Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts

This is a highly knowledge-rich curriculum that systematically builds classical knowledge through Latin and Greek roots, classical literature, and cultural content.

The program introduces 'Latin and Greek roots' from the beginning, studies classical literature extensively, includes 'photographs of Greek and Roman art and architecture, maps' and 'fifteen essays on topics such as Roman architecture.' The vocabulary 'eschews grade-level vocabulary' in favor of sophisticated classical terms.

Text complexity is exceptionally high, with students engaging sophisticated classical literature and academic vocabulary well above typical grade levels.

The program 'was written with gifted students in mind' and uses vocabulary that 'transcends typical grade-level lists' with words like 'inexorable, alacrity, and obsequious.' Students analyze complex passages with sentences containing sophisticated vocabulary and syntax.

The curriculum provides substantial teacher support through detailed manuals, online resources, and author-created materials.

Teacher manuals include 'teaching suggestions,' 'access to an online library of Thompson's comments on student papers,' and the publisher offers 'free downloads, video clips, and implementation slide shows' plus 'online support forums to which both the publisher and the author regularly contribute.'

Vocabulary instruction is exceptionally strong, with systematic study of Latin and Greek roots and sophisticated academic vocabulary throughout all levels.

Students learn challenging words like 'aqueduct, suburbs, spectacular' from the beginning, progressing to 'ostentatious, ponderous' passages. The program includes dedicated vocabulary courses like Caesar's English and The Word Within the Word, with 'analogies play a prominent role.'

Writing instruction is systematic and sophisticated, progressing from sentence to paragraph to essay level with strong grammatical foundation.

Writing courses follow 'sequential development' from 'Sentence Island, Paragraph Town, and Essay Voyage' to 'Advanced Academic Writing' that teaches 'MLA guidelines for writing.' Writing is taught with 'a strong grammatical approach.'

The curriculum strongly emphasizes whole books, with each level featuring complete novels and literary works in the literature strand.

Each literature course studies complete works like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Treasure Island, The Call of the Wild, and American autobiographies. Thompson uses 'special editions annotated by Thompson' of complete classical works rather than excerpts.

The curriculum employs a Socratic approach that encourages discovery learning rather than direct instruction, which may not suit all learners.

Thompson 'frequently uses a Socratic approach for teaching—using questions to help students discover answers or concepts for themselves.' The methodology 'expects and demands students to be mentally engaged' but 'will not work well for an unmotivated student.'

The curriculum includes some retrieval elements like quote quizzes and review activities, but systematic retrieval practice is not a primary focus.

Literature courses include 'quote quizzes where students identify either the speaker or who or what is being described' and grammar includes 'oral review' components, but systematic spaced review is not emphasized.

The curriculum does not appear to include systematic phonics instruction, as it begins at grade 3 and focuses on advanced grammar and vocabulary study.

The program is designed 'for 3rd grade and up' and emphasizes 'Latin and Greek stems' and sophisticated grammar analysis rather than foundational phonics skills.