The Learning Language Arts through Literature program is a complete language arts program for Grades 1-12. Using an integrated approach to teaching, students learn communication skills in the context of quality literature that makes not only makes reading more attractive, but creates a deeper understanding of grammar, writing mechanics, vocabulary, spelling, and other language skills.
The Blue Book is designed for students in 1st grade, and is a perfect reading program for beginning readers with 36 lessons that cover readiness, short vowels, consonant blends, and long vowels. Weekly lessons are divided into easy-to-use lessons that require little to no preparation. Lessons begin with a box that lists new skills taught in the lesson; lessons themselves are divided by days, with step-by-step instructions to the teacher explaining exactly what to do, what to read, and what to ask students. A list of materials you'll need for the lesson is also provided.
A systematic phonics approach covers short and long vowels, consonant blends, word families, and sight words, while handwriting instruction teaches upper and lower case letters, numbers, and punctuation. Grammar, vocabulary, and higher-order thinking skills are also taught. Games, word-wheels, flip-books, and other hands-on projects and activities are included, along with review activities and assessments to evaluate progress.
This third edition is now easier to use with clearer instructions and a colorized companion student booklet. The Blue Book 3rd edition doesn't feature any new readers, and with a few adjustments (layouts and page numbers may differ) the 2nd and 3rd Editions of this Blue level are compatible with each other.
Please Note: The following resources are required to complete this curriculum, and are sold-separately:
- Blue Student Activity Book
- The 28 Readers and Materials Packet found in the Blue Kit (which also includes this teacher's guide)
- Who Took the Farmer's Hat? By Joan L. Nodset
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
- The Story of Ferdinand by Leaf Munro
- Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban
- Old Hat New Hat by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
- The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
- Blueberries for Sale by Robert McCloskey
- Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
- The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
200 pages, softcover.
