Grammar Stage Scope & Sequence

Remember that the central subject of the grammar stage is grammar. Historically, this meant Latin and Greek grammar only. Children learned English grammar as a consequence of studying Latin. Besides Bible, of course, Latin or Greek and English grammar are the heart of the grammar stage curriculum--studying these will teach the tool of the grammar stage. Other subjects can be added as the homeschool mom has the time, desire, and ability, or as is required by state homeschooling laws. These other critical subjects are: Writing, Literature, History, and Math; then Science, Art, and Music. Geography can be studied separately or combined with History; Oratory need not be studied separately, but is easily integrated with the other subjects.

You will notice that many, many of the suggested materials are used again in subsequent years, i.e. Webster’s Elementary Spelling Book is listed for spelling in all six grades. We have found many excellent materials for use in the grammar stage, when, once bought, can be used for two, more, or all six years, and then reused with younger children. We have recommended these materials whenever possible. All the books needed for each grade are listed in every grade, but they only need to be purchased one time.

First Grade

Bible: listening to Bible stories; memorizing scriptures
Option 1: The Holy Bible, reading the stories as they are encountered
Option 2: Bible read-aloud recommendations from the 1000 Good Books list

Grammar (English Orthography): learning to read and beginning and easy reading; first year phonics instruction; first year spelling
Option 1: Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spaulding with
Teaching Reading at Home: A Supplement to WRTR by Wanda Sanseri or
Teacher’s Edition with Annual Lesson Plans by Myrna McCulloch
Option 2: Phonics for Reading & Spelling by Bonnie Dettmer
Option 3: Saxon Phonics 1 by Lorna Simmons (Saxon’s program must begin with Phonics K; it is not recommended that instruction begins with 1)
Option 4: Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself by Charlotte Lockhart
Option 5: Why Johnny Can’t Read by Rudolf Flesch
Spelling instruction:
The Elementary Spelling Book by Noah Webster or
The Eclectic Progressive Spelling Book by Alexander H. McGuffey
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for any of the listed options:
The ABC’s and All Their Tricks by Margaret Bishop

Language: no formal study, yet
Optional: Latin’s Not So Tough Level 1 by Karen Mohs and/or
Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! Reader and Workbook 1 by Karen Mohs

Writing: learning to write (penmanship) and first year copying
Option 1: Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spaulding with supplements
Option 2: Phonics for Reading and Spelling by Bonnie Dettmer
Option 3: Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself by Charlotte Lockhart
Handwriting practice: Copybook resources

Literature: listening to and reading quality literature; lots of poetry
1st Grade Literature & Poetry selections from the 1000 Good Books list

History: Creation & Prehistory; Ancient Israel, Egypt, & the Near East
Option 1: CCH’s Grade 1 History Unit
Option 2: Greenleaf Press Old Testament and Greenleaf Press Ancient Egypt
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for any of the listed options:
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller
The TimeChart History of the World by Edward Hull

Math: first year arithmetic instruction
Option 1: Formal textbook/workbook math instruction can be delayed until phonics, reading, and penmanship are solidly mastered (about 3rd grade). In the meantime, math games and activities can build increasing math awareness and skills.
Family Math by Jean Kerr Stenmark
Option 2: Formal instruction is not delayed.
Math-U-See Foundations of Mathematics by Steve Demme
Option 3: Formal instruction is not delayed.
Ray’s New Primary Arithmetic Text by Joseph Ray with
Classic Curriculum Arithmetic Workbooks Series 1 and
Ray’s New Arithmetic Key and Parent-Teacher Guide

Science: Nature study and history of science integrated with history study
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock with
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller

Art: First year art history, copying, and the color wheel, or a sequential art curriculum
Option 1: progressive work in art history, copying masterpieces, and color
Art History: God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing or
A Child’s History of Art by V. M. Hillyer
Copying Masterpieces:
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by the National Gallery of Art and/or
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by University Prints Color Wheel & Mixing: A Color Sampler by Kathleen Westray
Option 2: using a sequential art curriculum
Lamb’s Book of Art I by Barry Stebbing with Teacher’s Manual
Optional but recommended with a sequential curriculum:
God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing

