This course’s content will provide students with a meaningful foundation in the various aspects of language arts in order to prepare them for more advanced study. Students will use the Rod and Staff 5th-grade grammar text to expand their background in grammar, usage, and mechanics. They will practice communicating clearly, effectively, and eloquently in their own writing through paragraph length compositions for various purposes and audiences. Students will also encounter excellent literature that includes both timeless children’s classics and well-written modern works, practicing comprehension, early literary analysis, and critical thinking as they read.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
Ability to read fluently. If the student is new to Excelsior Classes, this placement guide will be useful. Teachers are also available to offer placement assistance.
Following the Plan – Rod and Staff English Grade 5 ISBN: 978-0739905197
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate ISBN: 978-0061992278
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George ISBN: 978-0142401118
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson ISBN 978-1547600564
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl ISBN: 78-0142410318
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park ISBN 978-0-547-57731-9
The Hobbit by J.R.R.Tolkien ISBN: 978-0547928227
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan ISBN: 978-0062399526
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo ISBN: 978-0763680909
Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr ISBN: 978-1536203660
Jenny Cutler graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in Education, and in 2012 with a Master’s Degree in Multicultural Education, both from Eastern University. Jenny taught in both private and public schools until she had her first child and decided to stay home with him. She ran a tutoring business during her first few years as a stay at home parent but found teaching online to be an ideal fit for her, and she made the switch in 2014.
Parent M. –
My son has really enjoyed this class. Mrs. Cutler does a great job of organizing and explaining all of the material in a way that is not only fun, but very efficient. Very impressed with how much he has learned and developed a true love of reading in a short amount of time. Highly Recommend!
Parent G. –
This is our first year and we have really enjoyed our experience with Excelsior Classes! Our son has learned so much this semester in Mrs. Cutler’s Introduction to Language Arts class. He has gained so much confidence in his writing abilities and we couldn’t be happier. Mrs. Cutler is a wonderful teacher, patient, and kind. She is always quick to respond if ever we need help with anything. Thank you!
Meranda Sizer –
Jenny did an excellent job of teaching the “Intro to LA” class. My son was engaged and challenged but managed to stay on track and learned to manage his time to ensure the homework is completed in a week’s time. As a parent, it was a good balance between grammar concepts and literature/writing assignments. She is very available and communicates her expectations and all necessary updates regularly. My son is much further along in LA after taking her class. Thank you, Jenny!
Jessica W –
You want your child in this class! With enthusiasm and poise, Mrs. Cutler leads her students into critical thinking, engaging with literature, and understanding basic composition. I could not have been happier with our experience. My student grew leaps and bounds (and even stayed up past bed time reading a couple of the assigned novels on his own).
B Family –
I would highly recommend this class. Mrs Cutler is a gracious and patient teacher, and my son really gained a solid foundation in Language Arts in this course.
Steffani K. –
Wow! Mrs. Cutler’s Language Arts class was an incredible experience for our first time using Excelsior classes. She was excellent at communicating about assignments and due dates with parents & the student. Our 5th grade boy didn’t love reading or writing before this class and she really helped him gain confidence. We are looking forward to his younger siblings taking this class in the future!
Renee R. –
Highly recommend this class. As a parent, I appreciated that the class felt appropriately rigorous and the projects gave them freedom to explore something they wanted. To me, this struck the perfect balance of both enchanted, child-lead learning, and the excellence I want for children’s education. Mrs Cutler regularly communicated to parents with weekly emails giving a recap of what was being covered and what to anticipate in the week ahead. I appreciated the communication and knowing what was happening even though my children didn’t require my help with assignments. I felt very supported if I had questions as she was always prompt with replying to emails. This class has been a win win for me and my two daughters who have taken this class with Mrs Cutler.