Catalog Favorites: Language Arts ProgramsIntroduction

Welcome to Gorman Learning Center! Understanding that navigating the world of curriculum can be daunting, a team of ISTs have pulled together this list of some of our favorite materials for grades K-8. This is not a complete list, but we hope it gives you a starting place. You will find items from the box lists and bundle sets as well as other materials. Brief details and reviews along with some personal reflection in red on the series from people who have used them are included to help you make some more informed decisions with regards to these materials.

The Table of Contents lets you know which number item to look for, not the page number.

There is a separate document for each of the core subject areas.

Table of ContentsReading Comprehension (Phonics): Item NumberAll About Reading

1Comprehension Plus 2Explode the Code

3Journeys English Language Arts Program

4myPerspectives English Language Arts

5Reading Detective

6Right into Reading

7Sing, Spell, Read, & Write 8Spectrum Reading and Writing 2015

9

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons10

The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading11

Leveled Readers:Developing the Early Learner 4 book set

12Easy for Me Readers 13BOB books

14My Math Readers 15Rigby PM guided reading books

16Elson Readers 17DK Readers

18Saxon Early Readers 19 Handwriting:Evan Moor Daily Handwriting Practice books

20Zaner Bloser Handwriting Products

21 Spelling:All About Spelling

22Sequential Spelling 23Spelling Skills 24Spelling Workout

25

Writing:4-Square Writing

26Literature Response Forms

27Nonfiction Writing 28The Complete Writer Series: Writing with Ease, Writing with Skill, and Creative Writer

29

Winning with Writing 30

Grammar:Easy Grammar 31First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind

32Language Fundamentals

33Language Smarts

34Growing with Grammar

35Vocabulary:Wordly Wise 3000 3rd Edition

36

1. All About Reading by Learning Presshttp://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading/ (website includes placement tests for each level.) Grade Levels: TK-3rd

Cost:★ TK basic kit - $79.95, deluxe kit (includes puppet, tote, review box, and

stickers) - $119.95★ Level 1 – All About Reading 1 materials -$99.95 + Interactive Kit -

$21.85, Deluxe kit (includes review box, tote, and stickers)- $43.85★ Level 2 – Level 2 materials - $119.95 + interactive kit - $21.85, deluxe

interactive kit (includes review box, tote, and stickers) - $43.85★ Level 3 – Level 3 materials - $119.95 + interactive kit - $21.85, deluxe

interactive kit (includes review box, tote, and stickers) - $43.85★ Level 4 – Level 4 materials - $119.95 + interactive kit - $21.85, deluxe

interactive kit (includes review box, tote, and stickers) - $43.85★ Some set-up/ organization required – punching out the magnetic titles

and flashcards and organizing them in order under correct file cards (included).

★ Does not include handwriting, spelling, grammar or composition writingSynopsis:Maybe it’s the winsome puppet used to woo children into learning. Maybe it’s the activities that actually sound like they might be fun! Maybe it’s the lesson plans that seem so amazingly clear and doable. Maybe it’s the sense you have that everything your child needs to master the art of reading is right here. Maybe it’s the orderliness of all the components and that they can be tidily put away in their very own tote bag. Or maybe it’s that adorable (can you even call a bee adorable?) little bee that keeps showing up on everything that Marie Rippel authors. Whatever! All About Reading is a well-constructed, thorough, and serious reading program that is devoted to the idea that learning to read can be pleasurable. This program is not only worthy of serious consideration but (dare I say it?) ought to be considered by anyone who wants to teach a child to read.

The complete program consists of five levels: Level Pre-reading (PK or K), Level 1 (K or 1), Level 2 (1 or 2), Level 3 (2 or 3), and Level 4 (3 or 4). In general, the organization is similar to its sister/companion program, All About Spelling. There is an easy-to-follow Teachers Manual which provides the path for the teacher-student interaction that is

central to the program. All teaching and reinforcing activities are multisensory with a strong emphasis on mastery learning based on review. Reinforcement and review is also incorporated into the "games" (at least your child will think theyre games). A key component to all levels is a designated Read Aloud Time. (For those of you more likely to be consistent with this foundational experience when you have it down in lesson plans, consider yourself "enabled".

from http://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=Phonics/5&category=All+About+Reading/2392Works well with All About Spelling levels 1- 7.

2. Comprehension Plusby Pearsonhttp://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZu68&PMDbProgramID=256

Grade Levels: 1-6Cost: $17.45 for the Homeschool Bundle through Rainbow Resource: includes SE, TE, and Parent Guide. $11.47 - $13.47 for SE only; $15.97 for TE only. These workbooks are not included in our boxed sets, but can be ordered to help teach major comprehension skills and strategies as well as guided practice in related study skills and writing assignments. *These workbooks are consumable. Teacher Editions are not. Synopsis:

● Provides explicit instruction and practice of the comprehension skills students need to understand written text.

● Each lesson begins with direct instruction of each skill and is followed by opportunities for students to apply and transfer the skill to a meaningful context.

● There are 30 lessons total. ● Each lesson starts with a short passage plus guided instruction and

practice on a particular skill. ● Other components include: comprehension questions, vocabulary

study and writing activities. ● Coverage of comprehension skills is thorough and includes extras such

as literary elements, some specific word studies, and exercises in "document" reading (i.e. maps, tables, graphs, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.).

Workbooks available:Comprehension Plus A - Grade 1Comprehension Plus B - Grade 2Comprehension Plus C - Grade 3Comprehension Plus D - Grade 4Comprehension Plus E - Grade 5Comprehension Plus F - Grade 6

This series works well as a supplemental curriculum for reading comprehension. Works well for students who enjoy reading novels and want to use this workbook to help enforce comprehension skills. Also works well for students who struggle with reading, and need focused help in comprehension.

