11 and stop after the first sentence on page 16.
Vocabulary: ingeniously (in a clever or inventive way), chastisement (punishment or correction), convoy (to go with or lead safely), psalmody (the singing of psalms), pedagogue (a schoolmaster or teacher), itinerant (traveling from place to place)
Read aloud: pages 11β16, beginning with "His schoolhouse..." and stopping after the first sentence on page 16.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): Write a narration telling what kind of schoolmaster Ichabod was, and tell how he lived among the families of the neighborhood. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Verbs: "A verb is a word that shows action or a state of being. Irving uses lively verbs to show what Ichabod does. Find three action verbs in today's reading. What does each verb help you understand about the way Ichabod lived or behaved?"
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "Sweet and Low"
Read aloud: "Sweet and Low"
Narration prompt: "What is the speaker asking the wind to do, and what quiet pictures of rest and home do you hear in the poem?"
Copywork: "Over the rolling waters go,"
Memorization: Continue learning "The Eagle."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow):
"When school hours were over, he was even the companion and playmate of the larger boys."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Part III β "Niflheim" (pages 15β20)
Vocabulary: unwearied (never seeming to grow tired), progeny (children or offspring), vigilant (watchful and alert), smithy (a blacksmith's workshop), fathomless (too deep to measure), Niflheim (the dark, cold underworld)
Read aloud: pages 15β20.
Narration prompt: "Tell what happened when Odin went seeking wisdom, and tell what he saw when he looked into Niflheim."
Grammar β Plural Nouns: "When a noun names more than one thing, it becomes plural. Most plurals add -s or -es. Find five plural nouns in today's passage. Are there any that form their plural in an unusual way?"
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Open to: pages 16β21. Stop before "When he entered ..."
Vocabulary: coquette (a girl or woman who likes to attract admiration), caprices (sudden changes of mood or desire), impediments (things that get in the way), admirers (people who are very fond of someone), countenance (face or expression), dexterous (skillful and quick in movement)
Read aloud: pages 16β21, stopping before "When he entered ..."
Narration prompt: "Tell what Ichabod admired about Katrina and her home, and tell what hopes he began to form."
Grammar β Plural Nouns: "A plural noun names more than one person, place, or thing. Find five plural nouns in today's reading. Do any simply add -s or -es, and do any look unusual?"
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Owl"
Read aloud: "The Owl"
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): Write a narration telling what happens in this poem and what sounds, sights, and feelings make the scene seem quiet, watchful, and a little mysterious. See the Written Narration note.
Memorization: Continue learning "The Eagle."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Tennyson β "The Owl"):
"When cats run home and light is come,"
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Part IV β "The Children of Loki" (pages 21β24)
Vocabulary: JΓΆrmungand (the great serpent child of Loki), Helheim (the underworld home ruled by Hela), Giallar Horn (Heimdall's great horn), tractable (willing to be guided or controlled), ferocity (wild fierceness), tremulous (shaking or trembling slightly)
Read aloud: pages 21β24.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): Write a narration telling what Odin did with Loki's children, and tell about the guardian he met on the way back. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Plural Possessives: "We know how to make a noun plural (add -s). But what if we want to show that something belongs to a group? That is a plural possessive. 'The gods' hall' becomes 'the gods' hall' β the apostrophe comes after the s. Find a noun group in today's reading and practice making it a plural possessive."
Lesson 2 β The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Open to: Begin with the bottom sentence on page 21 and read through page 26, stopping before "I profess not ..."
Vocabulary: peerless (having no equal), caprices (sudden changes of mood or desire), adversaries (enemies or opponents), dexterous (skillful and quick in movement), endearments (words or actions showing affection), pliability (the ability to bend or yield)
Read aloud: begin with the bottom sentence on page 21 and read through page 26, stopping before "I profess not ..."
Narration prompt: "Tell who Brom Bones was, and tell how his rivalry made things harder for Ichabod."
Grammar β Plural Possessives: "A plural possessive shows that something belongs to more than one person or thing. For example, if the boys have games, we write the boys' games. Using nouns from today's reading, make two plural possessives β such as the suitors' hopes or the neighbors' admiration."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Flower"
Read aloud: "The Flower"
Narration prompt: "Tell what happens to the flower in this little fable and how the people's opinion of it changes as the poem goes on."
Copywork: "Once in a golden hour / I cast to earth a seed."
Memorization: Continue learning "The Eagle."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"He was a tall, white Van, with golden teeth, and a wonderful horn."
Parent note: The original sentence in the story names Heimdall, but the dictation line is slightly simplified here so the student does not have to remember and spell an unfamiliar Norse proper name during dictation.
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Part V β "BifrΓΆst, Urda, and the Norns" (pages 25β32)
Vocabulary: Asyniur (the goddesses of Asgard), Valhalla (the great hall where the gods gather), reproving (showing gentle blame or disapproval), meditative (quietly and deeply thoughtful), unmannerly (rude or not polite), daintily (lightly and gracefully)
Read aloud: pages 25β32.
Narration prompt: "Tell what happened when Odin returned to Asgard, and tell what the Γsir saw when they reached the fountain."
Grammar β Prefixes: "A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a root word that changes its meaning. For example: un- means not (unhappy = not happy). Look at the word un- in today's reading. Can you find any words with prefixes? What does the prefix change about the meaning?"
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Open to: Begin with the bottom sentence on page 26, "I profess not ..." and read through page 32, stopping before "As Ichabod jogged ..."
Vocabulary: wooed (courted or pursued in love), coquette (a girl or woman who likes to attract admiration), chivalry (brave and courteous behavior), preceptor (a teacher or instructor), indulgent (gentle or lenient), pliability (the quality of bending or yielding easily)
Read aloud: begin with the bottom sentence on page 26, "I profess not ..." and read through page 32, stopping before "As Ichabod jogged ..."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): Write a narration telling how Ichabod tried to win Katrina, and what hopes filled his mind on the way to the Van Tassel gathering. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Prefixes: "A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a word that changes its meaning. In today's reading, look for words that begin with a prefix such as un-. Find one or two examples β such as unworthy or undisputed β and tell how the prefix changes the meaning."
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Blackbird"
Read aloud: "The Blackbird"
Narration prompt: "Tell what the speaker notices about the blackbird and what warning he gives at the end of the poem."
Copywork: "A golden bill! the silver tongue,"
Memorization: Continue learning "The Eagle."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow):
"Brom Bones was the hero of the country round, broad-shouldered and bold, with short curly black hair."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Part VI β "OdhΓ¦rir" (pages 33β39)
Vocabulary: Odhærir (the wondrous mead made from Kvasir's blood), luminous (giving off light; glowing), intricate (very complicated or detailed), Ifing (the river that divides the giants from the gods), heedlessly (without care or attention), Skinfaxi (the shining horse that draws day across the sky)
Read aloud: pages 33β39.
Narration prompt: "Tell what the dwarfs did with Odhærir, and tell what happened when Suttung found them."
Grammar β Suffixes: "A suffix is a word part added to the end of a root word that changes its meaning or its role in a sentence. For example: -ful means full of (powerful = full of power); -less means without (fearless = without fear). Find two words with suffixes in today's reading. Name the root word and the suffix."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Open to: pages 32β37. Begin with "As Ichabod jogged ..." on page 32 and stop before "There was the story ..." on page 37.
Vocabulary: culinary (related to cooking or food), opulence (great richness or abundance), sumptuous (rich, splendid, and plentiful), antiquated (old-fashioned), hospitable (welcoming and generous to guests), marauding (roaming about to raid or plunder)
Read aloud: pages 32β37, beginning with "As Ichabod jogged ..." on page 32 and stopping before "There was the story ..." on page 37.
