Character Quality Language Arts

by Spetzi
(NJ)

Levels Used: "A"
Dates Used: 2008-2009

Likes: Character Quality Language Arts is the most complete LA program I have ever seen. We used level A from 2008-2009. It incorporates all of the best tasks into one program with just the right amount of everything. There is copywork, spelling, vocabulary discussion (just a few words/week), editing, grammar and writing.

Each month focuses on a specific character quality which can lead to some great discussions. The student has several tasks to complete. One of the best features of CQLA is that for each task there are 3 levels of difficulty. You can tailor this program to suit the ability of your child. If s/he is strong in spelling, you would assign the most challenging "Further Extension." If his/her copywork is a struggle, you can assign the easiest level which is "Basic." YOU don't have rework it or come up with extra or different work. Everything you need, including the teacher's notes, is right there in one notebook!

The writing portion is phenomenal. The student creates an outline, produces writing then revises using a checklist. This checklist might request that you replace a boring adjective with an exciting one or add an opening sentence or add an adverb. These exercises guide the child through the revision process, but it also helps the child create a better first draft paragraph the next time and the time after that. I have been extremely impressed with the improvement in my son's writing.

Dislikes:
While the predictability was great when we first started, my son got a bit bored with the routine after a while.

Our Favorite Language Arts Program

by Adriana
(Northern Ontario)

Levels Used: CQLA at the "BASIC" level
Dates Used: 2008-09

Likes: This program is our favourite language arts program so far. It gives thorough explanation and guidance to the writing process, especially in doing key word outlines. This will be so invaluable to my student in the future! The curriculum can be adjusted for the capabilities of the student in terms of quantity of work.

Dislikes: The spelling program is weak - though it says to review the spelling words and they give some optional word scrambles, etc., it wasn't enough review for my student so we went back to Sequential Spelling for that part. The rest of the program is excellent, however, so we will be continuing with it (first one we haven't ditched half-way through the year in frustration).