3. Explode the Codeby EPS Literacy and Interventionhttp://eps.schoolspecialty.com/products/literacy/phonics-word-study/explode-the-code/about-the-program

Grade Levels: TK – 4th ; can be used to reinforce reading skills for 5th - 6th Cost: Explode the Code workbooks costs between $6.45 - $6.95 through Rainbow Resource. Explode the Code Bundles are also available through Rainbow Resource, and cost relatively more. These workbooks are not included in our boxed sets, but can be ordered to help reinforce literacy with direct, systematic, phonics instruction. *These workbooks are consumable. Teacher Editions are not. Synopsis: There are 3 categories of Explode the Code Workbooks:

● Explode the Code Pre-Literacy Primers for TK - 1st : 1. Get Ready for the Code Book A2. Get Set for the Code Book B3. Go for the Code Book C

These workbooks teach the 21 consonants, and their sounds as well as letter formation through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities. Students also learn print concepts.

● Explode the Code for 2nd - 4th :1. Explode the Code 1-82. Explode the Code Half books: 1 ½, 2 ½, 3 ½, 4 ½, 5 ½, 6 ½

(Half level books provide extra practice for the skills learned in the whole level books.)These workbooks help build the essential literacy skills needed for reading success: phonological awareness, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension,

fluency, and spelling. They also provide accommodations for English Language Learners and struggling readers.

● Beyond the Code for 2nd - 6th :1. Beyond the Code 12. Beyond the Code 23. Beyond the Code 34. Beyond the Code 4

These workbooks are ideal for developing critical comprehensions skills. Writing and spelling exercises introduce new sight words and reinforce phonetic patterns.

This series works well for all students to help practice and reinforce literacy skills for better retention, especially ELA learners and struggling readers.

4. Journeys English Language Arts Program by Houghton Mifflin Harcourthttp://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/reading/core-reading-programs/journeys Grade Levels: K – 6th Cost: Cost varies due to grade and item. Our Deluxe Box Sets include components of the Journeys program for $190, which is significantly less than if you were to buy each component separately.

★ Deluxe Box Set for grades K-1 includes Writing Handbook SE + TE. ★ The K-1 SE and TE main texts were not included in the box sets due to

cost. ★ Deluxe Box Set for 2nd - 5th include Student Reader and Reader’s

Handbook with TE + Writing Handbook SE + TE. ★ 6th grade has a Journey Bundle Option which also includes Student

Reader and Reader’s Handbook with TE + Writing Handbook SE + TE. This bundle costs $55.

Non-consumable, except for Reader’s Notebook SE and Writing Handbook SE

Synopsis: The Journeys Curriculum is a comprehensive resource that provides instruction and practice for most strands of ELA instruction:

★ Includes authentic, complex stories for students to read that can integrate with other subjects like history, science, and math

★ Provides prompts and questions for text in the Reader’s Notebook★ Process writing is taught in the Writing Handbook★ Speaking and listening activities ★ Academic vocabulary development and spelling words

★ Grammar lessons Does not include a handwriting (manuscript or cursive) instruction book, but a handwriting book is included in our boxed sets for K-5.

The complete set includes the Student Book, Reader’s Notebook SE and TE, and the Common Core Writing Handbook SE and TE. There are extended reading books and English learner support books that could be ordered separately if needed.This series works well for families that want an all in one curriculum and prefer to not have separate grammar, comprehension, writing, and spelling programs.

5. myPerspectives English Language Arts by Pearsonhttp://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PS2rBh&acornRdt=1&acornRef=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Epearsonschool%2Ecom%3A80%2FmyPerspectivesGrade Levels: 6th - 12thCost: Cost varies due to grade and item. Our Middle School and High School Language Arts bundles for 6th through 12th grade include the myPerspectives ELA SE and TE. The cost is $55 for 6th - 8th, and $60 for 9th - 12th, which is significantly less than if you were to buy each component separately. *These books are used at the AVRC for English classes.SE is consumable, but TE is not.

Synopsis: myPerspectives ELA is a Grades 6-12 student-centered curriculum that provides a connected approach to improving student learning and achievement. Students read texts and engage in activities that inspire thoughtful conversation, discussion, and debate. Students will encounter authors' perspectives as they read literature from across time periods and cultures. As students read the literature and engage in activities in myPerspectives, they will formulate—and defend—their opinions as they develop their own perspectives.

★ The SE is a workbook that students are able to read from and write in.★ Students will read classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction

texts.

★ Students integrate the knowledge they acquire, apply critical thinking skills, cite evidence, and use effective expression to respond to a complex multi-step writing and/or speaking and listening task.

★ Encourages writing skills, taking notes, and builds vocabulary.At pearsonschool.com, you can find videos that show you how the curriculum can be used both at home and in the classroom. This series works well for many students, especially preparing for CAASPP. Though it is strong in reading comprehension and writing tasks, grammar is touched on, but not a main focus of this curriculum. If a student is low on their grammar skills, you may want to order a grammar book as well.

6. Reading Detectiveby Critical Thinking Companyhttp://www.criticalthinking.com/reading-detective.html

Grade Levels: 3-12 Cost: $24.95 through Rainbow Resource. These workbooks are not included in our boxed sets, but can be ordered to help develop the analysis, synthesis, and vocabulary skills students need for exceptional reading comprehension.*These workbooks are consumable. TE in back of book.

Synopsis: The goal is to teach students to think as they read to increase their understanding and retention of the material. To that end, instead of just answering questions about each reading passage, students are asked to support their choice, citing specific evidence from the passage (hence the "detective" part). Pre- and post-tests are supplied to help you determine which skills and lessons to focus on. Student books are consumable worktexts. from http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/002279

Workbooks available:Reading Detective Beginning Grades 3-4Reading Detective A1 Grades 5-6Reading Detective B1 Grades 7-8Reading Detective Rx Grades 6-12+ (remedial and under-performing students)

This series works well as a supplemental tool to help students with their reading comprehension through: comparison/contrast; distinguishing cause and effect; distinguishing fact and opinion; drawing conclusions; finding supporting details; identifying main idea; making inferences; making

generalizations; making predictions; reading for details and information; sequencing; using tables, diagrams, and illustrations; recognizing analogies; predicting outcomes.

