The First Language Lessons (FLL) series teaches your elementary student the vital tools of grammar. It provides a solid grasp of punctuation, capitalization, parts of speech, diagramming, and more. Poetry memorization, picture study, and other activities keep your student engaged.
How does First Language Lessons work? How is it structured?
- FLL is a scripted and open-and-go curriculum in four levels (not “grade levels”). Each level is designed to be completed in a year, but should be completed at a pace that allows for mastery. Choose the level that is appropriate for your student’s ability and maturity level
Levels 1 constitutes a full year of grammar instruction with content and instruction targeted at first or second grade level. Student work is done orally. It requires only the Instructor Guide. The optional Audio Companion brings to life the poems, stories and rhymes in both Levels 1 & 2.
Level 2 constitutes a full year of grammar instruction with content and instruction targeted at the second or third grade level. Student work is done orally. It requires only the Instructor Guide. The optional Audio Companion brings to life the poems, stories and rhymes in both Levels 1 & 2.
Level 3 constitutes a full year of grammar instruction with content and instruction targeted at third or fourth grade level. It requires both an Instructor Guide and a Student Workbook.
Level 4 constitutes a full year of grammar instruction with content and instruction targeted at fourth or fifth grade level. It requires both an Instructor Guide and a Student Workbook.
What is the recommended starting level for my child?
- We suggest beginning Level 1 when the student is an emerging reader, capable of sounding out multi-syllable words, and has practiced penmanship enough to copy names, words, and short sentences. Starting in first or second grade allows ample time to complete all levels during the elementary years.
Can older students start directly at higher levels?
- Yes, older students can begin at higher levels appropriate to their grade and ability. For instance, fourth and fifth graders may start with Level 4 regardless of prior grammar instruction.
- Some people start the second grader on Level 1, and then skip to Level 3 in third grade. Choose whichever works for your family and your student.
At what pace should my student complete a Level?
- You should aim for 2 to 3 lessons per week, ensuring steady progress without overwhelming your student.
- FLL’s scripted lessons take you through each level in a school-year. Remember — the objective is not speed, but mastery. Stick to a schedule; go faster or slower, and don't quit! Steady progress will bring your student to mastery.
Can I use FLL with a middle-school student?
- FLL is targeted at students in grades 1-5. A middle-school student (grades 6-8) can benefit from Level 4, but at this age, students can be a bit sensitive to being “downgraded.” Perhaps it is better to use Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind and take it at a pace that allows for mastery. The graphic at the end of this FAQ shows different scenarios for K-12 grammar instruction.
Does FLL introduce sentence diagramming?
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Levels 3 and 4 introduce the student to sentence diagramming. Our optional reference books can be helpful starting at this stage. These books are useful through high school and beyond.
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- The Grammar Guidebook (TGG) is a lifetime reference book for you and your student.
- The Diagramming Dictionary (TDD) is a power-assist in teaching sentence diagramming.
- How to Diagram Any Sentence pairs with The Diagramming Dictionary to give further practice in diagramming.
- Jessica Otto shows how to diagram four sentences from How to Diagram Any Sentence.
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Can I see a sample of the curriculum?
- Yes! We provide extensive samples of each title on its product page (that’s the webpage you go to in order to purchase the product). Look for the Sample button beneath the cover image. By taking a good look at the samples, you should be able to determine the correct level and the format you wish to use.
Do I need to use Writing with Ease along with First Language Lessons for a full Language Arts curriculum? Would that be overkill?
- Many people pair FLL with our elementary writing curriculum, Writing With Ease (WWE) but the two are not dependent on one another. You can use First Language Lessons with another vendor’s writing curriculum, or Writing With Ease with another vendor’s grammar curriculum.
- Yes, it is overkill for a student to complete all the exercises in both WWE and FLL. If you use both WWE and FLL, choose the narration, dictation, and copy work from one book or the other. Narration, dictation, and copy work are foundational to writing and grammar skills, and so we included the instruction in both products because many curricula do not teach these skills.
Can I use FLL in a classroom or group-instruction setting?
- Yes. We have links to licensing information in this FAQ.