Music: melody, rhythm, harmony, and timbre; singing; familiarization with church, national, & classical music; the history of music:
Learning to play the piano or other instrument will teach the grammar of music; therefore, private local piano lessons are highly recommended, with
church, national, and classical music and music history

Geography: developing geographic awareness through literature
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller and/or
A Child’s Geography of the World by V. M. Hillyer with
World Atlas for Young Explorers by the National Geographic Society
History of Geographic Exploration & Cartography

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Second Grade

Bible: listening to and reading Bible stories; memorizing scriptures
Option 1: The Holy Bible, reading the stories as they are encountered
Option 2: Bible read-aloud recommendations from the 1000 Good Books list

Grammar (English Orthography): second year phonics instruction or phonics review; second year spelling
Option 1: Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spaulding with
Teaching Reading at Home: A Supplement to WRTR by Wanda Sanseri or
Teacher’s Edition with Annual Lesson Plans by Myrna McCulloch
Option 2: Phonics for Reading & Spelling by Bonnie Dettmer
Option 3: Saxon Phonics 2 by Lorna Simmons
Option 4: Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself by Charlotte Lockhart
Option 5: Why Johnny Can’t Read by Rudolf Flesch
Spelling instruction:
The Elementary Spelling Book by Noah Webster or
The Eclectic Progressive Spelling Book by Alexander H. McGuffey
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for any of the listed options:
The ABC’s and All Their Tricks by Margaret Bishop

Language: no formal study, yet
Optional: Latin’s Not So Tough Level 2 by Karen Mohs and/or
Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! Level 2 by Karen Mohs

Writing: mastering script penmanship and second year copying
Option 1: Theory of Spencerian Penmanship with
Spencerian Copybook 1 and 2
Handwriting practice: Copybook resources

Literature: listening to and reading quality literature; lots of poetry
2nd Grade Literature & Poetry selections from the 1000 Good Books list

History: Ancient Greece & Rome
Option 1: CCH’s Grade 2 History Unit
Option 2: Greenleaf Press Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for any of the listed options:
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller
The TimeCahrt History of the World by Edward Hull

Math: second year arithmetic instruction
Option 1: Formal textbook/workbook math instruction can be delayed until phonics, reading, and penmanship is solidly mastered (about 3rd grade). In the meantime, math games and activities can build increasing math awareness and skills.
Family Math by Jean Kerr Stenmark
Option 2: Formal arithmetic instruction is not delayed.
Math-U-See Foundations of Mathematics by Steve Demme
Option 3: Formal arithmetic instruction is not delayed.
Ray’s New Primary Arithmetic Text with
Classic Curriculum Arithmetic Workbooks Series 2 and
Ray’s New Arithmetic Key and Parent-Teacher Guide

Science: Nature study and history of science integrated with history study:
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock with
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller

Art: Second year art history, copying, and color mixing, or a sequential art curriculum
Option 1: progressive work in art history, copying masterpieces, and color
Art History: God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing or
A Child's History of Art by V. M. Hillyer
Copying Masterpieces:
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by the National Gallery of Art and/or
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by University Prints
Color Wheel & Mixing: A Color Sampler by Kathleen Westray
Option 2: using a sequential art curriculum
Lamb’s Book of Art II by Barry Stebbing with Teacher’s Manual
Optional but recommended with a sequential curriculum:
God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing

Music: melody, rhythm, harmony, and timbre; singing; familiarization with church, national, & classical music; the history of music:
Learning to play the piano or other instrument will teach the grammar of music; therefore, private local piano lessons are highly recommended, with
church, national, and classical music and music history

Geography: developing geographic awareness through literature
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller and/or
A Child’s Geography of the World by V. M. Hillyer with
World Atlas for Young Explorers by the National Geographic Society
History of Geographic Exploration & Cartography

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Third Grade

Bible: listening to and reading Bible stories; memorizing scriptures
Option 1: The Holy Bible, reading the stories as they are encountered
Option 2: Bible read-aloud recommendations from the 1000 Good Books list
Option 3: Begin learning creeds or catechism

