Editor’s Note: This page includes affiliate links to books I’ve used and loved. If you purchase a book through an affiliate link, we might earn a few pennies a book, at no extra cost to you. But thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us this way!
Here are some of my favorite Language Arts Resources
Did you know that Language Arts training begins at birth? Here are some of the best language arts resources you can use to both educate yourself and teach your children language arts.
Int
To learn more about the fascinating subject of brain development, I recommend reading Endangered Minds by Dr. Jane Healy, shown at left. (I actually read an earlier edition.)
Endangered Minds heavily influenced our decisions regarding TV and computer time for our young children. The author gave us helpful ‘ammunition’ to explain to our extended family why we chose to do things differently.
Even though this book is older, much of the research and Dr. Healy’s central premise is still applicable and timely. Merely talking with your kids is one of the best things you can do for them! Who knew?
You’ll want some basic Grammar References to help you teach with a literature-based Curriculum.
A grammar reference is particularly helpful to refresh your knowledge of grammar/literature terms and concepts. You may use one of your high school or college references or pick up one of these tried and true references:
These classics have remained best sellers for decades. Although there are more recent editions, older editions would work just fine! Keep on the lookout for one of these at used bookstores.
Be aware that newer editions sometimes include the “new” pronouns and other politically correct verbiage that you may not appreciate.
Language arts resources for teaching your kids at their level
#1 A Grammar Reference written at the level of your students
If you have difficulty explaining grammar and composition rules to your younger children in a way they can understand, try references written at the level of your students.
We found this series to be particularly helpful and enjoyable for our kids:
This particular one is available used for about a penny (plus shipping) on Amazon.
Write Source 2000 is for middle school.
Writer’s Inc. is for high school.
#2 Student Dictionaries
This is an excellent dictionary for the younger set (2nd-4th grade). We didn’t have our kids write a ton at those ages, but this was such a wonderfully illustrated dictionary they loved just looking at it.
And once they were old enough to want to look up words, it was not nearly as intimidating as one of my dictionaries written for older children.
This is an excellent dictionary choice for high school.