7. Right into Reading by Jane Ervin (EPS)http://eps.schoolspecialty.com/products/literacy/phonics-word-study/right-into-reading/about-the-program (See the PDF program overview and research paper on right hand side as well as lesson samples.)

Grade Levels: K-3 - Jump into Reading (K), Right into Reading (1st), Right into Reading (2nd), Right into Reading (3rd) Cost: $18.30 per book from Rainbow Resource*Consumable Synopsis:Right into Reading by Jane Ervin is a phonics-based reading and comprehension program for beginning readers or older children who are having difficulty learning to read. It covers strands for the reading and reading foundational skills strands for K-2nd.

★ Included in the K-3 Standard box set with GLC created weekly parent guides

★ Variety of reading sections – both fiction and nonfiction★ Variety of text formats included – maps, charts, riddles, and newspaper

articles★ Reading sections only include concepts already taught so child can

practice their skills and concentrate on what they are reading. ★ Each lesson includes phonics, vocabulary development,

comprehension, and writingAlthough the program includes writing responses to the readings, it does not include handwriting instructions (how to form the letters, etc.). Right into Reading does not directly include spelling but in the GLC created weekly parent guide, weekly spelling lessons have been created using the phonic word lists in the lessons. The GLC parent guides can be found under teacher tools on the school website.

8. Sing, Spell, Read, & Write By MCP or International Learning Systems or Pearson

https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/SSR%26W+K-Level+1+COMBO+kit+%26+FREE+Incentive+Bg/SSRWCK

Grade Levels: K-1 (possible remedial 2nd)Cost : The K/1 kit is priced at $274.95 on Rainbow Resource. The Level 1 kit is $225.95. The K/1 kit includes:

● Step-by-step instructor's manual provides easy-to-follow directions for all lessons, 6 Kindergarten readers, 17 Level 1 phonetic, full-color storybooks, two consumable workbooks for each grade level as well as assessment books, CD’s with all the phonic sounds and songs, review games, and prizes

● Non- consumable other than the student workbooks and assessment books, extra workbooks can be ordered for families with multiple children using the kit.

Synopsis:The Sing, Spell, Read, and Write program is a comprehensive curriculum that provides instruction and practice for most strands in the ELA Common Core.

★ Parent intensive – planning and instruction★ CD’s with songs and sounds are catchy but maybe a little fast in tempo

and unclear in words★ Purposeful phonics games that add a hand-on component★ Prizes and other incentives★ Colorful readers that reinforce phonics concepts★ Phonics, reading, handwriting, spelling, beginning grammar lessons

This kit can be used all in one year for children who pick up the concepts quickly or stretched into two years if needed. This curriculum works well for students who learn well through music and hand-ons activities.

9. Spectrum Reading and Writing 2015by Spectrumhttp://www.carsondellosa.com/brands/spectrum Grade Level: TK - 8

Cost: $8.50 through Rainbow Resource; not included in the boxed sets*These workbooks are consumable. Answer Key included.

Synopsis: Spectrum Reading 2015 helps students improve comprehension and vocabulary. Each reading is an event centering around the same characters and families throughout the book.

★ Each selection is contained on one page, with exercises on the facing page.

★ The exercises vary so much from one selection to the next that there is little repetition.

★ There's a section at the end of the book called Checking Understanding. This consists of four tests, one for each of four passages in the book. There are eight questions about the passage and a place to record number of words read per minute and number of correct responses.

Workbooks available: ★ Spectrum Reading Readiness Preschool★ Spectrum Reading K★ Spectrum Reading Grade 1 - Spectrum Reading Grade 8

Spectrum Writing 2015 provides creative and expository writing skills. Each grade-level book has eight units focusing on: main ideas, sequence, comparisons, details, facts and opinions, case and effect, making a point, and point of view.

★ Specific content and exercises vary from grade to grade, but follow a similar process of defining the concept, prewriting exercises, developing the skill through one or more writing activities (often building from word to sentence to paragraphs), revising, proofreading, and a short post-test.

★ Students can generally work through these books independently. ★ A writer's handbook and answer key are found at the back of this 136-

page workbook.Workbooks available:

★ Spectrum Learning Letters Preschool★ Spectrum Writing K★ Spectrum Writing Grade 1 - Spectrum Writing Grade 8

These workbooks are recommended for struggling readers or can be used as a supplement to enhance reading comprehension and writing techniques. Not to be used as stand alone.

10. Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmannhttps://www.rainbowresource.com/product/Teach+Your+Child+to+Read+in+100+Easy+Lessons/002274

Grade Levels: TK-2ndCost: $13.45 from Rainbow ResourceNon-consumable Synopsis:Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a reading program designed for young students or struggling readers. It provides instruction and practice in the reading and reading foundational skills strands for K-2nd.

★ Step-by-step, scripted lessons that involve no preparation★ No workbooks, flashcards, etc.★ Lessons take about 20 – 30 minutes★ Fully illustrated and color-coded★ Takes child from pre-reader to a solid 2nd grade reading level. ★ Does not include grammar, or writing; does have some handwriting

which can be done on notebook paper. “Personal note: This is a lovely program that can be completed with the child sitting in the parent’s lap as the book has both teacher and student reading from the script. Each lesson is repeated until mastery before moving on to the next lesson, so that even though there are 100 lessons, it may take 300+ to complete the lessons. Many kinders take a break from this at about lesson 50 and then move onto to complete the rest of the lessons in grade 1. This is a phonics based program. 11. The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Readingby Peace Hill Presshttps://welltrainedmind.com/p/the-ordinary-parents-guide-to-teaching-reading/

Grade Level: TK - 3rd

Cost: $19.50 through Rainbow Resource; not included in the boxed sets*This book is not consumable.

Synopsis: The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading was written with homeschooling students in mind. The author shares the phonics teaching methodology she used with her own children to help them learn to read. Part 1 starts right off with the phonics lessons. Part 2 prepares a young child to be a reader, shows the parent how to manage the reading session, encourages a child to be a reader, and provides a complete index to the lessons as well as a collection of questions and answers.

★ Based off the book The Well-Trained Mind.★ Gives parents scripted lesson plans to easily follow.

