Difference between "Language Arts" and "English"

Discussion in 'Homeschooling' started by Sabrina, Oct 3, 2006.

  1. Sabrina

    Sabrina New Member

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    Are Language Arts and English the same thing? We have been doing Bob Jones English and I am going to buy the next book, but I was wondering if maybe we needed to try something else. When I look at books they are called these two things. Before I go and look I was wondering if there is a difference?
    We are required to do "Language Arts". Is that the same thing as English? Is that all the parts of speech plus Writing? It seems like there is not so much writing a "paper" and creative writing in the "English" book. We will be doing 5th-6th.
     
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  3. She

    She New Member

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    Yes and No. lol
    When we were in school they group it all under the English heading or under Reading.

    But...there is such a breakdown of the things that are actually covered under that blanket.

    English tends to be the grammar and writing aspect and LA tends to be more literature and comprehension aspect. BUT...some companies might intermingle the two just like they did to us in school. ;) I know not much help. Sorry :(
     
  4. Emma's#1fan

    Emma's#1fan Active Member

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    We use Abeka and other different books to suppliment. They all combine both. I believe as curriculums advance they tend to target English more.
     
  5. Sabrina

    Sabrina New Member

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    We already do Comprehension with the Hooked on Phonics "Your Reading Power" and I am a stickler for reading - so I guess we have that covered. Maybe we should stick with the BJU English.
     
  6. Syele

    Syele New Member

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    I always wondered about this too...

    atm we have a grammar book, a phonics book, books for reading, and we are doing handwriting and other writing combined with the Bible lessons.

    So maybe Language Arts would mean less seperate books?
     
  7. Jackie

    Jackie Active Member

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    It comes from so much overlap. When you teach "English", you might have them writing stories as part of it. So there's no need to "teach writing" seperate an hour later. Then when you proof-read that writing, you might be working on spelling and grammar. There's nothing wrong with an English book that has worksheets on underlining the nouns and verbs, etc; But at the same time, they need to use the information IN THE CONTEXT OF THEIR WRITING. Reading is considered Language Arts, as is a skill often overlooked but very important...LISTENING. I've found that books with a more Charlotte Mason flavor tend to be more "Language Arts" than "English". So I tend to refer to their books as a "language". Rachael's my exception. She's taking a class right now and the book she needs for it is called Writers Inc. It is most definately a GRAMMAR book!
     

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