Narration prompt: "Tell what filled Ichabod's mind on the way to the gathering, and tell what the Van Tassel evening was like once he arrived."
Grammar β Suffixes: "A suffix is a word part added to the end of a root word that changes its meaning or job in the sentence. Find two words with suffixes in today's reading β for example, golden, woody, or thankful. Name the root word and the suffix, and tell what the suffix adds to the meaning."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Brook"
Read aloud: "The Brook"
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): Write a narration telling what the brook does as it moves through the countryside, and tell what line or picture from the poem stayed with you most. See the Written Narration note.
Copywork: "For men may come and men may go, / But I go on for ever."
Memorization: Begin learning "The Brook." This is the new poem for memorization and recitation for the rest of Term 1.
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Tennyson β "The Brook"):
"I chatter, chatter, as I flow / To join the brimming river."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Part VI β "OdhΓ¦rir" (pages 40β46)
Vocabulary: thralls (servants or slaves forced to do hard work), whetstone (a stone used to sharpen blades), clamour (a loud cry or noisy demand), Baugi (Suttung's brother, whom Odin visits), GunnlΓΆd (Suttung's daughter, who guards the mead), discordant (harsh and out of harmony)
Read aloud: pages 40β46.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): Write a narration telling how Odin got near the mead, and tell how OdhΓ¦rir was finally won for the gods and for men. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Root Words: "A root word is the core of a word β the base meaning before any prefix or suffix is added. For example: friend is the root of friendly, unfriendly, friendless. Look at the word journey β what root do you find at the heart of it? Find two more words in today's reading and identify their roots."
Lesson 2 β The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Open to: pages 37β42. Begin with "There was the story ..." on page 37 and read through page 42.
Vocabulary: heretical (holding beliefs considered false or contrary), sequestered (quietly set apart), marvellous (astonishing or extraordinary), invaluable (extremely valuable), chapfallen (downcast or discouraged), crestfallen (sad and disappointed)
Read aloud: pages 37β42, beginning with "There was the story ..." on page 37 and reading through page 42.
Narration prompt: "Tell the ghost stories and legends shared that night, and tell what happened when Ichabod finally left the gathering."
Grammar β Root Words: "A root word is the plain English word at the heart of a longer word. Find two words in today's reading with a familiar root inside them β for example, disbeliever = believe with dis- and -er, or overhanging = hang with over- and -ing. Name the root and what has been added to it."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Throstle"
Read aloud: "The Throstle"
Narration prompt: "Tell what the bird keeps singing, and tell how the poem makes summer feel as it draws near."
Copywork: "Light again, leaf again, life again, love again,"
Memorization: Continue learning "The Brook."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"Night is the time for new counsels; let each one reflect until the morrow."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story II β "How Thor Went to JΓΆtunheim," Part I: "From Asgard to Utgard" (pages 49β54)
Vocabulary: MjΓΆlnir (Thor's hammer), Asa (one of the gods of Asgard), Thialfi (the peasant's son who goes with Thor), cumbrous (heavy and awkward to move), obedience (doing what one is told), spacious (wide and roomy)
Read aloud: pages 49β54.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Thialfi came to travel with Thor, and tell what happened when the travelers met the giant."
Grammar β Complex Alphabetizing: "Put these words from today's reading in alphabetical order: starlit, startled, sternly, stooped, stretching. Since several begin with st, you will need to look beyond the second letter β and in one case even beyond the third."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Open to: pages 43β48. Read through page 48, stopping before "The next morning ..."
Vocabulary: recollection (memory), gnarled (knotted and twisted), scathed (damaged or injured), affrighted (frightened), pertinacious (stubbornly persistent), cranium (the skull or head)
Read aloud: pages 43β48, stopping before "The next morning ..."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): Write a narration telling what frightened Ichabod on the road, and tell exactly what happened in the chase at the bridge. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Complex Alphabetizing: "Put these words from today's reading in alphabetical order: bough, brambles, breeze, bridge, brook. Since all five begin with b, you must look at the second and third letters to place them correctly."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Oak"
Read aloud: "The Oak"
Narration prompt: "Tell how the oak changes through the seasons, and tell what kind of strength the poem gives to the tree by the end."
Copywork: "Look, he stands, / Trunk and bough, / Naked strength."
Memorization: Continue learning "The Brook."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow):
"The hair of the affrighted pedagogue rose upon his head with terror."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story II β "How Thor Went to JΓΆtunheim," Part I: "From Asgard to Utgard" (pages 55β59)
Vocabulary: Utgard (the stronghold city of the giants), mannikin (a very small person, used here as an insult), banqueting (used for a great feast or meal), despatch (to finish or deal with quickly), slender (thin and slight), conquered (defeated or overcome)
Read aloud: pages 55β59.
Narration prompt: "Tell what happened when Thor and his companions entered the city, and tell how the contests began in the giant king's hall."
Grammar β Antonyms: "An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. Find three opposite pairs suggested by today's reading β such as little/immense, fast/slow, or inside/outside β and tell where you see each contrast in the story."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Open to: pages 48β51. Begin with "The next morning ..." on page 48 and read through page 51.
Vocabulary: uneasiness (a troubled or worried feeling), diligent (careful and steady in effort), speculation (wondering or guessing about what happened), consigned (handed over or sent away), mortification (deep embarrassment or humiliation), superstitious (guided by fear or belief in omens or the supernatural)
Read aloud: pages 48β51, beginning with "The next morning ..." on page 48 and reading through page 51.
Narration prompt: "Tell what was discovered the next morning, and tell the different explanations people gave for what became of Ichabod."
Grammar β Antonyms: "An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. Find three antonym pairs suggested by today's reading β for example, alive/dead, close/distant, or found/lost. Tell where you see each contrast in the ending of the story."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Beggar Maid"
Read aloud: "The Beggar Maid"
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): Write a narration telling what happens when the beggar maid comes before the king, and tell how the poem describes her. See the Written Narration note.
Copywork: "She is more beautiful than day."
Memorization: Continue learning "The Brook."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Tennyson β "The Beggar Maid"):
"She is more beautiful than day."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story II β "How Thor Went to JΓΆtunheim," Part I: "From Asgard to Utgard" (pages 60β65)
Vocabulary: acquitted (performed or carried oneself in a certain way), valour (great courage), enchantments (magic spells or tricks), ravines (deep narrow valleys or gorges), prowess (great skill or strength), diminished (made smaller or less)
Read aloud: pages 60β65.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): Write a narration telling what the giant finally revealed to Thor, and tell what Thor learned from the journey. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Synonyms: "A synonym is a word that means nearly the same as another word. Find two words from today's reading β such as valour, mighty, or deceived β and give one or two synonyms for each. Then tell which synonym feels closest to the meaning in the story."
Lesson 2 β Rip Van Winkle Open to: pages 1β6. Begin at the opening of Rip Van Winkle and stop before "His children, too, ..." on page 6.
Vocabulary: invaluable (extremely valuable), antiquity (great age; a very old time), descendants (children and grandchildren of a family line), chivalrous (brave and courteous, especially in an old-fashioned noble way), assiduity (steady, careful effort), patrimonial (inherited from one's father or family)
Read aloud: pages 1β6, beginning at the start of Rip Van Winkle and stopping before "His children, too, ..." on page 6.
Narration prompt: "Tell what sort of place Rip Van Winkle lived in, and tell what kind of man he was."