★ The Audio Companion CD is another additional but helpful resource which features correct pronunciation of the phonetic sounds learned in the program through rhymes and songs.

★ Sample lessons can be found on the website above.★ This reading curriculum ties in well with the First Language Lessons for

the Well-Trained Mind.

This workbook is recommended for parents who will spend 30 minutes a day to patiently go through each lesson with their young reader. Parents must be actively involved with this curriculum. This is not meant to be a stand alone Language Arts curriculum. You will need to get a separate handwriting book, grammar book, and spelling book.

12. Developing the Early Learner 4 Book Setby Perception Publicationshttp://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=DEL4BK

Grade level: TK

Cost: $32.95 for 4 book set (consumable)

Synopsis: The Developing the Early Learner set was designed to introduce TK students to different school exercises that are more than just busy work. Activities are centered on developing visual, auditory, motor and comprehension skills. Each lesson is designed to take only 15 minutes but reviews claim that some children will desire to do more than 15 minutes. These would work well for a family with a variety of ages to school. The lessons are designed so an older sibling could help “teach” his or her younger sibling.

13. Easy for Me Readers by Child1st Publications, LLC, 2007https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=067325

Grade Level: K-2

Cost: $39.25 for set A - 22 books

Synopsis: The 22 readers introduce the short vowels, consonants, and a variety of sight words. Each reader begins with ideas for teaching the focus sound and focus sight words. Ideas are also given for follow-up activities. The readers could be used to reinforce learning done in Explore the Code and other phonics programs. The text begins with one or two word phrases and works up to simple sentences. This allows children the success of reading without overwhelming them with too many words per pages.

Bobbi - this series includes higher leveled reading sets B-D. Would you like me to include them also? They are expensive - 40-50 dollars a set.

14. BOB books by Bobby Lynn Maslen (published by Scholastic) https://www.bobbooks.com/

Grade level: TK-2

Cost: $55.95 for all 5 sets (Rainbow Resource)$11.85 for each individual set - Tk - level 5

Synopsis: BOB books were written 40 years ago by a teacher for her young students. Her husband did all the illustrations. These books are simple and fun. Children enjoy the cute characters and silly story lines and will want to read them over and over again. The website has the story of BOB books as well as many activities and teaching tips for using BOB books. These books are a great supplement to Explode the Code and other phonics programs.

My personal children loved these books and the older ones would read them to their baby and toddler siblings with expression and hand motions which engaged the younger ones with the text and built a desire in them to learn to read also. These books were a fun wrap up activity to Language Arts.

15. My Math Readers published by Scholastic https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/067817

Grade Level: Pre-K - 1

Cost: $15.75 (25 books in set)

Synopsis: These simple readers allow beginning students to read about key math concepts on their own. There are 25 books in this set that cover topics such as numbers, counting, addition, subtraction, shapes, simple fractions, time, patterns, etc. The set includes a parent guide and a mini workbook with stickers and activities. Great way to demonstrate that reading in used in all subjects in life.

16. Rigby PM guided reading bookpublished by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

(could not find a helpful website - Not sure these are the ones in OPS) - http://www.stepstoliteracy.com/rigby-multi-leveled-readers-collection-levels-a-k.html(think these are the ones in OPS - website not helpful) - https://www.hmhco.com/search/shop?term=rigby%20PM&subcategory=guided+readingCost: varies - about $8.00 per book

synopsis: These readers come in multileveled collections composed of a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles and formats. They have predictable language with strong picture clues as well as interesting characters and topics. See OPS material search to find the levels and titles available.

17. Elson Readers by William H. Elson and Lura E. Runkel https://www.rainbowresource.com/searchspring.php?q=Elson+Readers

https://archive.org/details/elsonreaderspri00runkgoog (can flip through the primer here. The digital copy is missing some of the pictures)

Grade levels: K-8

Cost: $10-15 per book

Synopsis: These readers were first published in 1920. The beginning reader will be reading many familiar fairy tales and fables in simple sentences. In the later books, the student will be reading short stories, poems, and articles by classical and other well known authors. A parent guide can be purchased separately. These readers can be used alongside the Literature Response Workbooks.

18. DK Readers Published by Dorling Kindersley https://www.rainbowresource.com/searchspring.php?q=DK+Readers

Levels - 0-4 (about K-5 grade)

Cost: $3-4 per book; sets - $60-70

Synopsis: DK readers cover a variety of science and history topics (as well as Star Wars). Level 1 is for K-2, Level 2 - grade 1-3, Level 3- grade 2-4, Level 4 - grade 3-5. These readers are colorful with lots of pictures and graphs. They can be purchased as sets or you can pick out individual books that cover a topic the student is interested in. Great way to engage a reluctant reader.

19. Saxon Early Readers Published by Saxon https://www.rainbowresource.com/searchspring.php?q=Saxon+readers

Grades: TK-2

Cost: about $42 per set.

Synopsis: Saxon readers work on fluency with phonics and spelling concepts. These readers are colorful and appealing to beginning readers. The stories often include questions to involve the reader in the story.

***Could not find in OPS so not sure if you want to include these or not****20. Evan Moor Daily Handwriting Practice books by Evan Moorhttp://www.evan-moor.com/c/108/writing Rainbow Resource Info: http://www.rainbowresource.com/searchspring.php?q=evan+moor+daily+handwriting+practiceGrade Levels: K – 8th; can also be used to reinforce handwriting skills in 9th – 12th

Cost: An Evan Moor Daily Handwriting workbook costs $15.50 through Rainbow Resource. These workbooks are not included in our boxed sets, but can be ordered to help reinforce handwriting skills for all grade levels.

*These workbooks are consumable.

Synopsis: The Evan Moor Daily Handwriting Practice books offer 36 weeks of daily practice! Students will not feel overwhelmed by these short handwriting exercises: half-page assignments on Mondays-Thursdays, and a full-page assignment on Fridays. By writing words and sentences on a daily basis, the student’s letter formation and spacing will gradually improve.

