- Home
- Departments
- Library
- Homeschool Resources
- Language Arts
Language Arts
This website page has been created for homeschoolers as an easy way to locate items for subject based inquiries of interest to home educators. The first link(s) of each category will send you to the Weatherford Public Library catalog and pull up a list of items related to that particular subject area. The remaining links are website pages of free and low-cost resources online to assist in your child’s education.
Click on a button below to see items available for check out at Weatherford Public Library.
RESOURCE LINKS
Phonics and Remedial Reading
K12 Reader
Reading, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and composition help provided, from free worksheets, lesson plans and book lists to resource links.
Nessy
Fun software for students of all abilities assists in learning to read, write, spell and type, especially those who learn differently. A free dyslexia test and a trial version of the software program is available.
Progressive Phonics
A free all-in-one reading program for download (some British spellings) includes books with corresponding handwriting and activity sheets. The original and revised versions are available in color.
Reading Bear
Over 1200 free vocabulary items are sounded out using phonics rules. Photography based videos are often helpful with special needs individuals.
Reading Eggs
These online reading games and activities were developed by a team of elementary teachers and are easy to follow, plus structured for success. Subscription value packs are available.
Reading Horizons
This popular subscription reading program makes learning to read simple for beginning and struggling students. Based on Orton-Gillingham principles, the program focuses on seven rules that can be applied to most English words.
Reading Kingdom
This K-3 reading and writing subscription program uses the 6-Skill model of reading instruction, which does not require learning any complicated rules.
Reading Rockets
Research-based strategies for literacy are abundant on this website, including a free 9 module beginner reading course. Resources on the website offer some great insights for assisting struggling learners.
Sound City Reading Program
This free sequential phonics program follows a systematic method using multi-sensory teaching techniques. Recommended book lists are included in the teaching materials for reinforcement of patterns learned. The materials were developed by an early elementary schoolteacher to provide successful and independent reading and writing for students.
Spalding Education
The Writing Road to Reading method is a total language arts program designed for the individual needs of the student. It is research based and effective. Home Educator Kits and online course are available for purchase.
Starfall Learn to Read
Starfall offers a free and effective emergent reader program using a combination of systematic phonics and sight words. One of the most popular websites (free app also available) for early learners, the parent-teacher center offers lesson plans and guides. The positive reinforcement approach of interactive play provides motivation that may be especially helpful for special needs learners and English language development. A membership fee will give you access to even more content.
English and Grammar
Grammar Book
Use the above website in conjunction with this free pdf of The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation for understanding American English rules and guidelines. Online quizzes are available for review in addition to practice found in the book. Videos on the website help explain application of grammar principles for the writing process.
Daily Grammar
With hundreds of free lessons and quizzes, Daily Grammar covers the eight parts of speech, parts of the sentence and the mechanics of grammar.
English Grammar 101
This free interactive online grammar and writing resource provides a scope and sequence to follow and can be customized to each student. For an ad free environment with additional options, register for a low annual fee. To view all content, select the arrow on the right hand side of the screen to continue scrolling for content.
English Maven
Free grammar lessons are categorized by concept and recommended for K-12, GED, or ESL preparation with a simple website display for ease of use.
Garden of Praise
Free grammar songs have corresponding worksheets to practice. Teacher instructions are found below the songs menu. Additional free resources are also available in a variety of subjects.
Grammar Bytes
From the menu page above, select one of the main headings to view materials: terms, exercises, handouts, presentations, videos, or rules. This free resource has a friendly format that may motivate reluctant grammar learners.
Spelling and Vocabulary
Home Spelling Words
Free spelling lists, games, tests, and practice options are provided for grades K-9th grade. You can also create your own spelling tests.
Merriam-Webster Spell It!
This Scripps National Spelling Bee Study. For the official spelling bee list, enroll at http://spellingbee.com/study-list.
Spelling Words Well
Look for the link on each page that includes the word “printable” for free spelling lists, brain teasers, phonics activities, sight words lists and grade level resources.
VocabularySpellingCity.com
Game-based study of literacy skills using any word list is the hallmark of this award-winning website. Homeschoolers pay a low-cost annual family rate for up to five students.
Writing
The Easy Essay
Use the Guest mode on this automated information organization program for the writing and thinking process. Membership benefits allows you to save multiple essays.
Teacher's Corner Printable Worksheets
This custom worksheet maker allows you to create handwriting worksheets in a variety of fonts, sizes, and colors and offers other language practice sheets like word searches, crosswords, and word clouds. More feature are available with a membership
The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
The Owl at Purdue is one of the most widely used resources for research paper development. The Writing and Style Guides are extremely helpful for college level work.
Time4Writing.com
Select from several 8-week online writing courses taught by certified teachers. A purchase is required.
Typing
Dance Mat Typing
You will need to have Flash installed to run this free software program produced by BBC with four levels of play. Typing speed is calculated and rewards are given upon completion of a level.
KidzType
This website provides free games for typing and includes free lessons from popular typing lesson providers. It is well organized for working on specific keyboarding areas in need of more practice.
Sense-Lang.org
This free typing program also provides tutorials, games, testing and the ability to monitor students with a free teacher’s account.
Type Dojo
Learn typing through this intuitive and engaging program, progressively moving through themed lessons. Using positive reinforcement and simple, easy to follow guides, children preschool and up can benefit from this free typing option. To record progress, you will need to register, but it is not required to use the site.
Tools
Proofreader (grammar, spelling and punctuation)
Grammarly
This free online proofreader corrects grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Research Tool (with automatic citation)
Scrible
Scrible is a free modern online research tool with modern features like 1-click automatic citations and bibliographies plus Google Docs integration. Upgrade to Edu Pro (cost) for even more options.
Citation Creator
Easy Bib
Generate free citations in your choice of research format (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.). Free guides are also available to view online. Look for the orange buttons for the free service applications. Try the free grammar and plagiarism checker as a new feature recently added by Chegg.
Digital Graphic Organizer
Mindmeister
With its easy to use interface, you can collaborate in real time. Brainstorm, take notes and visualize your creative ideas. Free for the first three maps with an option to purchase a low-cost upgrade.
Free Language Arts Textbooks
Elementary Levels
The Good and the Beautiful
Free Language Arts curriculum covers phonics, reading, writing, literature, grammar, punctuation, art and geography for grades 1-5. More subjects and levels available by the author Jenny Phillips; some are free and some are for purchase.
Grammar and Writing Handbooks
Free Scott Foresman Reading (Pearson Education) textbooks can be downloaded here for grades 1-6.
Secondary Levels
Glencoe Language Arts (6th-12th) Textbooks
Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus blog has collected these language arts resources for homeschoolers in middle school and high school by Glencoe. Other links to language arts resources for these grade levels are also included.
All Levels
Kiss Grammar
Popular with Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, this free online mastery based grammar course can be started in any grade and emphasizes how to identify grammar constructions within real texts.