Grammar β Synonyms: "A synonym is a word that means nearly the same as another word. Find two descriptive words from today's reading β for example, ancient or amiable β and give two synonyms for each. Then tell which synonym feels closest to Irving's meaning."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "Flower in the Crannied Wall"
Read aloud: "Flower in the Crannied Wall"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Tennyson does with the flower, and tell what bigger question the little flower makes him think about."
Copywork: "Little flowerβbut if I could understand / What you are, root and all, and all in all,"
Memorization: Continue learning "The Brook."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"In the same manner I deceived you about the contests in which you engaged last night."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story II β "How Thor Went to JΓΆtunheim," Part II: "The Serpent and the Kettle" (pages 66β69)
Vocabulary: Γgir (the Sea-King who gives the feast), dominions (lands or regions ruled by someone), mead-kettle (a great kettle used for serving drink), Hymir (the giant Thor goes to visit), roughly-hewn (cut or shaped in a rough way), surly (bad-tempered and unfriendly)
Read aloud: pages 66β69.
Narration prompt: "Tell why Thor and Tyr went to Hymir's dwelling, and tell what happened when Hymir came home."
Grammar β Homonyms: "Use these words from today's reading: sound and wave. First, tell what each word means in the story. Then write one new sentence for each word using a different meaning."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Rip Van Winkle Open to: pages 6β13. Begin with "His children, too ..." on page 6 and stop before "what seemed particularly ..." on page 13.
Vocabulary: matrimony (marriage), rubicund (reddish or rosy in color), solitudes (lonely or quiet places), precipice (a very steep cliff), amphitheatre (a rounded open space surrounded like a theater), incomprehensible (hard or impossible to understand)
Read aloud: pages 6β13, beginning with "His children, too ..." on page 6 and stopping before "what seemed particularly ..." on page 13.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): Write a narration telling what Rip's home life was like, and tell what happened when he went up into the mountains. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Homonyms: "Use these words from today's reading: train (page 6) and club (page 10). First, tell what each word means in the story where it appears. Then write one new sentence for each word using a different meaning."
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Poet's Song"
Read aloud: "The Poet's Song"
Narration prompt: "Tell what happens in the world around the poet as he sings, and tell what kind of future his song seems to describe."
Copywork: "And he sat him down in a lonely place, / And chanted a melody loud and sweet,"
Memorization: Continue learning "The Brook."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (Rip Van Winkle):
"He shrugged his shoulders, shook his head, cast up his eyes, but said nothing."
No new readings this week. This is a term celebration in the spirit of a Charlotte Mason end-of-term exam. In Lessons 1 and 2, choose one narration prompt. In Lesson 3, recite the two poems practiced this term to a family member.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Term Celebration β choose one narration prompt:
Lesson 2 β Washington Irving Term Celebration β choose one narration prompt:
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Term Celebration β Recitation
Lesson 4 β Dictation Term Celebration β choose one of this term's earlier dictation passages and attempt it again.
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story II β "How Thor Went to JΓΆtunheim," Part II: "The Serpent and the Kettle" (pages 70β75)
Recap: Before the term break, Thor and Tyr went to the giant Hymir's dwelling to borrow a mile-deep kettle for Γgir's feast. Hymir received them grudgingly, Thor ate an enormous supper, and the next morning Thor went out fishing with Hymir, using an ox's head for bait.
Vocabulary: venomous (full of poison), taunting (mocking in a mean or provoking way), sunder (to split or break apart), ponderous (very heavy), sagas (old heroic stories), petrified (turned to stone)
Read aloud: pages 70β75.
Narration prompt: "Tell what happened while Thor was fishing with Hymir, and tell how Thor finally won the kettle."
Grammar β Compound Words: "A compound word is made of two smaller words joined together β like sun + light = sunlight or fire + place = fireplace. Look at these compound words from today's reading: sun-burnt, cross-beam, forehead, and iceberg. Choose two and tell what two smaller words each one is made from."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Rip Van Winkle Open to: pages 13β18. Begin with "What seemed particularly ..." on page 13 and stop before "He now hurried ..." on page 18.
Recap: Rip Van Winkle is a kind but idle man from an old Dutch village. To escape his unhappy home life for a while, he wandered into the mountains, met a strange old man carrying a keg, served a silent company playing ninepins, drank from their flagon, and fell asleep there.
Vocabulary: melancholy (deeply sad or gloomy), apprehension (fear or anxious expectation), revelers (people enjoying noisy festivity), rheumatism (pain and stiffness in the joints), perplexed (confused and puzzled), forlorn (lonely and abandoned)
Read aloud: pages 13β18, beginning with "What seemed particularly ..." on page 13 and stopping before "He now hurried ..." on page 18.
Narration prompt: "Tell what Rip saw among the strange mountain company, and tell what happened after he woke and tried to return home."
Grammar β Proper Nouns: "Look at these proper nouns from today's reading: Dame Van Winkle (page 15), Wolf (page 15), Catskill Mountains (page 17), and Hudson (page 17). Choose three and tell what specific person, animal, or place each one names."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "I never saw a Moor"
Read aloud: "I never saw a Moor"
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): Write a narration telling what Emily Dickinson says she has never seen, and tell how she still feels sure about those unseen things. See the Written Narration note.
Memorization: Begin learning "I never saw a Moor."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Emily Dickinson β "I never saw a Moor"):
"Yet know I how the Heather looks / And what a Billow be."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story III β "Frey," Part I: "On Tiptoe in Air Throne" (pages 79β82)
Vocabulary: Alfheim (the home of the light elves), fragrance (a sweet smell), deftly (skillfully and neatly), restrain (to hold back), descry (to catch sight of far away), dazzling (extremely bright)
Read aloud: pages 79β82.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): Write a narration telling what life was like in Alfheim, and tell what happened when Frey climbed into Air Throne. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Dialogue Punctuation: "Find two lines of speech in today's reading. Read each one aloud and point to the quotation marks. Then tell what punctuation mark comes before the closing quotation mark in each one."
Lesson 2 β Rip Van Winkle Open to: pages 18β23. Begin with "He now hurried ..." on page 18 and stop before "Rip's story was ..." on page 23.
Vocabulary: incomprehensible (hard or impossible to understand), haranguing (speaking loudly and forcefully for a long time), austere (stern and severe), culprit (a person suspected of doing wrong), confounded (thoroughly confused), bewilderment (great confusion)
Read aloud: pages 18β23, beginning with "He now hurried ..." on page 18 and stopping before "Rip's story was ..." on page 23.
Narration prompt: "Tell what Rip found changed in the village, and tell how he finally learned what had happened to him."
Grammar β Dialogue Punctuation: "Find two lines of speech in today's reading. Read each one aloud and point to the quotation marks. Then tell what punctuation mark appears inside the closing quotation marks in each line."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "The Grass so little has to do"
Read aloud: "The Grass so little has to do"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Emily Dickinson notices about the grass, and tell what makes the poem feel light, playful, or beautiful to you."
Copywork: "And hold the sunshine in its lap / And bow to everything"
Memorization: Continue learning "I never saw a Moor."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"At length, one very clear summer evening, Frey could restrain his curiosity no longer."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story III β "Frey," Part II: "The Gift" (pages 83β86)
Vocabulary: thronging (crowding closely together), playfellow (a companion for play), recompense (payment or reward for service), enchanted (magic or under a spell), pettishly (in an annoyed, childish way), mission (an important task given to someone)
Read aloud: pages 83β86.
Narration prompt: "Tell why Frey grew sorrowful, and tell what Skirnir offered to do for him."
Grammar β Nouns (review + deepen): "We've studied nouns thoroughly this term. Today: find one common noun, one proper noun, one abstract noun (a noun naming an idea or feeling β like courage or sorrow), and one collective noun (a noun naming a group β like flock or council) in today's reading."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Rip Van Winkle Open to: pages 23β26. Begin with "Rip's story was ..." on page 23 and read through page 26.
