The EL Education curriculum provides explicit instruction in foundational reading skills in the early grades, while also fostering knowledge-building through content-rich literacy experiences. Students are exposed to diverse texts that build background knowledge and academic vocabulary, promoting reading comprehension and critical thinking. Lessons are designed to be culturally responsive, promote collaboration, and support all learners, including multilingual and differently-abled students.
For students in Kindergarten through Grade 2, the EL Education curriculum includes Labs—extended, hands-on learning experiences that reinforce content from the module lessons through play, inquiry, and meaningful application. Labs provide students with structured opportunities to collaborate, engage in role-play, explore ideas through art and construction, and practice literacy skills in an immersive, joyful environment. This time is critical in helping young learners make connections between what they are reading and writing and the world around them.
Another essential component for students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 is the Skills Block. This daily instructional time focuses on the systematic development of foundational reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, and fluency. The Skills Block is designed to meet students where they are, using ongoing assessment to provide targeted, small-group instruction that supports every learner's progress toward reading proficiency. Through a structured scope and sequence and consistent routines, students build the essential skills necessary for lifelong reading success.
In Grades 3 and 4, students participate in the Additional Language and Literacy (ALL) Block, which is a complementary component to the module lessons. The ALL Block offers students more time and support to master key literacy skills through additional practice with reading, writing, vocabulary, and fluency. It includes a variety of differentiated tasks that build on the content and themes of the modules, allowing for targeted small-group instruction and independent work that reinforces comprehension, language development, and writing skills. The ALL Block is designed to ensure that all students, including those who need extra support or enrichment, continue to grow as proficient and confident readers and writers.