A successful method confirmed by Dr. Ruth Beechick. By reading fine literature and working with good models of writing, students will receive a quality education in language arts. The best way to learn a skill is to DO that skill NOT read excerpts and fill in blanks. Break out of the mass education drudgery of workbooks/ textbooks and experience learning at its best! Instead of detached skills, the student learns grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, spelling, dictation, elocution, etc. as a whole (“real life” language arts).

The Heppner children love this program (and so does Miriam!). One level is easily adapted for more than one grade level. (Just expect more from the older student and give more help to the younger.) You’ll find these a proper balance between the rigid mass-education techniques and the aimless “unschooling” approach.

The Gold Book – American Literature is complete curriculum for high school language arts courses. Classic poems, short stories, and novels by the best and most influential American authors were selected to demonstrate literary principles. The Gold Book series is designed to encourage the high school student’s ability to read and understand literature, develop the ability for verbal and written expression, enable him to interpret and access literary meaning in terms of content and philosophy and clearly state a position in response.

In The Gold Book – American Literature you will find:

Novel Units take an in-depth look at famous American British novels. Students are challenged with thought-provoking questions, learn to interpret literature, analyze characters, and more.

The Essay Unit includes the process and uses for expository, descriptive, and narrative essays.

The Poetry Unit includes the poetry of notable American poets such as Emerson, Longfellow, Dickinson, Frost, Cummings, Auden, and more. Your student will analyze poetry, interpret poetry, and learn various poetic styles.

Teacher’s Guide and Answers are located in the back of the book.

Supplemental Books for use with The Gold Book – American Literature are available from Heppner’s Legacy or your local library and include:
Great American Short Stories – Edited by Wallace and Mary Stegner
The Mentor Book of Major American Poets- Edited by Oscar Williams and Edwin Honig
The Old Man and the Sea- Ernest Hemingway
The Red Badge of Courage – Stephen Crane