Language Arts and Grammar are hit or miss subjects around here. Depending on what part of it all we are learning, the kids either hate it or love it. Sentence diagramming was always something that was frowned upon. I really hated that they didn't like it, because if we are going to be honest, the grammar nerd in me really enjoys doing it. I was kind of reluctant on doing the review for Sentence Diagramming: Beginning by The Critical Thinking Co.™ because I wasn't sure how receptive they would be to it. I have been pleasantly surprised at how they have embraced doing this workbook.
About The Critical Thinking Co.™ ~
Back in 1958, John Baker founded this company under the name of Midwest Productions where they were mainly a math and textbook company. Now The Critical Thinking Co.™ has over 200 titles available in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies! It still remains a family owned business, and is now run by John's son, Michael Baker.
As their mission states, they are always committed to helping students with their critical thinking skills to help better their grades and test skills.
Sentence Diagramming: Beginning
Angela Carter wrote this workbook while she was teaching elementary students how to diagram sentences. She was having trouble finding resources that would teach diagramming in a logical way, and also a way that is easy to understand. She went on to say that she started making up quick lessons on her own, and decided to write them down and share. You can read the rest of her story in the beginning of the workbook.
So, I want to talk a little bit about the book. The entire workbook is 65 pages that are perforated so that they can be easily taken out. This makes it so easy to take the pages out, and copy so that you can use it for multiple students. It has a glossy and colorful cover that is well put together. This workbook is perfect for grades 3-12+.
How did we use this in our school?
I decided to use this workbook with both Edyn and Gavin. Edyn is in 10th grade, and Gav is in 6th so it was a good opportunity to see if there were any differences between the 2. The book is broken down into 12 lessons and a review. It also includes an answer key in the back.
- Lesson 1 - Simple Subject and Main Verb
- Lesson 2 - Direct Object
- Lesson 3 - Adjectives
- Lesson 4 - Adverbs Modifying Verbs
- Lesson 5 - Predicate Adjectives
- Lesson 6 - Predicate Nouns
- Lesson 7 - Prepositional Phrases (Adjectives)
- Lesson 8 - Prepositional Phrases (Adverbial)
- Lesson 9 - Compound Subjects
- Lesson 10 - Compound Predicates
- Lesson 11 - Compound Direct Objects
- Lesson 12 - Compound Predicate Adjectives and Nouns
The lessons are short and easy. She starts off each lesson with an example that has an error. You figure it out and diagram it correctly. You will then move on to diagramming the given sentences. She gives you several to practice on as you go. Finally, you will make up your own sentences and diagram those. It's very straightforward and to the point, and that's the perfect kind of workbooks for us!
What did we think?
We really enjoyed working on this, even though the kids still aren't fond of diagramming sentences. Darn it. I just don't think they are into it, no matter how good a program is. I really do think that this is perfect for anyone that is wanting an easy and straight forward workbook, that doesn't make it complicated.
If you have any preschoolers, please consider checking out these awesome bundles for their Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic Before Kindergarten!™ programs. You can read about the Importance of Preschool Academics HERE.
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