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P.E.A.R.L.

Partnership for Excellence in Alternative Remote Learning

ELA Considerations

Planning a Complete ELA Curriculum

A strong ELA plan can be built in many different ways. Some families choose one comprehensive curriculum, while others combine a few resources to meet their student’s needs.

 

English Language Arts includes several important areas such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and listening. What is most important is choosing materials that support growth in these areas at an appropriate level for your student.

 

Explore the sections below to better understand the key components of ELA and discover curriculum options that may be a good fit for your family. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your PEARL teacher with questions you have along the way. 

Core Components to Consider

  • Reading

    Independent reading, read alouds, comprehension, fluency.

  • Writing

    Sentence writing, paragraphs, creative writing, reports, publishing.

  • Spelling

    Phonics patterns, word study, high-frequency words.

  • Grammar

    Capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, usage.

  • Speaking and Listening

    Discussion, read aloud response, presentations.

Choosing an ELA Curriculum by Grade Band

Families often find curriculum decisions easier when they begin with their student’s stage of literacy development. In the early years, the focus is learning to read. As students grow, the focus shifts toward reading to learn, writing clearly, and thinking critically.

Kindergarden - 2nd Grade

  • Learning to Read Foundations

    For most students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, we strongly recommend a phonics-based reading program. These programs build the skills needed for confident reading, spelling, and early writing.

  • What to Prioritize for Reading in K–2

    Phonemic awareness Phonics and decoding Read alouds Fluency practice Handwriting Beginning writing Early spelling patterns

  • A highly regarded phonics program with clear, scripted lessons that guide parents step by step. Uses hands-on activities and readers that build confidence gradually. Excellent for families wanting structure.

  • A comprehensive literacy program that combines phonics, spelling, reading, and handwriting. Strong choice for families wanting one program to cover multiple foundational skills.

  • An online Orton-Gillingham based program designed to strengthen reading, spelling, and writing skills. Especially helpful for students who need additional support or dyslexia-friendly instruction.

  • A digital phonics supplement with engaging practice and review. Best used alongside a primary reading curriculum rather than as a stand-alone program.

  • Adaptive online reading support that targets skill gaps and provides personalized practice. Helpful for intervention and extra reinforcement.

  • Early Writing Foundations

    In the primary years, writing should focus on handwriting, sentence formation, spelling patterns, narration, and building confidence in expressing ideas.

  • What to Prioritize for Writing in K–2

    Handwriting Sentence writing Oral narration Spelling patterns Beginning typing Writing confidence

  • A popular multi-sensory handwriting program that teaches letter formation clearly and gently. Excellent for young learners developing handwriting skills.

  • An online typing program that gives immediate feedback and helps students begin keyboarding skills.

  • Our younger grade levels include age-appropriate writing tasks that build confidence through narration, drawing + writing, sentences, and early composition.

3rd-8th Grade

  • Reading to Learn & Writing to Communicate

    As students become readers, the focus shifts toward comprehension, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and using reading to learn new ideas.

  • What to Prioritize for Reading in Grades 3–8

    Independent reading Reading comprehension Vocabulary growth Paragraph and essay writing Grammar and editing Discussion and speaking skills Critical thinking through literature

  • Our genre-based curriculum designed specifically for PEARL students. Includes reading a book of choice, writing tasks, comprehension, speaking/listening, and standards-aligned lessons that build independence.

  • A literature-based curriculum featuring strong book selections, reading comprehension, grammar, and composition. Great for families wanting a traditional, open-and-go program.

  • A creative and engaging language arts approach that emphasizes voice, connection, and enjoyment of writing. Strong choice for families who value discussion and a less traditional style.

  • Can be helpful for older students who need to revisit foundational phonics skills.

  • Building Strong Writers

    As students grow, writing instruction should expand into paragraphs, organization, grammar, style, editing, and writing for different purposes.

  • What to Prioritize for Writing in Grades 3–8

    Paragraph writing Essay writing Grammar through writing Editing and revision Vocabulary and style Writing stamina Writing for real purposes

  • A creative, family-friendly writing approach that emphasizes voice, connection, and enjoyment of writing. Great for families wanting a less traditional style.

  • A systematic program with video instruction and workbook practice. Strong choice for families wanting clear, step-by-step teaching with moderate parent involvement.

  • Highly structured writing instruction that teaches organization, style, and formal writing skills. Excellent for students who benefit from clear structure.

  • Video-based writing curriculum that guides students through narrative, informative, and opinion writing in an engaging format.

  • A classical writing program focused on rhetoric, persuasive writing, and critical thinking. Best for older or advanced students.

  • Incremental writing instruction with strong support in editing and organization. Good for families who want detailed guidance and hands-on structure.

  • A family-style writing option designed for multiple ages learning together. Works well for families combining subjects across grade levels.

  • Our genre-based curriculum includes regular writing tasks tied to reading, speaking/listening, and standards-aligned instruction.

For more details about each curriculum as well as cost and video reviews visit the Curriculum Place. 

Reading Curriculum

Writing Curriculum

ELA Mechanics

Additional Tools for a Healthy Literacy Diet

three kids reading on the couch