Are you looking for a way to combine the careful study of literature with other language arts skills? Total Language Plus offers a curriculum that combines spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, writing, analytical and critical thinking, reading comprehension and listening skills. Designed for the middle and upper grades, these books assume there are basics of grammar and writing in place, and they provide practice, not remediation.

My Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George, is one of the books available. This is the story of a boy named Sam who spends a year by himself in the Catskill Mountains, learning to survive on his own. Divided into seven units, the study of this book could take anywhere from seven to ten weeks.

At the beginning of the workbook is a planning grid that outlines the work to be done. Each area (reading, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and enrichment) has a list of assignments organized by unit. Assignments include reading comprehension questions, a vocabulary worksheet, a spelling worksheet, and a grammar worksheet. Enrichment activities include questions for deeper thought, writing assignments and projects such as visiting a zoo, making a cookbook, creating a secluded hideout and more.

I love reading but have never been a serious student of literature. I find the writing and thinking portions of the enrichment section to be extremely helpful. It asks the questions that allow the student to understand the perspective of the protagonist and gives the opportunity for much deeper study of the background of the story.

Total Language Plus offers many other titles including The Cricket in Times Square, The Twenty-One Balloons, Julie of the Wolves, Anne of Green Gables and The Hiding Place. Choosing literature for our children is a very important task. Not all books that are offered may pass your test, but as the company explains, "We do not agree with all the philosophies presented in the books. For example, The Call of the Wild promotes evolution - a theory we strongly oppose. We read the book with excitement, however, as a tool for teaching discernment. We realize that opinions differ and therefore recommend that if you are in doubt about any title, read it yourself first." I think these are wise words when choosing any curriculum.

Total Language Plus can be found online at www.totallanguageplus.com. You will find details of each novel including reading level, theme, setting, biblical focus of the study, level of difficulty for skills, and related areas of study. You may order on-line or contact a representative if you prefer.

For a comprehensive, affordable language arts unit, or an in-depth study of literature from a Christian perspective, I suggest you take a look at Total Language Plus. With thirty-three titles offered, there is sure to be a winner for your family in their collection.