Vocabulary: corroborated (confirmed as true), traditions (stories or beliefs handed down over time), urchins (rough or mischievous children), hereditary (passed down in a family), impunity (freedom from punishment or harm), resignation (quiet acceptance of something difficult)
Read aloud: pages 23β26, beginning with "Rip's story was ..." on page 23 and reading through page 26.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): Write a narration telling how the villagers decided what to believe about Rip's story, and tell what Rip's life became like afterward. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Action Verbs: "Use these action verbs from today's reading: stared (page 23), corroborated (page 24), returned (page 25), and shook (page 26). Tell what action each verb shows, and tell how it helps the scene feel more alive."
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "There is no Frigate like a Book"
Read aloud: "There is no Frigate like a Book"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Emily Dickinson compares a book to, and tell what the poem says books can do for a person."
Copywork: "There is no Frigate like a Book / To take us Lands away,"
Memorization: Continue learning "I never saw a Moor."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (Rip Van Winkle):
"Rip's story was soon told, for the whole twenty years had been to him but as one night."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story III β "Frey," Part III: "Fairest Gerda" (pages 87β92)
Vocabulary: murky (dark and gloomy), stealthily (quietly and secretly), banquet-hall (a large hall for feasting), maiden (a young unmarried woman), utter (complete and total), contrived (managed cleverly to bring about)
Read aloud: pages 87β92.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Skirnir reached Gerda and what he said to her, and tell how her answer changed before he left."
Grammar β Plural Possessives (review + deepen): "Review: a plural possessive shows ownership by a group. The gods' hall. The Norns' weaving. Find two plural possessives in today's reading, or create them from groups named in the chapter. Write each one out and explain why the apostrophe goes where it does."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter I β "I Set Off Upon My Journey to the House of Shaws" (pages 3β8)
Vocabulary: manse (the house where a minister lives), ford (a shallow place where people can cross a river), dominie (an old word for a schoolmaster), inheritance (money or property received from someone who has died), acceptance (willing receiving), heather (a low plant that grows across moors and hillsides)
Read aloud: Chapter I, pages 3β8.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Davie set out on his journey, and tell what Mr. Campbell said and gave him before they parted."
Grammar β Imagery: "Look at these two images from today's reading: \"the blackbirds were whistling in the garden lilacs\" (page 3) and \"the mist that hung around the valley in the time of the dawn was beginning to arise and die away\" (page 3). Which image helps you hear the scene, and which helps you see it? Tell how each one makes the opening feel more alive."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "A Bird came down the Walk"
Read aloud: "A Bird came down the Walk"
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): Write a narration telling what the bird does in the poem, and tell which picture in the poem stayed with you most. See the Written Narration note.
Memorization: Continue learning "I never saw a Moor."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Emily Dickinson β "A Bird came down the Walk"):
"And then he drank a Dew / From a convenient Grass"
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story III β "Frey," Part IV: "The Wood Barri" (pages 93β95)
Vocabulary: intervening (coming in between), musings (quiet, thoughtful reflections), commotion (a noisy stir or fuss), Draupnir (the magic ring carried in Frey's wedding procession), Vanir (the family of gods to which Frey belongs), RagnarΓΆk (the final great battle at the end of the old Norse world)
Read aloud: pages 93β95.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): Write a narration telling how Frey's wedding was prepared, and tell what happened on the wedding day. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Root Words (review + deepen): "Look at the word careless. The root word is care β a plain English word β and -less means without. So careless = without care. Find two words in today's reading that work the same way: a plain English root with a prefix or suffix attached. Name the root and the affix for each."
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter II β "I Come to My Journey's End" (pages 9β15)
Vocabulary: parish (the district served by a church), Grenadiers (soldiers in a special regiment), malignant (deeply angry and harmful), eldritch (strange and eerie), glimmer (a faint, unsteady light), blunderbuss (an old kind of short gun with a wide mouth)
Read aloud: Chapter II, pages 9β15.
Narration prompt: "Tell what Davie learned and felt as he drew near the House of Shaws, and tell what happened when he finally knocked at the door."
Grammar β Action Verbs: "Use these action verbs from today's reading: marching (page 9), pointed (page 11), spit (page 11), and knocked (page 14). Tell what action each verb shows, and tell how it helps the scene feel more alive."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "The Sky is low, the Clouds are mean"
Read aloud: "The Sky is low, the Clouds are mean"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Emily Dickinson notices about the sky, snow, and wind, and tell what mood the poem gives you."
Copywork: "The Sky is low, the Clouds are mean, / A Travelling Flake of Snow"
Memorization: Continue learning "I never saw a Moor."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"One day is long, and three days are very long."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story IV β "The Wanderings of Freyja," Part I: "The Necklace Brisingamen" (pages 99β104)
Vocabulary: Folkvang (Freyja's home in Asgard), Sessrymnir (Freyja's great hall in Folkvang), Svartheim (the underground land of the dwarfs), unawares (without knowing it), coronets (small crowns), wistfully (with quiet longing or sadness)
Read aloud: pages 99β104.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Freyja came to the dwarfs' cavern, and tell what happened after she carried the necklace home."
Grammar β Complex Alphabetizing (review): "Put these words from today's reading in alphabetical order: clear, clear-minded, climbed, cluster, curiosity. Since several begin with cl or cu, you will need to look beyond the second and third letters."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter III β "I Make Acquaintance of My Uncle" (pages 16β23)
Vocabulary: parritch (porridge), kinsfolk (family relations), pit-mirk (deep darkness), gaoler (jailer), miser (someone who hoards money and hates spending it), timidity (shyness or fearfulness)
Read aloud: Chapter III, pages 16β23.
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): Write a narration telling what Davie first thought of Uncle Ebenezer, and tell what happened from supper through the next morning. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Dialogue Punctuation: "Find two lines of speech in today's reading. Read each one aloud and point to the quotation marks. Then tell what punctuation mark appears inside the closing quotation marks in each line."
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "A Light exists in Spring"
Read aloud: "A Light exists in Spring"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Emily Dickinson notices about spring light, and tell what feeling seems to come and go in the poem."
Copywork: "A Light exists in Spring / Not present on the Year"
Memorization: Begin learning "A Light exists in Spring." This is the new poem for memorization and recitation for the rest of Term 2.
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (Kidnapped):
"The fire had burned up fairly bright, and showed me the barest room I think I ever put my eyes on."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story IV β "The Wanderings of Freyja," Part II: "Loki β The Iron Wood β A Boundless Waste" (pages 105β111)
Vocabulary: Odur (Freyja's lost husband), vaulted (arched high overhead), quarrelsome (often ready to argue or fight), Jarnvid (the Iron Wood at the edge of JΓΆtunheim), Vidar (the silent Asa who lives apart in the forest), brooded (hung heavily or darkly over something)
Read aloud: pages 105β111.
Narration prompt: "Tell where Freyja went in her search for Odur, and tell what happened when she sought help in the Iron Wood and from Vidar."
Grammar β Nouns and Verbs together: "Choose one sentence from today's reading. Identify every noun and every verb in that sentence. Then notice: how do the nouns and verbs work together to carry the meaning?"
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter IV β "I Run a Great Danger in the House of Shaws" (pages 24β32)
Vocabulary: chap-book (a small, cheap booklet), raillery (light teasing or mockery), bannisters (the railings at the side of stairs), aqua vitae (strong liquor or spirits), dirk (a dagger), necessaries (useful basic items)
Read aloud: Chapter IV, pages 24β32.
