English Language Arts 🪇
Our favorite resources for reading comprehension, writing, grammar, vocabulary, critical thinking and more.
Over the last couple months, we’ve shared posts about different components of a full ELA program (writing, media literacy, public speaking and more).
In this post, we’ll cover our favorite full ELA curriculum, and strategies for learning English Language Arts at home.
What is English Language Arts?
English Language Arts (ELA) is a term used in education to refer to the study and development of skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. It encompasses various topics related to the English language and its use in communication.
Why does English Language Arts need to be taught?
Structured English Language Arts (ELA) instruction is crucial to a child’s education because it goes beyond the natural exposure to language and provides systematic guidance in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. While basic language skills might develop naturally, ELA instruction is essential for mastering the complexities of modern communication, including intricate language structures, diverse genres, and cultural nuances embedded in texts. This instruction fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and media literacy, which are cultivated through guided learning experiences. Moreover, ELA bridges gaps in literacy challenges, ensures standardized communication skills, prepares learners for academic demands, and stimulates cognitive growth - enhancing memory, concentration, and analytical capabilities. In a world of varying language environments, technological influences, and specialized communication expectations, structured ELA teaching equips individuals with the comprehensive skills needed to navigate, understand, and succeed in diverse contexts.
This post is devoted to our favorite comprehensive ELA programs, but also includes links to detailed posts about curricula available for specific areas where families might want extra reinforcement or advanced study.
What are the key components of an ELA program?
1. Early Literacy & Reading Comprehension
Developing the ability to sound out letters, decode words, understand and interpret written texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and plays. This involves analyzing themes, characters, plot, literary devices, and making inferences. Studying and analyzing works of literature in-depth, examining elements such as theme, symbolism, imagery, tone, and narrative techniques. Critical reading is part of any standard ELA curriculum, but they often require that a child already knows how to read, so families will want to look for an early literacy program when starting out.
2. Handwriting
In the early stages of education, students are taught to write by hand, learning to form letters, words, and sentences. Handwriting practice helps improve fine motor skills, aids in letter recognition, and supports overall writing fluency. As students progress, they develop their handwriting style and learn to write more complex compositions. While digital technologies are becoming more prevalent, teaching handwriting remains important as it serves as a foundation for literacy development. Moreover, being able to write by hand is still relevant in various situations where technology might not be available or practical, such as taking notes, signing documents, or writing in a journal.
3. Writing Skills and Creative Expression
Learning to express ideas and thoughts effectively through written communication. This includes various forms of writing such as essays, narratives, argumentative pieces, research papers, and creative writing. Encouraging students to explore their own creativity and express themselves through writing, poetry, storytelling, and other forms of artistic expression.
4. Grammar and Language Usage
Understanding the rules and conventions of the English language, including sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, verb tenses, parts of speech, and correct usage of words.
5. Vocabulary Development
Expanding one's knowledge of words and their meanings, and learning strategies for acquiring new vocabulary. This includes studying synonyms, antonyms, prefixes, suffixes, and context clues.
6. Oral Communication
Developing effective speaking and listening skills, including public speaking, presenting ideas, participating in discussions, and active listening to comprehend and respond appropriately.
7. Critical thinking and Media literacy
Encouraging students to think critically, analyze information, evaluate arguments, and form their own opinions based on evidence. Understanding and critically evaluating various forms of media, such as newspapers, magazines, advertisements, websites, and digital content, including the ability to identify biases, evaluate credibility, and recognize persuasive techniques. Learning how to gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources, including books, articles, and digital resources. Developing skills in conducting research, citing sources, and writing bibliographies.
These topics and skills are typically taught and developed throughout the K-12 education system, with increasing complexity and depth as students progress through different grade levels.
🏆 And now…Our nine favorite curriculum for learning ELA at home
The resources we recommend in this post are ELA-specific. For more resources, be sure to check out our post on all-in-one-curriculum. Most of these programs have phenomenal ELA programs integrated within a full curriculum.
*Programs marked with a star have an affiliate link. This means we receive a small percentage when you purchase the program via our site. Our reviews are unbiased and we do not favor programs that we have an affiliate relationship with either through the provider, or the Amazon affiliates program.
🥇 Our top choice overall
1. Critical Thinking Company (K-12)
The Critical Thinking Company offers a clearly laid out, affordable and comprehensive program that will not only ensure children are at grade level, but cultivate the foundational learning tools they need to thrive.
The Critical Thinking Company's English Language Arts Program (and Language Smarts for elementary age students) is a standout resource for parents seeking an all-in-one, mastery-based curriculum. Established in 1958 and utilized across 70,000 schools in 120 countries, this well-crafted curriculum is lauded for its ability to cultivate critical thinking skills and help students achieve higher test scores. Parents appreciate its engaging and easy-to-use workbook approach, beautifully designed with colorful layouts and clear explanations. Particularly notable is "The Trifecta," a combination of "Language Smarts," "Mathematical Reasoning," and "Vocabulary Virtuoso" workbooks that cater to various learning styles. Although some parents felt the program has too much focus on improving standardized test scores, *the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. A full year of curriculum costs around $25, with individual subjects available for an additional $25. Price-sensitive parents also have the option to purchase used curriculum.
Eclectic, Progressive, Literature-based program
2. Build Your Library (K-12)
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