Welcome to Think Tank 1, an English Language Arts program designed especially for homeschooled students who need a slightly gentler pace for mastering reading, writing, and spelling.

While Think Tank is not a remedial class, it is:

• Paced for students who struggle with reading, writing, and/or spelling

• A Charlotte-Mason-inspired language arts program

• Ideal for 5th - 7th graders with dyslexia

Class Overview:

In this class, students are introduced to great literature through lots of read aloud time in class, author studies, games and art, and hands-on projects. The focus of Think Tank is to grow language arts mastery through building confidence, so there are no "tests." Just lots of engagement with stories, words, and ideas. Classroom time includes weekly:

• Read aloud time (students are not required to read aloud in class)

• Cursive handwriting practice

• Spelling lessons and practice

• Writing prompts

• Critical thinking games and activities

• Grammar lessons and practice

Required Texts:

Assigned novels - 2 per semester

Language Lessons for Today, volume 5 (Fall semester)

Language Lessons for Today, Volume 6 (Spring semester)

Other resources used in the Think Tank program include: All About Spelling, All About Reading, The Critical Thinking Co, and Write Through the Bible. (These are provided by the teacher.)

Homework Expectations:

The Think Tank program includes five hours of class time per week, and most assignments will be completed in class. Parents may plan on spending about an hour per week reading to or with their child, or assisting with occasional projects.

Google Classrooms:

Parents are required to join and keep up with Think Tank via Google Classrooms, as this is the primary means of communication regarding homework and room updates.

Cell Phone Policy:

Students are required to keep cell phones put away in their backpacks during class time. They may call or text parents, with permission, as needed.

Student Requirements:

• 5th grade or 10 years old by August 2025

• Able to integrate with other students and learn in a classroom environment

• Respectful behavior toward teacher and peers

• Dyslexia, or similar reading/writing challenges

Think Tank 1 is taught by Mrs. Kristy Howard, a seasoned homeschool educator with years of experience teaching (and parenting) dyslexic kids. Her goal for this class is to help students build skills and confidence, and draw out their natural creativity and curiosity.

The class is for 5th - 7th graders who have dyslexia or struggle with reading/writing/spelling. It is not a remedial, special education, or behavior therapy class. Mrs. Howard is not certified to teach students who are on the spectrum. All students must be interviewed and approved by Mrs. Howard before enrolling in the class.