Narration prompt: "Tell why Davie began to suspect Uncle Ebenezer more deeply, and tell what happened when he was sent to the stair-tower and came back down."
Grammar β Proper Nouns: "Look at these proper nouns from today's reading: Patrick Walker (page 24), Alexander (page 25), Shaws (page 24), and Ebenezer (page 25). Choose three and tell whether each names a person or a place."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "The Railway Train"
Read aloud: "The Railway Train"
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): Write a narration telling how Emily Dickinson describes the train, and tell which comparison makes it feel most alive to you. See the Written Narration note.
Memorization: Continue learning "A Light exists in Spring."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Emily Dickinson β "The Railway Train"):
"And stop to feed itself at Tanksβ / And thenβprodigious step"
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story IV β "The Wanderings of Freyja," Part III: "The King of the Sea and His Daughters" (pages 112β114)
Vocabulary: Γgir (the old Sea-King), Vana (a goddess of the Vanir family), crimson (a deep rich red color), murmur (a soft low sound), spell-bound (so amazed or enchanted that one seems unable to move), exhausted (completely worn out)
Read aloud: pages 112β114.
Narration prompt: "Tell what Freyja heard from the waves, and tell what happened after the storm rose."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration rather than say it aloud. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Compound Words (review + deepen): "Find two compound words in today's reading. Break each one into its two smaller words, and tell how the combined meaning fits the passage."
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter V β "I Go to the Queen's Ferry" (pages 33β40)
Vocabulary: enmity (deep hatred or hostility), conceit (too high an opinion of oneself), treachery (betrayal or deceit), compass (to bring about or accomplish), abhorrence (strong disgust or hatred), covenant (a serious agreement; here, the name of the ship)
Read aloud: Chapter V, pages 33β40.
Narration prompt: "Tell what Davie decided about Uncle Ebenezer that morning, and tell what he learned and felt on the way to the Queen's Ferry."
Grammar β Dialogue Punctuation: "Find two lines of speech in today's reading. Read each one aloud and point to the quotation marks. Then tell what punctuation mark appears inside the closing quotation marks in each line."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "Summer Shower"
Read aloud: "Summer Shower"
Narration prompt: "Tell what happens in the shower, and tell which image in the poem makes the rain feel most lively to you."
Copywork: "A Drop fell on the Apple Tree, / Another on the Roof;"
Memorization: Continue learning "A Light exists in Spring."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"At last she came to the wide sea-coast, and there everything was gloriously beautiful."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story V β "IdΕ«na's Apples," Part I: "Reflections in the Water" (pages 117β121)
Vocabulary: IdΕ«na (the keeper of the golden apples in Asgard), Bragi (IdΕ«na's husband, known for his songs and stories), Gladsheim (the hall of the gods in Asgard), decay (to grow old or begin to spoil), vigorous (strong and full of energy), peculiar (strange or unusual)
Read aloud: pages 117β121.
Narration prompt: "Tell what IdΕ«na's grove was like, and tell what strange thing she began to notice by the water."
Grammar β Plural Possessives (review): "Find two examples of possession in today's reading β one singular possessive and one plural possessive. Write each out and explain the apostrophe placement."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter VI β "What Befell at the Queen's Ferry" (pages 41β45)
Vocabulary: self-possessed (calm and in control of oneself), gliff (a quick look or glimpse), harried (worn down by repeated attacks or trouble), anchorage (a place where ships may anchor), bulwarks (the protective sides of a ship), mischief (harmful or troublesome intent)
Read aloud: Chapter VI, pages 41β45.
Narration prompt: "Tell what Davie learned at the inn about Ebenezer and the Shaws, and tell what happened once he trusted Captain Hoseason and went aboard the ship."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Nouns (abstract nouns): "Use these abstract nouns from today's reading: good fortune (page 43), authority (page 44), and mischief (page 45). Tell what each noun names β not a thing you can touch, but an idea, feeling, or quality β and tell what it adds to the scene."
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "The Waking Year"
Read aloud: "The Waking Year"
Narration prompt: "Tell what signs of spring Emily Dickinson notices, and tell what in the poem makes the season feel as if it is waking up."
Copywork: "The tidy Breezes with their Brooms / Sweep Valeβand Hillβand Tree!"
Memorization: Continue learning "A Light exists in Spring."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (Kidnapped):
"Parent selects a memorable 2-sentence passage from this week's reading of Kidnapped. Read it aloud to the student 2β3 times across the week, then proceed with dictation on Lesson 4."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story V β "IdΕ«na's Apples," Part II: "The Winged-Giant" (pages 122β127)
Vocabulary: HΕnir (one of the Γsir who travels with Odin and Loki), Thiassi (the giant who appears as the great eagle), comporting (behaving), contemptuous (showing scorn or disrespect), crestfallen (downcast and ashamed), fatigue (great tiredness)
Read aloud: pages 122β127.
Narration prompt: "Tell what Loki did while the Γsir rested, and tell what happened when the great eagle came to the feast."
Grammar β Homonyms (review + new): "Use these words from today's reading: watch and fly. First, tell what each word means in the story. Then write one new sentence for each word using a different meaning."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter VII β "I Go to Sea in the Brig 'Covenant' of Dysart" (pages 47β54)
Vocabulary: confounded (thoroughly confused), remorse (deep regret for a wrong), uproar (great noise and confusion), derision (mocking scorn), forecastle (the front living area of a ship for sailors), variorum (a mixed and changeable condition or life)
Read aloud: Chapter VII, pages 47β54.
Narration prompt: "Tell what happened to Davie after he awoke aboard the ship, and tell what kind of people he found among the crew."
Grammar β Verbs (tense review): "Use these verbs from today's reading: came (page 47), heard (page 47), grew (page 54), and declared (page 54). Identify the tense of each verb. Then tell why Stevenson tells this chapter mostly in the past tense."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "A little Road not made of Man"
Read aloud: "A little Road not made of Man"
Narration prompt: "Tell what kind of road Emily Dickinson imagines, and tell what in the poem makes it feel small, hidden, or wonderful."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Copywork: "A little Road not made of Man / Enabled of the Eye"
Memorization: Continue learning "A Light exists in Spring."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Emily Dickinson β "A little Road not made of Man"):
"Accessible to Thill of Bee / Or Cart of Butterfly."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story V β "IdΕ«na's Apples," Part II: "The Winged-Giant" (pages 128β132)
Vocabulary: sumptuously (richly and splendidly), cautioned (warned ahead of time), tempt (to draw or lure toward something), brushwood (small tangled branches and undergrowth), foreboding (a strong feeling that something bad is about to happen), resolutely (firmly and with determination)
Read aloud: pages 128β132.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Loki led IdΕ«na out of her grove, and tell what happened when the giant carried her away."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration rather than say it aloud. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Suffixes (review + deepen): "The word weeping ends in -ing, which is a suffix that can make a word act as a verb, a noun, or an adjective. Find three -ing words in today's reading. For each one, tell whether it is acting as a verb, a noun, or an adjective in the sentence."
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter VIII β "The Round-House" (pages 55β60)
Vocabulary: sheering (swinging sharply off course), foresail (the front sail of a ship), ordnance (large guns or weapons), cutlasses (short curved swords), pannikin (a small metal cup or pan), lee-way (distance a ship is blown off course; used here figuratively)
Read aloud: Chapter VIII, pages 55β60.
Narration prompt: "Tell what happened to Ransome and how Davie's new duties began, and tell what Davie learned about the men in the round-house afterward."