❖ Traditional Manuscript (printing) workbook for all grades.❖ Modern Manuscript (printing) workbook for all grades. ❖ Traditional Cursive workbook for all grades.❖ Contemporary Cursive workbook for all grades.❖ Both cursive books are identical in content. They differ only in the

writing style used. Likewise, with both manuscript books.❖ All workbook pages have black and white illustrations that can be

colored. ❖ Students will also learn about the continents, animals, famous

inventors, and more as they practice their handwriting.❖ Evan Moor offers materials in other subjects as well such as writing

skills, math practice, geography, science, etc.

This series works well for families that want a supplemental handwriting workbook with daily exercises that increases knowledge retention of key handwriting concepts.

21. Zaner Bloser Handwriting Products by Zaner BloserMain site: https://www.zaner-bloser.com/ Handwriting products: https://www.zaner-bloser.com/products/index.php?product=handwritingGrade Levels: K – 8th

Cost:A Zaner Bloser Handwriting book costs between $8 - $12 depending on the grade. Our Standard Box Sets TK – 5th ($160) and our Deluxe Box Sets K – 5th

($190) include a Zaner Bloser Handwriting book. ❖ Manuscript (printing) handwriting books are available for K-2nd.❖ Cursive handwriting books are available for 2nd – 8th,

but we provide cursive writing books starting in the 3rd grade inour boxed set.

❖ Lessons are designed to take no more than 15 minutes per day tohelp the student grasp the art of handwriting.

❖ There are Teacher Editions available, but due to cost we do notinclude them in our boxed sets.

❖ Zaner Bloser offers materials in other subjects as well such as reading, writing & grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

These workbooks are consumable.Synopsis:The Zaner-Bloser Handwriting program provides complete instructions needed to teach handwriting in grades TK–8.Students learn to write legibly in an engaging program that covers the following elements:

● Basic strokes described in academic language● Four keys to legibility (shape, size, spacing, and slant)● Lowercase and uppercase letters● Numerals and more

This series works well for families that want to teach traditional manuscript and cursive handwriting to their students.

22. All About Spelling by Learning Presshttp://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-spelling/http://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=Spelling%2FVocabulary/8&category=All+About+Spelling/9200

Grade Levels: 1-9 (not required to go by grade level – placement tests at website)Cost:

❖ All About Spelling Interactive Kit – (used for all levels, one time purchase) - $22.85

❖ All About Spelling Deluxe Interactive Kit – (used for all levels, one time purchase, instead of interactive kit ) - $44.85

❖ Level 1 – All About Spelling 1 packet (includes teacher’s manual and student packet) - $29.95

❖ Level 2 –7 - All About Spelling packet (includes teacher’s manual and student packet) - $39.95 each level

One interactive kit or deluxe interactive kit will work for all 7 levels. It does not need to be brought for each level. The interactive kit and the student packet in each level material packet are consumable. Teacher’s material are non-consumable.

Synopsis:The All About Spelling program was developed by a mom with an education background to help her child with spelling. The program takes a step-by-step multisensory approach to learning to spell by phonograms. This series covers the spelling component in the ELA Language strand.

★ Lessons are scripted step-by-step and are easy to use★ Multisensory – student learns through sight, touch, and sound★ Each new concept builds on previous learned concepts★ Daily review of past concepts ★ Some set-up/ organization required – punching out the magnetic titles

and flashcards and organizing them in order under correct file cards (included).

★ Daily lessons take a few minutes’ prep if above organizing has been done in the beginning.

★ Can adjust to go at student’s pace. If beginning with older student, levels 1-2 can be done at a lesson a day to just review and get use to the program.

★ At the All About Spelling website (1st site above), the sounds and concepts taught at each level can be found. Level 1 begins with the basic 26 phonograms and the levels build on this foundation, ending with Level 7 teaching spelling for Latin and Greek roots as well as other language loan words.

★ This program is designed to be used with students who can already read at a basic level. (1st/ 2nd grade)

★ Works well with All About Reading levels 2- 4This program is great for the student who needs to get up and move and touch things. It does involve some writing of dictated words, phrases, and sentences. It cannot be done independently by student, requires parent involvement. 23. Sequential Spelling by Don McCabe, published by Wave 3 Learning h ttp://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=Spelling %2FVocabulary/8&category=Sequential+Spelling/1876 (includes placement test) Grade Levels: 1- 8 (do not necessarily correspond to grade levels)Cost: Revised editions (include student workbook and Teacher’s edition with answer key) - $21.95 per level (Rainbow Resource)Synopsis:

Sequential Spelling teaches spelling through word families instead of by spelling rules or theme. Child listens to words each day and writes them down as they think they may be spelled. Parent then writes correct spelling on board. In correcting, the child will make connections to different patterns and rules in spelling. Parent may tell the spelling rules if they like, but they are not included in the instruction.

★ Created for dyslexic students but can be used with any student★ No parent prep needed, but needs to be parent lead each day in order

to be effective★ Teacher’s guide has daily lists and answer key, student workbook is

optional (can use notebook paper instead) ★ 8 levels and Adult level – levels do not match up to grades. ★ Placement test available at above link at end of Rainbow Resource

review★ Words are chosen by common elements instead of grade level

appropriateness★ Words build on each other - vertically (sin, spin, pin) and horizontally

(sins, spins, pins)Sequential Spelling is a good choice for students who don’t like learning rules. It is not a good choice for students who want explanations as to why words are spelled as they are. This program does require daily list writing.

24. Spelling Skills by Flashkids (Harcourt Family Learning)www.flashkids.com/products/browse/Spelling-Skills

Grade Levels: 1-6Cost: $5.50 per book from Rainbow Resource*Consumable Synopsis:Flashkids Spelling Skills help students strengthen their spelling skills in order to be better readers and writers. The workbooks focus on key spelling combinations and patterns in the English language. These workbooks cover the spelling component in the ELA Language strand.

★ Parent Letter with strategies and tips for teaching spelling★ Each weekly lesson focuses on a different spelling pattern★ Activites and exercises to help student relate sounds to spelling

patterns and to meaning of words★ Unit reviews to help reinforce past learning★ Grammar rules for capitalization, punctuation, etc.★ Introduction to dictionary use and proofreading★ Does not require a lot of parent prep time. ★ Answer key in back

Personal note: book is more effective if done with weekly spelling tests and daily reviews with flashcards, etc.

