The new edition for 2025 includes the same user-friendly
format as previous editions with some new features. Each consumable workbook is
designed to supplement your ELA program with a mix of fiction and
nonfiction passages and answers in the back. What’s new? Discussion content for
before and after you read, vocabulary definitions, and IXL tutorial
connections!
The expectation would be to complete 2-3 pages a
week. Students read a selected passage and respond to questions directly in the
workbook. There are a variety of question types, and students will be asked to
write out their responses.
While many parents will use this as something for their
child to complete independently, helpful before reading, during
reading, and after reading questions are included to encourage
discussion. Many students who struggle with reading comprehension do much
better when given the opportunity to talk before they read. Vocabulary words
are defined and can be overviewed before reading to ensure a student is getting
the most out of a reading selection.
In this new edition, lessons now include an identifier to
find a corresponding lesson on IXL. IXL is a tutorial website with short
videos. This is completely optional and not essential for using the workbooks. A
QR code inside the front cover takes you to the IXL site, where you can choose
to add the service for a monthly fee.
Reading passages are mostly updated from the previous
edition. You can find some examples for each grade level in individual product
descriptions. The popular series continues to be offered for grade levels K-8
with colorful, engaging activity pages. Spectrum is a popular choice for grade-level
standardized test prep. The pages are not reproducible, which means you are
expected to provide one workbook per student. Pages are perforated.