Grammar β Compound Words (final review): "Use these compound words from today's reading: forecastle (page 55), aftermost (page 58), and sea-boots (page 57). Break each one into its two parts, then tell how the two smaller words join to make the larger meaning."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "Playmates"
Read aloud: "Playmates"
Narration prompt: "Tell what happens in the poem, and tell what makes the ending feel a little sad after the play is over."
Copywork: "God permits industrious Angels / Afternoons to play."
Memorization: Continue learning "A Light exists in Spring."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"It is only a little way, there can be no harm in going out just this once."
No new readings this week. This is a term celebration in the spirit of a Charlotte Mason end-of-term exam. In Lessons 1 and 2, choose one narration prompt. In Lesson 3, recite the two poems practiced this term to a family member.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Term Celebration β choose one narration prompt:
Lesson 2 β Robert Louis Stevenson Term Celebration β choose one narration prompt:
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Term Celebration β Recitation
Lesson 4 β Dictation Term Celebration β choose one of this term's earlier dictation passages and attempt it again.
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story V β "IdΕ«na's Apples," Part III: "Hela" (pages 133β136)
Vocabulary: grave (serious and solemn), sceptre (a staff carried by a ruler as a sign of authority), warrant (a sign or reason), summoned (called to come), revival (a return of strength or life), dwelling-place (a home or place where someone lives)
Read aloud: pages 133β136.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Hela came to Asgard, and tell what Bragi urged the Γsir to do after she left."
Grammar β Nouns, Verbs, Compound Words (integration): "Find one compound word in today's reading. Then write one sentence from the passage or your own summary that uses a noun and a strong verb together clearly."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter IX β "The Man with the Belt of Gold" (pages 61β70)
Recap: David came to the House of Shaws expecting help from his uncle Ebenezer, but discovered treachery instead. Ebenezer arranged to have him carried off aboard the Covenant. On the ship David met the Jacobite Alan Breck Stewart after Alan survived the wreck of a boat in the fog. When the crew plotted to murder Alan for his belt of gold, David warned him, and the two prepared to defend themselves together in the round-house.
Vocabulary: encumbered (burdened or weighed down), agility (quickness and nimbleness), penetration (sharp understanding or insight), forfeited (lost as a penalty), gauntlet (a dangerous trial or ordeal), rudiments (basic first elements of knowledge or skill)
Read aloud: Chapter IX, pages 61β70.
Narration prompt: "Tell how the stranger with the belt of gold came aboard the Covenant, and tell how David and Alan came to stand together."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Dialogue Punctuation (review): "Find two lines of dialogue in today's reading. For each one, point to the quotation marks, tell what punctuation mark appears inside the closing quotation marks, and identify who is speaking."
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Splendour Falls"
Read aloud: "The Splendour Falls"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Tennyson describes in the landscape, and tell what the repeated bugle-call makes you hear or feel in the poem."
Copywork: "The splendour falls on castle walls / And snowy summits old in story:"
Memorization: Begin learning "The Splendour Falls."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (Kidnapped):
"Parent selects a memorable 2-sentence passage from this week's reading of Kidnapped. Read it aloud to the student 2β3 times across the week, then proceed with dictation on Lesson 4."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story V β "IdΕ«na's Apples," Part IV: "Through Flood and Fire" (pages 137β141)
Vocabulary: treacherous (false and ready to betray), clamoured (cried out noisily), imprisoned (shut up and kept from leaving), conceal (to hide), rampart (a defensive wall or barrier), scorched (burned on the surface)
Read aloud: pages 137β141.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Loki went to rescue IdΕ«na, and tell how she was finally brought safely back to Asgard."
Grammar β Prefixes and Root Words (integration): "Find one word in today's reading that has a clear root and a prefix or suffix. Break it down and tell how the added part changes the meaning."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter X β "The Siege of the Round-House" (pages 71β78)
Recap: David came to the House of Shaws expecting help from his uncle Ebenezer, but found treachery instead. He was carried off aboard the Covenant, where he met Alan Breck Stewart. When the crew plotted to murder Alan for his belt of gold, David warned him, and together they defended themselves in the round-house.
Vocabulary: truce (a pause in fighting), wince (to shrink back in pain or fear), disconcerted (thrown off or unsettled), shambles (a scene of bloody disorder), ecstasy (great joy or delight), stagger (to walk unsteadily)
Read aloud: Chapter X, pages 71β78.
Narration prompt: "Tell how the attack on the round-house began, and tell how David and Alan came through the fight."
Grammar β Verbs (review): "Use these verbs from today's reading: pointed (page 71), dragged (page 73), tumbled (page 75), and stagger (page 77). Tell what action each verb shows. Then tell why Stevenson tells this chapter mostly in the past tense."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "Hope is the thing with feathers"
Read aloud: "Hope is the thing with feathers"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Emily Dickinson compares hope to, and tell what the little bird in the poem keeps doing."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Memorization: Continue learning "The Splendour Falls."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Emily Dickinson β "Hope is the thing with feathers"):
"'Hope' is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story VI β "Baldur," Part I: "The Dream" (pages 145β152)
Vocabulary: Broadblink (Baldur's bright palace), Sleipnir (Odin's eight-footed horse), Vala (a prophetess), defile (a narrow passage between rocks), gilded (covered with a thin layer of gold), mournful (full of sorrow)
Read aloud: pages 145β152.
Narration prompt: "Tell what troubled Baldur, and tell what Odin learned when he rode out to seek an answer."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration rather than say it aloud. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Plural Possessives and Dialogue Punctuation (integration): "Write one sentence about today's reading using a plural possessive. Then copy one line of dialogue from today's reading and point to the quotation marks and the punctuation inside the closing quotation mark."
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter XI β "The Captain Knuckles Under" (pages 79β84)
Vocabulary: dainty (especially fine or pleasing), countenance (face or expression), parley (a talk between opposing sides), instancy (urgent insistence), feckless (ineffective or helpless), coble (a small fishing boat)
Read aloud: Chapter XI, pages 79β84.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Alan and David dealt with the captain after the fight, and tell what agreement they finally made."
Grammar β Plural Possessives: "Use these plural possessive phrases from today's chapter: the officers' cabin (page 79), the sailors' side (page 82), and the Campbells' country (page 82). Tell what each phrase means, and point to the apostrophe that shows possession."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Sailor Boy"
Read aloud: "The Sailor Boy"
Narration prompt: "Tell what the sailor boy chooses, and tell what kind of courage or danger the poem makes you think about."
Copywork: "He rose at dawn and, fired with hope, / Shot o'er the seething harbour-bar,"
Memorization: Continue learning "The Splendour Falls."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"It was so heavy that Baldur could scarcely carry it, and yet he pressed it closely to his heart."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story VI β "Baldur," Part II: "The Peacestead" (pages 153β157)
Vocabulary: Peacestead (the green field where the Γsir held their games), HΓΆdur (Baldur's blind twin-brother), mistletoe (the little plant Loki cut from the west side of Valhal), sacred (set apart as holy), musingly (in a quiet, thoughtful way), uncertain (not sure or not steady)
Read aloud: pages 153β157.
Narration prompt: "Tell what the Γsir were doing at the Peacestead, and tell how Loki found the one thing that could hurt Baldur."
Grammar β Synonyms (final review): "Use these words from today's reading: honourable and uncertain. Give one or two synonyms for each. Then tell which synonym feels closest to the way the word is used in the story."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter XII β "I Hear of the Red Fox" (pages 85β93)
Vocabulary: bairns (children), kindred (family line or relatives), chieftain (the head of a clan), heather (a low plant that grows over moors and hills), vengeance (revenge or the desire to punish), Hebrides (the islands off Scotland's western coast)
Read aloud: Chapter XII, pages 85β93.