Grammar (English Etymology): first year etymology instruction; third year spelling
Option 1: Simply Grammar by Charlotte Mason & Karen Andreola with
The Reading Teacher’s Book of Lists by Edward Fry
Option 2: Harvey’s Elementary Grammar by Thomas Harvey with
The Reading Teacher’s Book of Lists by Edward Fry
Optional: English from the Roots Up by Joegil Lundquist (Latin and Greek roots instruction--necessary only if Latin and/or Greek is not also being studied)
Spelling instruction:
The Elementary Spelling Book by Noah Webster or
The Eclectic Progressive Spelling Book by Alexander H. McGuffey
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for spelling:
The ABC’s and All Their Tricks by Margaret Bishop

Language: beginning Latin or Greek study
Option 1: Latina Christiana Book 1 Kit by Cheryl Lowe
Option 2: Latin Primer Book 1 by Martha Wilson
Option 3: Latin’s Not So Tough Level 3 by Karen Mohs and/or
Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! Level 3 by Karen Mohs

Writing: mastering script penmanship and third year copying
Option 1: Theory of Spencerian Penmanship with Spencerian Copybook 3, 4, and 5
Handwriting practice: Copybook resources

Literature: listening to and reading quality literature; lots of poetry
3rd Grade Literature & Poetry selections from the 1000 Good Books list

History: Dark and Middle Ages
Option 1: CCH’s Grade 3 History Unit
Option 2: Greenleaf Press Middle Ages
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for any of the listed options:
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller
The TimeChart History of the World by Edward Hull

Math: third year arithmetic instruction
Option 1: Math 54 by Stephen Hake & John Saxon
Option 2: Math-U-See Intermediate Mathematics by Steve Demme
Option 3: Ray’s New Intellectual Arithmetic Text with
Classic Curriculum Arithmetic Workbooks Series 3 and
Ray’s New Arithmetic Key and Parent-Teacher Guide

Science: Nature study and history of science integrated with history study:
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock with All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller

Art: Third year art history, copying, and color mixing, or a sequential art curriculum
Option 1: progressive work in art history, copying masterpieces, and color
Art History: God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing or
A Child's History of Art by V. M. Hillyer
Copying Masterpieces:
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by the National Gallery of Art and/or
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by University Prints
Color Wheel & Mixing: A Color Sampler by Kathleen Westray
Option 2: using a sequential art curriculum
Feed My Sheep by Barry Stebbing
Optional but recommended with a sequential curriculum:
God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing

Music: melody, rhythm, harmony, and timbre; singing; familiarization with church, national, & classical music; the history of music:
Learning to play the piano or other instrument will teach the grammar of music; therefore, private local piano lessons are highly recommended, with
church, national, and classical music and music history

Geography: developing geographic awareness through literature; facts memorization
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller and/or
A Child’s Geography of the World by V. M. Hillyer with Maps & Globes by Jack Knowlton and World Atlas for Young Explorers by the National Geographic Society History of Geographic Exploration & Cartography

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Fourth Grade

Bible: developing consistent Bible reading habits; memorizing scriptures; learning creeds or catechism
The Holy Bible with Learning creeds and catechism

Grammar (English Etymology): second year etymology instruction; fourth year spelling
Option 1: Simply Grammar by Charlotte Mason & Karen Andreola with
The Reading Teacher’s Book of Lists by Edward Fry
Option 2: Harvey’s Elementary Grammar by Thomas Harvey with
The Reading Teacher’s Book of Lists by Edward Fry
Optional: English from the Roots Up by Joegil Lundquist (Latin and Greek roots instruction--necessary only if Latin and/or Greek is not also being studied)
Spelling instruction:
The Elementary Spelling Book by Noah Webster or
The Eclectic Progressive Spelling Book by Alexander H. McGuffey
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for spelling:
The ABC’s and All Their Tricks by Margaret Bishop

Language: second year Latin or Greek study
Option 1: Latina Christiana Book 2 Kit by Cheryl Lowe
Option 2: Latin Primer Book 2 by Martha Wilson
Option 3: Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! Level 4 by Karen Mohs

