Beginner Level
Approximately grades 1-3
Emphasis on read-alouds, picture books, easy readers and hands-on activities. High teacher involvement. Third graders who are strong independent readers may be placed in the Grammar level. If you have children in both Beginner and Grammar levels and want to combine them we generally suggest you place them in the Grammar level.
Grammar Level
Approximately grades 4-6
Chapter books, historical fiction, biographies, simple reference books, some formal literature study (optional), creative writing assignments, book reports, hands-on activities, and participation in family read-loud time. Teacher involvement is active, but most of the student's reading can be done independently.
Logic Level
Approximately grades 7-9
More emphasis on non-fiction and re-tellings of classic literature. Some historical fiction at a more mature, but age-appropriate, level. Creative writing, essays and reports involving research. Optional literature analysis. We continue to recommend participation in family read-aloud time. Teacher guidance needed but student takes more responsibility for selection of activities and completion of assignments. The teacher should be regularly available for one-on-one discussion. We strongly encourage a Socratic style of open-ended discussion between teacher and student.
Rhetoric Level
Approximately grades 10-12
More demanding reading assignments; primary sources, both fiction and non-fiction; literary analysis; reports and essays that require independent research and critical-thinking. Students at this level should be self-motivated with teacher guidance as necessary. The teacher should be regularly available for one-on-one discussion. We strongly encourage a Socratic style of open-ended discussion between teacher and student.