25. Spelling Workout by MCPhttp://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=Spelling%2FVocabulary/8&category=MCP+Spelling+Workout+2001+Ed./1879Grade Levels: 1-8Cost: $10.95 per student book and $11.95 per Teacher’s Edition from Rainbow Resource. (The warehouse usually has extra TE’s on hand) Student book is consumable, TE is non-consumable. Synopsis:Spelling Workout begins in first grade (book A) with simple sound-letter relationships and builds up to more complex spelling patterns as the child advances through the grades ending with book H (8th grade). This series covers the spelling component in the ELA Language strand.

★ Can be used with just the workbooks, but the Teacher’s Edition has instruction tips, helps, and information that helps a family get the most out of the program.

★ Each weekly lesson focuses on a different spelling pattern★ Flexible lessons include riddles, puzzles, readings, vocabulary, and

writing activities★ Unit reviews to help reinforce past learning★ Grammar rules for capitalization, punctuation, etc.★ Includes Writing and Proofreading guide and Spelling Dictionary in

back of book. ★ Does not require a lot of parent prep time.

Spelling Workout is a more intensive spelling program than Spelling Skills by Flashkids. Can be used for students who want to develop their spelling to a higher level. Also, useful for students who need a little extra spelling instruction past 6th grade.

26. 4-Square Writingby Judith Gouldhttp://www.hasdk12.org/cms/lib3/PA01001366/Centricity/Domain/5/Four%20Square%20Writing%20Technique.pdf

Grade Level: 1-9Cost: $14.95 - $17.95 through Rainbow Resource. These workbooks are not included in our boxed sets, but can be ordered to help reinforce writing skills. *These workbooks are consumable. TE in back of book.

Synopsis: 4 Square Writing Method workbooks use a step-by-step method of teaching writing skills that can fit into any reading and language arts program. These workbooks challenge students to organize their thoughts in descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and mostly expository writings by using the four-square method.

● Pre-writing and organizational skills are taught through the use of a graphic organizer.

● This organizer instructs students to write their main thought above a four-square box. Students then proceed to fill in the box, putting primary thoughts in three of the squares and a conclusion in the last.

● This visual and kinesthetic aid is used to focus writing, provide detail, and to enhance word choice.

● This method can be applied to all areas of study: math, science, history, and english.

There are four workbooks:Four Square Writing Method for Early Learners

Four Square Writing Method Grades 1-3Four Square Writing Method Grades 4-6Four Square Writing Method Grades 7-9

The Four Square Personal Writing Coach workbooks are companion books to the Four Square Writing Method. They provides thirteen writing projects, with step-by-step directions for completing each one. While the activities correspond to the method being taught in the original books, they are independent projects and could easily be completed separately. Not as much instruction or examples about the method are given in these workbooks; students are simply using the method and writing prompts to write thirteen essays.

★ Four Square Personal Writing Coach Gr. 1-3★ Four Square Personal Writing Coach Gr. 4-6★ Four Square Personal Writing Coach Gr. 7-9

This series works well for all students to help practice and reinforce writing skills, note taking skills, and organize thoughts for writing.27. Literature Response Forms by On the Mark presshttps://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=Reading%2FLiterature/6&category=Literature+Response+Forms/1427

Grade Levels: 1-8Cost: $9.95 per book from Rainbow Resource*Consumable Synopsis:Literature Response Forms are for independent student response to fiction or nonfiction books read. The series is made up of three different levels – grades 1-3, grades 4-6, and grades 6-8. Each book includes response forms covering vocabulary development, sequencing and summarizing, character analysis, creative thinking and synthesis and evaluation. The forms can be used in a variety of ways to meet the requirements of most of the ELA strands.

★ Detailed teacher’s guide in front of each book★ Teacher and student assessment rubrics included★ Approximately 60 different response forms per book★ Forms for all different types of learning styles★ Higher level analysis, and critical thinking especially in books 2 & 3★ Can be used with parent or independently by student★ Great for challenging students who are at or above grade level★ Included in box sets

These books just include the response forms – Parent/ IST will need to pick out books to use with the forms. *This is not a standalone ELA curriculum. *No handwriting, phonics, or grammar. *Does include some creative writing.

28. Nonfiction Writingby Evan Moorehttp://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/049252

Grade Levels: 2nd - 6th ; can be used to reinforce writing skills for 7th - 8th Cost: $15.50 through Rainbow Resource. These workbooks are not included in our boxed sets, but can be ordered to help reinforce writing skills of nonfiction writing forms. *These workbooks are consumable. TE in back of book.

Synopsis: The Evan Moor Nonfiction Writing workbooks cover various topics depending on the grade level, but they focus on different types of expository writing (summaries, biographies, essays, news articles, research report, and response to literature), persuasive writing (letters, essays, editorials, pro-con), and narrative writing (personal, creative).

● The younger grades (2 & 3) also include some general instruction on sentence and paragraph construction.

● Within the lessons there are stylistic and mechanics specifics (quotations, avoiding bias, listing references, transitions, etc.)

Workbooks available:Nonfiction Writing Grade 2Nonfiction Writing Grade 3Nonfiction Writing Grade 4Nonfiction Writing Grade 5Nonfiction Writing Grade 6+

This series works well for students who know how to write, but need help with nonfiction writing forms through guided lessons.

29. The Complete Writer Series: Writing with Ease, Writing with Skill, and Creative Writer

by Peace Hill Presshttps://welltrainedmind.com/p/the-complete-writer-writing-with-ease-workbook-1/https://welltrainedmind.com/p/the-complete-writer-writing-with-skill-level-1-student-workbook/https://welltrainedmind.com/p/the-creative-writer-level-one-paperback/

Grade Level: K - 5th for Writing with Ease; 5th - 10th for Writing with Skill; 6th - 9th for Creative Writer

Cost: $19.50 - $23.95 through Rainbow Resource; $10.95 for Creative Writer books. Not included in the boxed sets.*The SE workbooks are consumable, but the text and Instructor Manuals are not.

