Focus Guides center on specific character traits and/or writing skills. Some use extensive scripture. All take approximately 3 weeks to complete. The lessons do not include vocabulary or spelling worksheets; neither do they list optional activities such as field trips or hands on suggestions found in our regular study guides. The listed titles are not available as study guides; these are Focus Guides only. An * by the writing description indicates the guide includes detailed writing instruction.
Animal Farm
Grades: high school (British literature)
Focus: discernment
Writing: opinion essays, character analysis, critical thinking
Author’s skills: point of view, symbolism
Ben and Me
Grades: 4th - 6th
Focus: Imagination
Writing: paragraphs, expressing opinions
Author’s skills: creativity
The Door in the Wall
Grades: 6th - 8th
Focus: Perseverance
*Writing: report (step-by-step)
Scripture: memorization regarding perseverance and trials
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Grades: 4th - 6th
Focus: letter writing
*Writing: business, friendly letters and envelopes
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Grades: 5th - 8th
Focus: survival
*Writing: essays using 5-step approach; similes, metaphors; descriptions
Scripture: memorization of short proverbs
Out of the Dust
Grades: 6th - 8th
Focus: understanding poetry
*Writing: poetry, literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, consonance, etc.
The Phantom Tollbooth
Grades: 6th - 8th
Focus: “Rhyme and Reason”
*Writing: essays using 5-step approach
Author’s skills: humor
Scripture: memorization of short proverbs