Essentials
Words, numbers, and sentences — the essentials that prepare leaders.
Bridging Grammar to Dialectic
Prepare Your Learner to Be a Leader
Essentials is a power-packed course for students ages 10–12 alongside their parents. It bridges the grammar and dialectic stages — guiding learners through foundational language principles, writing structure, and mathematical proficiency.
The program follows the one-room schoolhouse model: every student engages in the same activities regardless of age or level. Parents are the lead learners; tutors model exercises that families continue at home.
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What Students Master
English Grammar
Capitalisation, punctuation, the eight parts of speech, 112 sentence patterns, sentence diagramming, and analysis by purpose and structure.
Writing (IEW)
Structured writing through the Institute for Excellence in Writing — clear, confident, and beautiful prose at every age.
Mathematics
Drills and games to build speed and fluency with multiplication facts and core arithmetic operations.
Two Hours Weekly
Classes meet weekly for two hours, immediately following the Foundations program. At-home practice is gentle but consistent:
- ~30 minutes per day of grammar instruction
- 30–45 minutes per day on writing practice
- Math review woven through the week
"Children will succeed if they are taught the essentials of language, writing, and arithmetic."
Words, Sentences, and Confident Writing
How Essentials bridges the grammar and dialectic stages — building mastery for ages 10 to 12.
Frequently Asked
What is the difference between Foundations and Essentials?
Foundations focuses on memory work across all subjects in the grammar stage. Essentials goes deeper on language arts and writing — diagramming sentences, the eight parts of speech, and structured writing through IEW. Most students do both at the same time.
How much homework is involved?
Roughly 30 minutes a day on grammar, 30–45 minutes a day on writing practice, plus math review woven through the week. Gentle but consistent.
What writing curriculum is used?
The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). It is a structured, step-by-step approach that teaches even reluctant writers to produce clear, confident, beautiful prose.
What if my child struggles with grammar?
Essentials uses repetition and the one-room schoolhouse model — every student does the same activities regardless of level. Parents are the lead learners, so a child struggling with a concept will see it modelled by you and the tutor week after week until it clicks.
What You'll Need for Essentials
The core resources most families start with. Add them all in one click, or untick what you already have.
Books for Essentials
Essentials of the English Language, IEW writing and maths resources for the dialectic years.
Ready to Begin Essentials?
Get in touch and we'll help you join an Essentials community near you.
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