Synopsis: Writing With Ease provides easy-to-use materials for introducing a comprehensive writing approach to young students; an approach that understands the need for one-on-one instruction and focuses on copywork (putting words on paper) and narration (putting ideas into words) then ultimately combining the skills.

★ Based off the book The Well-Trained Mind.★ Gives parents scripted lesson plans to easily follow.★ Sample lessons can be found on the website above.★ This writing curriculum ties well with First Language Lessons for the

Well-Trained Mind.Workbooks available:

★ Complete Writer: Writing with Ease Text for levels 1-4 (Grades K-5)★ Complete Writer: Writing with Ease L1 Student Workbook (Grades K-3)★ Complete Writer: Writing with Ease L2 Student Workbook (Grades K-3)★ Complete Writer: Writing with Ease Workbook 3 (Grades 4-5)★ Complete Writer: Writing with Ease Workbook 4 (Grades 4-5)

Synopsis: Writing With Skill gives every student the necessary tools to write with clarity and confidence. For students in the middle grades and above, Writing With Skill provides essential training in organization, composition structure, and research methods. One of the goals of this series is to transition the student into an independent writer. All instruction is written directly to the student while the instructor is encouraged to become more of a writing mentor.

★ There is both an Instructor and a Student book at each level.★ Some activities are to be completed by the student independently with

no assistance while others suggest that the student should "check your work with your instructor."

★ The student is expected to keep a Composition Notebook (three-ring binder divided into six sections).

★ The entire course requires virtually no prep for the parent. ★ Based off the book The Well-Trained Mind.

Workbooks available:

★ Complete Writer: Writing with Skill Level 1 Student Workbook (Grades 5-8)

★ Complete Writer: Writing with Skill Level 1 Instructor Text★ Complete Writer: Writing with Skill Level 2 Student Workbook (Grades

6-8)★ Complete Writer: Writing with Skill Level 2 Instructor Text★ Complete Writer: Writing with Skill Level 3 Student Workbook (Grades 7-

10)★ Complete Writer: Writing with Skill Level 3 Instructor Text★ This writing curriculum ties well with First Language Lessons for the

Well-Trained Mind and is a continuation curriculum for Writing with Ease.

Synopsis: The Creative Writer is a middle-grades creative-writing curriculum. Young writers of fiction and poetry learn vital skills such as point of view, characterization, plotting, dialogue, and description. Simple but innovative exercises encourage young writers to strengthen their vocabulary and become aware of the patterns of sentences.

★ Unlike most “how to write” books, The Creative Writer is designed to be used in a mentor/student relationship, with teaching, guidance, and evaluation tips provided for the mentor or teacher.

★ The Creative Writer books can be used as a complement to the non-fiction writing book, Writing With Skill, or it can be used on its own.

★ Based off the book The Well-Trained Mind.Workbooks available:

★ Creative Writer Level 1: Five Finger Exercises (Grades 5-8)★ Creative Writer Level 2: Essential Ingredients (Grades 6-8)★ Creative Writer Level 3: Building Your Craft (Grades 7-9)★ Creative Writer Level 4: Becoming a Writer (Grades 6-8)

The Complete Writer Series is recommended for students who have parents who will spend time daily to teach and review their writing. Parents must be actively involved with this curriculum. This is not meant to be a stand alone Language Arts curriculum. You will need to get a separate reading comprehension book, spelling book, and grammar book.

30. Winning with Writing by JacKris Publishinghttp://www.growingwithgrammar.com/1wwwProduct_Page.html

Grade Levels: 1-8Cost: $15.99 - 26.99 depending on the level

*Consumable Synopsis:This writing curriculum comes in 8 different age appropriate levels, starting with 1st grade. It covers a variety of different writing styles and formats. One of the main goals is to help the student organize and plan out his or her writing in order to produce clear, straightforward, and easy to read essays without the stress and tears.

★ The spiral bound workbooks include room for student to write in them. ★ The curriculum is broken into a 36 week plan. ★ Each week contains 5 lessons. ★ Every 5 weeks, student will have a review week to refresh their mind

on what they have already learned. ★ Writing amount and difficulty increases with each level★ Teaches outlining and drafting

This curriculum works best with parent guidance. It helps make writing into a step by step logical process. With time and practice, writing becomes straightforward and simple.

31. Easy Grammarby Easy Grammar Systemshttp://www.easygrammar.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Grade Level: 2nd - 12th

Cost: $10.75 - 26.95 depending on the grade level through Rainbow Resource; not included in the boxed sets*The SE workbooks are consumable, but the TEs are not.

Synopsis: The Easy Grammar Ultimate Series: 180 Daily Teaching Lessons are for 8th-12th graders and review both basic and complex rules for capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. The lessons are designed to take 10 minutes per day and help the student better understand sentence structure and modification of words.Workbooks available:

★ Ultimate Series - Grade 8 SE and TE★ Ultimate Series - Grade 9 SE and TE★ Ultimate Series - Grade 10 SE and TE★ Ultimate Series - Grade 11 SE and TE★ Ultimate Series - Grade 12 SE and TE

The Easy Grammar workbooks are for 2nd - 12th graders and give clear grammar rules and instruction to be able to write sentences correctly, practice grammar concepts, and punctuation rules. Workbooks available:

★ Easy Grammar: Daily Guided Teaching and Review for Grade 2 SE and TE

★ Easy Grammar - Grade 3★ Easy Grammar - Grade 4★ Easy Grammar - Grade 5★ Easy Grammar - Grade 6★ Easy Grammar Plus - 7th - 12th

These workbooks are recommended for all students to give them a solid foundation in grammar and sentence writing. The texts are very repetitive and comprehensive by building on the skills learned in the previous year’s texts.

32. First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mindby Peace Hill Presshttps://welltrainedmind.com/p/the-ordinary-parents-guide-to-teaching-reading/

Grade Level: 1st - 4th

Cost: $9.95 - $19.95 through Rainbow Resource; not included in the boxed sets*The SE workbook is consumable, but the TE is not.