Writing: mastering script penmanship and fourth year copying
Option 1: Theory of Spencerian Penmanship with Spencerian Copybooks
(they only need to be completed once; after that, it is a matter of practice)
Handwriting practice: Copybook resources

Literature: listening to and reading quality literature; lots of poetry
4th Grade Literature & Poetry selections from the 1000 Good Books list

History: Renaissance, Reformation, & New World Exploration
Option 1: CCH’s Grade 4 History Unit
Option 2: Greenleaf Press Renaissance & Reformation Highly recommended teacher’s resource for any of the listed options:
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller
The TimeChart History of the World by Edward Hull

Math: fourth year arithmetic instruction
Option 1: Math 65 by Stephen Hake & John Saxon
Option 2: Math-U-See Intermediate Mathematics by Steve Demme
Option 3: Ray’s New Intellectual Arithmetic Text with
Classic Curriculum Arithmetic Workbooks Series 4 and
Ray’s New Arithmetic Key and Parent-Teacher Guide

Science: Nature study and history of science integrated with history study:
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock with
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller

Art: Fourth year art history, copying, and color mixing, or a sequential art curriculum
Option 1: progressive work in art history, copying masterpieces, and color
Art History: God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing or
The Arts by Hendrik Willem van Loon
Copying Masterpieces:
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by the National Gallery of Art and/or
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by University Prints
Option 2: using a sequential art curriculum
Feed My Sheep by Barry Stebbing
Option 3: using a sequential art curriculum
Artistic Pursuits: Elements of Art and Composition, Grades 4-6 Book 1 by Brenda Ellis
Optional but recommended with a sequential curriculum:
God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing

Music: melody, rhythm, harmony, and timbre; singing; familiarization with church, national, & classical music; the history of music:
Learning to play the piano or other instrument will teach the grammar of music; therefore, private local piano lessons are highly recommended, with
church, national, and classical music and music history

Geography: developing geographic awareness through literature; facts memorization; map skills; history of geographic exploration and cartography
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller and/or
van Loon’s Geography by Hendrik van Loon with
Discovering Maps by Alma Graham and
World Atlas for Young Explorers by the National Geographic Society
History of Geographic Exploration & Cartography

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Fifth Grade

Bible: developing consistent Bible reading habits; memorizing scriptures; learning creeds or catechism
The Holy Bible with Learning creeds and catechism

Grammar (English Syntax): first year syntax instruction; fifth year spelling
The Complete Book of Diagrams by Mary Daly with a grammar reference:
Option 1:Warriner’s English Composition and Grammar by John Warriner
Option 2:Harvey’s Revised English Grammar by Thomas Harvey
Option 3:Learning Grammar Through Writing by Sandra M. Bell
Spelling instruction:
The Elementary Spelling Book by Noah Webster or
The Eclectic Progressive Spelling Book by Alexander H. McGuffey
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for spelling:
The ABC’s and All Their Tricks by Margaret Bishop

Language: third year Latin or Greek study
Option 1: Latina Christiana Book 2 Kit by Cheryl Lowe
Option 2: Latin Primer Book 3 by Martha Wilson
Option 3: Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! Level 5 by Karen Mohs

Writing: mastering penmanship and fifth year copying and dictation
Copybook resources

Literature: listening to and reading quality literature; lots of poetry
5th Grade Literature & Poetry selections from the 1000 Good Books list

History: American History from Colonization through the Victorian Era
Option 1: CCH’s Grade 5 History Unit
Option 2: Greenleaf Press American History
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for any of the listed options:
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller
The TimeChart History of the World by Edward Hull

Math: fifth year arithmetic instruction
Option 1: Math 76 by Stephen Hake & John Saxon
Option 2: Math-U-See Advanced Mathematics by Steve Demme
Option 3: Ray’s New Practical Arithmetic Text with
Ray’s Test Examples for Practical Arithmetic and
Ray’s New Arithmetic Key and Parent-Teacher Guide

Science: Nature study and history of science integrated with history study:
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock with
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller

