"First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind" by Jessie Wise, Sarah Park (Illustrator)undoubtedly has great expectations for families who use it. It expects children of a first and second grade level who have completed the book to understand adverbs, adjectives, interjections, direct and indirect quotations, paragraph formation and four basic types of sentences among other things. My first reaction on reading the Table of Contents was a little reticence. How frequently do you hear of first and second graders who have proficiency not only in the practice, but also the terminology, of grammar? I can, however, unequivocally state that this scripted language curriculum accomplishes its stated goals and does so painlessly.

My son, who has been known to balk when it comes to school time in the morning, eagerly goes through his language lessons. He has gained confidence in our language and he is capable of giving you not only the definition, but also examples of many points of grammar. So what? Many kids can do that? I understand those may be some of your reactions. But how many kids age 6 can do it with enthusiasm??? After roughly 1 semester using this curriculum, my young son composed a poem today. A good one- using recognizable rhyme and meter- at that. THAT, to me, is the great success of this book. It not only delivers on the educational angle, it delivers on generating enthusiasm for the language.

Not a homeschooler? This book is still for you and your kids. Many parents are displeased at some level with the education their children receive in school. The scripted lessons take only a few minutes per day and will exponentially enhance your kids' education. I'm certain that their increased language proficiency will improve their comprehension of other subjects. Give it a try! At best, your children will flower intellectually. At worst, you will have spent some extra time reading to your kids and interacting with them. Either way, you and your children come out ahead of the game.

Bully for Jessie Wise for writing a fabulous language curriculum and bully for me for purchasing the book. I hope you do the same. Your kids' knowledge will be better off for it!