The Training Ground

Total Language Plus – Winter 2010

Who is eligible?   7th and 8th grade students only, please.

When is it?   This Third Book/Session TLP will meet Thursdays, 12:00-1:15 PM on the following dates in 2010:

Jan 14, 21, 28

Feb 4, 11, 25

Mar 4, 11 (Note: This additional class meeting date was newly posted on Dec 17th), and March 18 (for class party)

Who teaches it?   Mrs. Suzanne Austin & Mrs. Tina Holmsten

Suzanne Austin has been homeschooling her sons for the last 10 years. She has taught and assisted in various subjects at co-ops. Through years of teaching English and writing to her own sons, she has developed a passion for the subject and enjoys sharing it with others. Mrs. Austin taught TLP activities for two books in Fall 09.

(Please see Tina Holmsten’s bio in the General Science Lab course description.)

About the course:   Total Language Plus (TLP) is a literature-based language arts program focused on thinking and communication skills. It features integrated lessons with the goal of developing a Biblical perspective. The novel studies cover spelling, vocabulary, comprehension, listening, grammar, punctuation, critical thinking, and writing.

The next book selection is an historical fiction entitled Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith. Here is a write-up about the book:

Rifles for Watie is an American children’s novel by Harold Keith. It was first published in 1957, and received the Newbery Medal the following year.

Plot introduction

Set during the American Civil War, the plot revolves around Jefferson Davis Bussey who is sixteen and caught up in the events of history. Actual historical personages (e.g. Generals Stand Watie and James G. Blunt) and battles (e.g. Wilson’s Creek and Prairie Grove) are seen from the viewpoint of an ordinary soldier, enabled by the choice of protagonist. Harold Keith spent many years interviewing Civil War veterans and visiting the sites depicted in the book, resulting in an authenticity that is rare for historical fiction that targets a young adult audience.

The setting, west of the Mississippi, is also not typical of Civil War novels, so the reader gets a perspective on the war not generally available in other books, let alone one found in children’s books.

Main themes

Jeff learns about the destructiveness and waste of war. In this sense, the novel is very much in the tradition of Stephen Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage. The novel examines the issues, weapons (the Spencer rifle), and strategies of the western campaigns.

Themes:

good vs. evil= (Captain Clardy vs. Jeff) (North vs. South) (South vs. North)

Things aren’t always as they seem (Jeff thought the North was good and the South was bad until he joined Stand Watie and they were good to him)

Never Lose Hope (Jeff was on the rebel side for a while, but he never lost hope) (Even when Jeff was lots of months overdue for duty he still waited for the right information) (When Jeff was running away from the Confederates even when he was starved and tired he still tried to make it back) (He made friends with Sully the Bloodhound to get across the river) (He never lost hope of seeing Lucy again) (He never lost hope of seeing his friends and family again)

Love (Lucy Washbourne and Jeff always find a way to get over there different beliefs no matter how passionate they are.)

Remember, if you participated in TLP in the fall, you need to sign up with The TG again for the new session. Here is the link for The Training Ground:

I’m assuming that everyone who signs up for the class would like me to order the workbook but, please send me a note that you need the workbook and that you will not be ordering it yourself.

There are many copies of the novel at the library; I saw three copies on the shelf at the Pittsford library. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase it at a book store such as Borders. It may be cheaper since you will not have to pay shipping in addition to the book. I can also purchase it for you if you would like. Just let me know.

Tina and I have truly enjoyed working with your kids and we’re looking forward to another successful session with them.

Blessings,

Suzanne

How much does it cost?   $7

What does it include?   Instruction, copies of any extra material.

What do I need to bring?   Students must purchase the TLP workbook and novel (TBD).

Please contact Suzanne Austin with questions.

Dress Code Exceptions:   None

When do I need to register?:  

Other notes:

This course is a sequel to the Fall 09 TLP course. Space is limited to 10 students.

Students in Fall 09 TLP should re-register for second semester if they wish to participate.