Art: Fifth year art history, copying, and color mixing, or a sequential art curriculum
Option 1: progressive work in art history, copying masterpieces, and color
Art History: God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing or
The Arts by Hendrik Willem van Loon
Copying Masterpieces:
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by the National Gallery of Art and/or
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by University Prints
Option 2: using a sequential art curriculum
Feed My Sheep by Barry Stebbing
Option 3: using a sequential art curriculum
Artistic Pursuits: Elements of Art and Composition, Grades 4-6 Book 1 by Brenda Ellis

Music: melody, rhythm, harmony, and timbre; singing; familiarization with church, national, & classical music; the history of music:
Learning to play the piano or other instrument will teach the grammar of music; therefore, private local piano lessons are highly recommended, with
church, national, and classical music and music history

Geography: developing geographic awareness through literature; facts memorization; map skills; history of geographic exploration and cartography
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller and/or
van Loon’s Geography by Hendrik van Loon with
The Geography Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit and
World Atlas for Young Explorers by the National Geographic Society
History of Geographic Exploration & Cartography

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Sixth Grade

Bible: developing consistent Bible reading habits; memorizing scriptures; learning creeds or catechism
The Holy Bible with Learning creeds and catechism

Grammar (English Syntax): second year syntax instruction; sixth year spelling
The Complete Book of Diagrams by Mary Daly with a grammar reference:
Option 1:Warriner’s English Composition and Grammar by John Warriner
Option 2:Harvey’s Revised English Grammar by Thomas Harvey
Option 3:Learning Grammar Through Writing by Sandra M. Bell
Spelling instruction:
The Elementary Spelling Book by Noah Webster or
The Eclectic Progressive Spelling Book by Alexander H. McGuffey
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for spelling:
The ABC’s and All Their Tricks by Margaret Bishop

Language: 6th grade Latin and/or Greek study
Option 1: Henle Latin: First Year by Robert Henle with
Henle Grammar Manual and Answer Key
Option 2: Latin Grammar by Douglas Wilson & Karen Craig
Option 3: Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! Level Six by Karen Mohs
Option 4: Homeschool Greek by Harvey Bluedorn

Writing: mastering penmanship and sixth year copying and dictation
Copybook resources

Literature: listening to and reading quality literature; lots of poetry
6th Grade Literature & Poetry selections from the 1000 Good Books list

History: Modern World from the 17th Century; 20th Century American History
Option 1: CCH’s Grade 6 History Unit
Option 2: Greenleaf Press Modern World History
Highly recommended teacher’s resource for any of the listed options:
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller
The TimeCahrt History of the World by Edward Hull

Math: sixth year arithmetic instruction
Option 1: Math 87 or Algebra 1/2 by Stephen Hake & John Saxon
Option 2: Math-U-See Advanced Mathematics by Steve Demme
Option 3: Ray’s New Practical Arithmetic Text by Joseph Ray with
Ray’s Test Examples for Practical Arithmetic and
Ray’s New Arithmetic Key and Parent-Teacher Guide

Science: Nature study and history of science integrated with history study:
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock with
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller

Art: Sixth year art history, copying, and color mixing, or a sequential art curriculum
Option 1: progressive work in art history, copying masterpieces, and color
Art History: God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing or
The Arts by Hendrik Willem van Loon
Copying Masterpieces:
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by the National Gallery of Art and/or
Catalog of Fine Art Prints by University Prints
Option 2: using a sequential art curriculum
Feed My Sheep by Barry Stebbing
Option 3: using a sequential art curriculum
Artistic Pursuits: Elements of Art and Composition, Grades 4-6 Book 1 by Brenda Ellis
Optional but recommended with a sequential curriculum:
God and the History of Art by Barry Stebbing

Music: melody, rhythm, harmony, and timbre; singing; familiarization with church, national, & classical music; the history of music:
Learning to play the piano or other instrument will teach the grammar of music; therefore, private local piano lessons are highly recommended, with
church, national, and classical music and music history

Geography: developing geographic awareness through literature; facts memorization; map skills; history of geographic exploration and cartography
All Through the Ages History through Literature Guide by Christine Miller and/or
van Loon’s Geography by Hendrik van Loon with
The Geography Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit and
World Atlas for Young Explorers by the National Geographic Society
History of Geographic Exploration & Cartography