English Language Arts

Summary:    

      Tumtum and Nutmeg is the first in a series of books by Emily Bearn.

      Mr and Mrs Nutmouse (respectively: Tumtum and Nutmeg) live in Nutmouse Hall a grand house (for mice) secreted within the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage. Rose Cottage is the home of a human family: Mr Walter Mildew and his children, Arthur and Lucy. Mr Mildew is an inventor and is struggling to maintain the family while he develops his latest invention, a mechanical mouse that cleans. Due to their father's absent-mindedness and financial situation, Rose Cottage is in poor repair and Arthur and Lucy wear threadbare clothes and are frequently hungry.

      Nutmeg begins, with Tumtum's help, to help take care of the children. Using the cover of "Nutmeg, a Fairy of Sorts", Nutmeg cleans the attic in which the children sleep and mends their clothes while Tumtum makes repairs to both the room and the children's toys. The children repay Nutmeg's kindness by leaving treats for them in the doll's house.

      Things change when Aunt Ivy comes to stay while her home in Scotland is being fumigated for mice (which she hates). Things rapidly become way more complicated for Tumtum, Nutmeg, Arthur, and Lucy!

Author: Emily Bearn

Language: English | Copyright: 2008

Instruction in our classroom includes, but is not limited to, the following components:

Vocabulary:

• Phonics / Spelling
• Greek and Latin Prefixes, Root Words, & Suffixes
• Word Origins & Spelling
• Parts of Speech
• Euphemisms

Grammar & Writing:

• Punctuation 
• Sentences, Paragraphs, & Essays (Informative, Persuasive, Narrative)
• Text-Dependent Narrative Writing
• Transitions
• Word Choice
• Poetry
• Research & Oral Communication 
• Cursive Handwriting

Reading Comprehension:

• Author's Purpose
• Characters & Setting
• Context Clues
• Text Structure (Fiction) - Story Plot Maps
• Text Structures (Informational Text / Nonfiction)
• Genres and Sub-Genres
• Figurative Language
• Literary Elements
• Poetic Devices
• Point of View
• Types of Conflict
• Facts and Opinions
• Inferences
• Theme
• Poetry

Note:  Students need to complete at least 15 minutes of I-Ready Reading (Monday - Thursday) for a total of ONE HOUR each week AND successfully pass at least THREE LESSONS.