Narration prompt: "Tell what David learned about Alan's past, and tell what he learned about the Red Fox."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Antonyms (final review): "Use these words from today's reading: good (page 86), best (page 89), glad (page 91), and poor (page 91). Say an antonym for each one. Then choose two pairs and tell how the contrast helps you think about the people or events in this chapter."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "The Moon was but a Chin of Gold"
Read aloud: "The Moon was but a Chin of Gold"
Narration prompt: "Tell how Emily Dickinson describes the moon, and tell what picture in the poem stayed with you most."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Copywork: "The Moon was but a Chin of Gold / A Night or two ago,"
Memorization: Continue learning "The Splendour Falls."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (Kidnapped):
"All day the breeze held in the same point, and rather freshened than died down."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story VI β "Baldur," Part III: "Baldur Dead" and Part IV: "Helheim" (pages 158β164)
Vocabulary: Ringhorn (Baldur's great funeral ship), Hyrrokin (the giantess who helped push the ship into the sea), Giallar Bru (the bridge over the river leading toward Helheim), entreat (to beg earnestly), threshold (the entrance or doorway to a place), unquiet (restless and not at peace)
Read aloud: pages 158β164.
Narration prompt: "Tell what happened after Baldur fell, and tell what Hermod found when he rode to Helheim."
Grammar β Prefixes and Suffixes (final review): "Use one word with a prefix and one word with a suffix from today's reading: unquiet and glittering. For each one, name the root and the prefix or suffix, and tell what the added part does to the meaning."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter XIII β "The Loss of the Brig" (pages 94β99)
Vocabulary: larboard (the left side of a ship), lee-bow (the front side away from the wind), desolate (empty and lonely), bulwark (the side of a ship above the deck), heather (a low plant growing over moors and hills), westerly (coming from the west)
Read aloud: Chapter XIII, pages 94β99.
Narration prompt: "Tell how the brig was lost, and tell how David came at last to reach the shore."
Grammar β Prefixes and Suffixes (final review): "Use one word with a prefix and one word with a suffix from today's reading: disappear (page 98) and helpless (page 97). For each one, name the root and the prefix or suffix, and tell what the added part does to the meaning."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "Break, Break, Break"
Read aloud: "Break, Break, Break"
Narration prompt: "Tell what the speaker sees and hears by the sea, and tell what sorrow the poem carries underneath those pictures."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Memorization: Continue learning "The Splendour Falls."
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Alfred Lord Tennyson β "Break, Break, Break"):
"Break, break, break, / On thy cold gray stones, O Sea!"
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story VI β "Baldur," Part V: "Weeping" (pages 165β168)
Vocabulary: Valkyrior (the messenger maidens sent out by Odin), Thaukt (the witch who refused to weep for Baldur), bale (great sorrow or misery), steaming (giving off warm mist or vapor), haggard (looking wild, worn, or harsh), abyss (a deep, bottomless gulf)
Read aloud: pages 165β168.
Narration prompt: "Tell how the whole world answered the call to weep for Baldur, and tell what happened when one voice refused."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration rather than say it aloud. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Root Words (final review): "Find three words in today's reading that contain a familiar English root plus a prefix or suffix. For each: write the root word alone, then add the affix back, and explain what the whole word means."
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter XIV β "The Islet" (pages 101β110)
Vocabulary: inlet (a narrow arm of the sea reaching into the land), granite (a very hard kind of rock), limpets (small shellfish that cling tightly to rocks), giddiness (a dizzy, sick feeling), supplications (earnest pleas or desperate requests), coble (a small fishing boat)
Read aloud: Chapter XIV, pages 101β110.
Narration prompt: "Tell how David tried to live on the islet, and tell how he at last discovered the way to get free."
Grammar β Action Verbs: "Use these action verbs from today's reading: climbed (page 101), waded (page 102), revived (page 103), and landed (page 109). Tell what action each verb shows, and tell how it helps you picture David's struggle on the islet."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "Will there really be a Morning?"
Read aloud: "Will there really be a Morning?"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Emily Dickinson wonders about morning, and tell which picture in the poem makes morning feel most strange or beautiful to you."
Copywork: "Has it feet like Water lilies? / Has it feathers like a Bird?"
Memorization: Begin learning "Will there really be a Morning?" This is the new poem for memorization and recitation for the rest of Term 3.
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"The whole earth must know of our grief that it may weep with us."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story VII β "The Binding of Fenrir," Part I: "The Might of Asgard" (pages 171β176)
Vocabulary: Fenrir (Loki's fierce wolf-son), Asyniur (the goddesses of Asgard), Gladsheim (Odin's hall in Asgard), Valhalla (the hall where heroes are welcomed), reformation (a change for the better), ponderous (very heavy)
Read aloud: pages 171β176.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Fenrir grew up in Asgard, and tell what the Γsir first tried to do when they became afraid of his strength."
Grammar β Proper Nouns: "A proper noun names a particular person, place, or special thing and begins with a capital letter. Find four proper nouns in today's reading. Tell whether each one names a person, a place, or a special thing."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter XV β "The Lad with the Silver Button: Through the Isle of Mull" (pages 111β119)
Vocabulary: trackless (without a path or road to follow), unmortared (built without mortar holding the stones together), philibeg (a short Highland kilt-like garment), plack (a small Scottish coin), catechist (a person who teaches the Christian faith by question and answer), brigand (a robber or outlaw)
Read aloud: Chapter XV, pages 111β119.
Narration prompt: "Tell how David was helped and guided across Mull, and tell what dangers or strange people he met before he reached Torosay."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Full Integration: "Use these words from today's reading: landmark (page 111), disappeared (page 117), and weariness (page 111). Tell which one is a compound word, which one has a prefix, and which one has a suffix. Then tell how each word fits the chapter."
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Mermaid"
Read aloud: "The Mermaid"
Narration prompt: "Tell what kind of life the mermaid imagines under the sea, and tell what pictures in the poem make that world feel most bright or strange to you."
Copywork: "Under the sea, / In a golden curl / With a comb of pearl,"
Memorization: Continue learning "Will there really be a Morning?"
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (Kidnapped):
"Parent selects a memorable 2-sentence passage from this week's reading of Kidnapped. Read it aloud to the student 2β3 times across the week, then proceed with dictation on Lesson 4."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story VII β "The Binding of Fenrir," Part II: "The Secret of Svartheim" (pages 177β181)
Vocabulary: Svartheim (the underground land of the dwarfs), ore (rock from which metal is taken), anvil (a heavy iron block used for shaping metal), corpse-lights (ghostly wandering lights seen at night), grotesque (strange and ugly in an exaggerated way), gesticulations (movements of the hands and arms while speaking)
Read aloud: pages 177β181.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Skirnir traveled into Svartheim, and tell what he brought back for the Γsir."
Grammar β Dialogue Punctuation + Plural Possessives (final integration): "Write one plural possessive phrase from today's reading, or build one from a plural group named in it. Then find one line of dialogue in today's reading and copy it correctly, keeping the quotation marks and the end punctuation."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter XVI β "The Lad with the Silver Button: Across Morven" (pages 120β128)
Vocabulary: exiles (people forced to live away from their own country), melancholy (deeply sad and thoughtful), affronted (offended or insulted), catechist (a person who teaches the Christian faith by question and answer), evangelise (to go and preach the Christian faith), tenants (people who rent land or homes from an owner)
Read aloud: Chapter XVI, pages 120β128.
Narration prompt: "Tell how David crossed into Morven, and tell what sort of help and company he found when he reached Kinlochaline."
