See the Literature resource book list.

See the Literature resource book list.

Basic Literature is often seen as a "dry" subject. Indeed, it can be if you let it, but you can also make it a challenging, rewarding experience that would enhance any learning program.

First, the Basics:

Basic Literature, like Literature and Creative Writing, looks at 6 books per year (with the exception of Basic Literature 7 which has 5), or one book every 6 to 8 weeks. Setting goals is best done by considering the number of chapters (See our Parent Training videos, Setting Goals and Basic Literature - don't forget to log in to see them). To complete the study guide, look at the questions in the study guide, then read the set chapters or pages, and then look at the questions again as a review.

Getting more out of Basic Literature:

The Study Guides may give the impression that there are just a few pages to fill in; then comes the test.

This is usually not the case!

Don’t ignore the written activities. These are after the questions but before the test is taken. They are usually in the form of a composition, and help to consolidate writing skills developed in the English PACEs, including the use of properly constructed outlines.  Look at our scope and sequence to see what writing activities are involved for each unit.

You can use our Essay Marking rubric to help assess the activity (You will need to log in to our website first, then go to: Member Area / Downloads).

Now to get the most out of Literature:

You can add a whole dimension to Basic Literature simply by having your child write a chapter summary after each chapter. Here are some good reasons why:

• Chapters are completed relatively frequently, so are still fresh in a student's memory;
• They encourage a student to review the chapter as a whole, even if the activities might not have done this. This helps with the continuity of the book;
• They show the parent that the chapter was actually read and understood;
• They can be used, if you choose, as writing exercises in which you can assess (informally) writing skills and organisation. You can even extend them to oral presentations, slide shows, drama, or whatever else you would like to include for hands-on, practical work.

The final assessment is just the test score. Any formal or informal activities, including writing tasks in the Study Guide, are at your discretion and give you a wealth of options to enhance your child's learning experience!