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.
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