Grammar β Synonyms and Antonyms (integration): "Use these words from today's reading: melancholy (page 122), solemn (page 126), and proud (page 126). For each one, give a synonym and an antonym. Then tell which synonym fits Stevenson's meaning best in the story."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "The Pedigree of Honey"
Read aloud: "The Pedigree of Honey"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Dickinson says about honey, clover, and bees, and tell what the poem makes seem simple or mysterious to you."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Memorization: Continue learning "Will there really be a Morning?"
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Emily Dickinson β "The Pedigree of Honey"):
"The Pedigree of Honey / Does not concern the Bee;"
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story VII β "The Binding of Fenrir," Part III: "Honour" (pages 182β185)
Vocabulary: Amsvartnir (the dark lake north of Asgard), Lyngvi (the island in the lake where Fenrir was bound), pledge (a solemn promise), averted (turned away), turbid (muddy and not clear), valiantly (bravely)
Read aloud: pages 182β185.
Narration prompt: "Tell how the Γsir at last bound Fenrir, and tell what sacrifice Tyr made."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 1): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration rather than say it aloud. See the Written Narration note at the front of this guide.
Grammar β Nouns and Verbs (grand review): "Choose one sentence from today's reading. Identify every noun and every verb. Then tell which verb carries the most force in the sentence and why."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter XVII β "The Death of the Red Fox" (pages 129β135)
Vocabulary: prevailed (persuaded someone to do something), tenantry (tenant farmers living on an estate), imperious (commanding and overbearing), affronted (offended or insulted), bracken (thick fern growth), unfledged (young, inexperienced, not fully formed)
Read aloud: Chapter XVII, pages 129β135.
Narration prompt: "Tell how David first came among the Red Fox and his companions, and tell what happened after the shot was fired."
Grammar β Prefixes and Suffixes (grand review): "Use these words from today's reading: unfledged (page 132) and helpless (page 133). For each one, name the root word, name the prefix or suffix, and tell what the added part does to the meaning."
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Kraken"
Read aloud: "The Kraken"
Narration prompt: "Tell where the Kraken lies hidden, and tell what pictures in the poem make him seem ancient, strange, or powerful."
Copywork: "Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea,"
Memorization: Continue learning "Will there really be a Morning?"
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 1 (Heroes of Asgard):
"At length he stepped forward valiantly, and put his strong right hand into the wolf's cruel jaws."
Parent note: The original sentence names Tyr, but the dictation line is slightly simplified here so the student does not have to remember and spell an unfamiliar Norse proper name during dictation.
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story VIII β "The Punishment of Loki" (pages 189β195)
Vocabulary: vigilance (careful watchfulness), Manheim (the world of human beings), Kvasir (one of Odin's sons, known for keen sight), immoveably (so firmly fixed that it cannot be moved), venom (poison from a snake's fangs), shuddered (shook suddenly with fear or pain)
Read aloud: pages 189β195.
Narration prompt: "Tell how Loki tried to hide from the Γsir, and tell what happened after they finally caught him."
Grammar β Compound Words (final review): "Find two compound words in today's reading. Break each one into its smaller words, and tell how the combined meaning fits the passage."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter XVIII β "I Talk with Alan in the Wood of Lettermore" (pages 136β144)
Vocabulary: ruddy (healthy and reddish in color), distaste (a strong dislike), conscientiously (according to what one believes is right), evasions (indirect answers meant to avoid the truth), gallows (a wooden frame used for hanging criminals), bulwark (the side or rail of a ship)
Read aloud: Chapter XVIII, pages 136β144.
Narration prompt: "Tell how David and Alan came to understand one another again after the shooting, and tell what they decided to do next."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 2): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Grammar β Homonyms (final review): "Use these words from today's reading: face (page 136), hand (page 138), and mind (page 143). Choose two. For each one, tell what it means in the story first. Then write a new sentence using its other meaning."
Lesson 3 β Emily Dickinson Open to: "A Route of Evanescence"
Read aloud: "A Route of Evanescence"
Narration prompt: "Tell what Dickinson seems to be describing, and tell which picture in the poem makes the little creature feel most quick, bright, or surprising to you."
Copywork: "A resonance of emerald, / A rush of cochineal;"
Memorization: Continue learning "Will there really be a Morning?"
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 2 (Kidnapped):
"Parent selects a memorable 2-sentence passage from this week's reading of Kidnapped. Read it aloud to the student 2β3 times across the week, then proceed with dictation on Lesson 4."
π Before Lesson 1: Look ahead to Lesson 4 this week to read the dictation passage aloud to your student. They should hear it several times before Lesson 4 so they are familiar with it.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Open to: Story IX β "RagnarΓΆk" (pages 199β207)
Vocabulary: Broadblink (Baldur's shining hall), Jarnvid (the Iron Wood), Muspell (the fiery world whose sons ride to battle), verdant (fresh and green), abyss (a great depth), totter (to shake and sway as if about to fall)
Read aloud: pages 199β207.
Narration prompt: "Tell what Odin saw in his dream of RagnarΓΆk, and tell what hope appeared after the ruin of the old world."
Grammar β Antonyms and Synonyms (final review): "Use these words from today's reading: bright, dark, and triumph. Choose two. For each one, give a synonym and an antonym, then tell which synonym fits the story best."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line with strong verbs, vivid description, or an interesting punctuation mark. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 2 β Kidnapped Open to: Chapter XIX β "The House of Fear" (pages 144β152)
Vocabulary: steading (the farm buildings and yard around a house), affrighted (frightened suddenly and strongly), courteously (politely and with good manners), unmannerly (rude or not polite), earnestness (deep sincerity and seriousness), dragoon (a mounted soldier)
Read aloud: Chapter XIX, pages 144β152.
Narration prompt: "Tell how David and Alan were received at the house, and tell what plans were made for their escape afterward."
Grammar β Full Year Integration: "Use these words from today's reading: torchlight (page 147), unmannerly (page 148), and earnestness (page 150). Tell which one is a compound word, which one has a prefix, and which one has a suffix. Then tell what each word means in the story."
Copywork: Choose 1β2 sentences from today's reading β a line that stood out for its rhythm, imagery, or interesting words. The student copies it carefully in their best handwriting.
Lesson 3 β Alfred Lord Tennyson Open to: "The Deserted House"
Read aloud: "The Deserted House"
Narration prompt: "Tell what kind of house Tennyson describes, and tell what makes the poem feel lonely or still to you."
π Written Narration this week (Lesson 3): After the narration prompt, ask your child to write their narration. See the Written Narration note.
Copywork: "Life and Thought have gone away / Side by side,"
Memorization: Continue learning "Will there really be a Morning?"
Lesson 4 β Dictation This week's passage is from Lesson 3 (Alfred Lord Tennyson β "The Deserted House"):
"Life and Thought have gone away / Side by side,"
No new readings this week. This is a term celebration in the spirit of a Charlotte Mason end-of-term exam. In Lessons 1 and 2, choose one narration prompt. In Lesson 3, recite the two poems practiced this term to a family member.
Lesson 1 β The Heroes of Asgard Term Celebration β choose one narration prompt:
Lesson 2 β Robert Louis Stevenson Term Celebration β choose one narration prompt:
Lesson 3 β Term 3 Poetry Term Celebration β Recitation
Lesson 4 β Dictation Term Celebration β choose one of this term's earlier dictation passages and attempt it again.
Note to Parent: Kidnapped was not finished during Grade 4. If you would like, you and your student may choose to finish reading the rest of the book during the school-year break before Grade 5.
No tests. No grades. No red ink.
Assessment is entirely observational:
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