Synopsis: First Language Lessons is an easy-to-use four-year grammar curriculum for the early elementary years. Students will get a strong foundation in clear communication and skills necessary for good writing. Topics covered include: punctuation, parts of speech, capitalization, contractions, dictionary usage, letter-writing, and sentence diagramming.

★ Based off the book The Well-Trained Mind.★ Gives parents scripted lesson plans to easily follow.★ Level 1 and Level 2 are primarily oral and have only one simple

paperback teacher’s book each. ★ Levels 3 and 4 introduce diagramming and require both a teacher book

and a student workbook.★ The Audio Companion CD is another additional but helpful resource

which features correct pronunciation of the phonetic sounds learned in the program through rhymes and songs.

★ Sample lessons can be found on the website above.★ This grammar curriculum ties well with The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to

Teaching Reading.

Workbooks available:★ First Language Lessons Level 1 (Grade 1)★ First Language Lessons Level 2 (Grade 2)★ First Language Lessons Level 3 Student Edition (Grade 3)★ First Language Lessons Level 3 Instructor’s Manual (Grade 3)★ First Language Lessons Level 4 Student Edition (Grade 4)★ First Language Lessons Level 4 Instructor’s Manual (Grade 4)

This workbook is recommended for parents who will spend 30 minutes a day to patiently go through each lesson with their young reader. Parents must be actively involved with this curriculum. This is not meant to be a stand alone Language Arts curriculum. You will need to get a separate handwriting book, reading comprehension book, and spelling book.33. Language Fundamentalsby Evan Moor

http://www.evan-moor.com/p/19634/language-fundamentals-grade-2

Grade Levels: 1-6 Cost: $20.95 through Rainbow Resource. These workbooks are included in our 4th and 5th grade standard boxed sets as well as our Language Arts Option 2 for 6th grade. *These workbooks are consumable. TE in back of book.

Synopsis: ★ Nouns, adjectives, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, sentences, capitalization,

abbreviations, punctuation, usage, vocabulary and sentence editing are covered in each workbook with grade appropriate exercises to complete.

★ Each worksheet contains one activity to complete, whether it is circling a part of speech, filling in blanks with the correct form of a word, underlining subjects or rearranging sentences.

★ The vocabulary section is a nice tie-in to the rest of the grammar topics and covers prefixes, suffixes, contractions, synonyms/antonyms, homophones, compound words, and determining word meanings from root words or context. One editing exercise is also provided for each grammar topic covered.

★ In Grades 1-3, students edit sentences, while Grades 4-6 have students edit paragraphs. These exercises usually consist of sentences or paragraphs to correct and ask the student to either rewrite the sentences of paragraphs correctly, to proofread using the correct marks, or to locate and list the errors in the examples.

Workbooks available:Language Fundamentals Grade 1 Language Fundamentals Grade 2Language Fundamentals Grade 3Language Fundamentals Grade 4Language Fundamentals Grade 5Language Fundamentals Grade 6+

This series works well for all students to help practice grammar skills through daily review.

34. Language Smartsby Critical Thinking Companyhttp://www.criticalthinking.com/language-smarts.html

Grade Levels: 1-4 Cost: $42.99 through Rainbow Resource. These workbooks are not included in our boxed sets, but can be ordered to help teach reading, writing, grammar and punctuation skills. These books are over 300 pages long.*These workbooks are consumable. TE in back of book.

Synopsis: ● Language Smarts workbooks develop critical thinking, vocabulary, and

several other skills and concepts normally taught in the next grade. ● These workbooks are colorful and have engaging lessons which include

easy-to-follow explanations, examples, and charts for visual learners—and require no lesson prep!

● Each lesson is followed by a variety of fun, colorful, mind-building activities that use different genres.

● The exercises help students improve skills in reading, writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and thinking.

● The worksheets can serve as the core curriculum for language arts or as a supplemental resource with plenty of extra practice.

● Level B (1st grade) starts with upper and lower case letters, introduces parts of speech, and begins touching on general writing skills. It has many more Editor in Chief exercises than Level C does.

● Level C (2nd grade) starts with the alphabet, covers parts of speech more in depth, and introduces more writing skills.

● Level D (3rd grade) covers blends, digraphs, diphthongs, grammar, punctuation, usage, literary elements, plot, using reference materials and more.

Workbooks available:Language Smarts B Gr. 1Language Smarts C Gr. 2Language Smarts D Gr. 3Language Smarts E Gr. 4

This series works well for students who need colorful, fun activities to enforce language skills.

35. Growing with Grammar by JacKris Publishing http://www.growingwithgrammar.com/1gwgProduct_Page.html

Grade Levels: 1-8

Cost: $32.99 for student workbook, test, and TE/ answer key. *These workbooks are consumable. TE needs to be returned.

Synopsis: ★ about 108 lessons per level★ levels correspond to grade level - Level 1 = 1st grade★ each lesson is broken into a learning portion and an exercise portion.★ review of concepts throughout each level★ each level includes basic grammar concepts as well as advanced

concepts for advanced learners.★ level 3 introduces sentence diagramming and levels 4-8 use

diagramming to help students understand the parts of speech and how they relate to one another.

Growing with Grammar is a great fit for an independent learner who does not need a lot of parent direction. It is not a time consuming program. The company just recently updated levels 1-7. Family will need to have the same version of workbook with answer key or else they will not match up.

36. Wordly Wise 3000 3rd Editionby EPS Literacy and Interventionhttp://eps.schoolspecialty.com/landing/wordly-wise-3000?utm_source=ww3000_free_site&utm_medium=homepage+overlay&utm_campaign=ww3000

Grade Level: K - 12th

Cost: $8.95 - $10.25 for the SE workbook; $34.45 - $37.95 for Teacher Resource book; $4.15 for just the Answer Key to the SE workbook. These prices depend on the grade level through Rainbow Resource; not included in the boxed sets.*The SE workbooks are consumable. Teacher Resource books and Answer Keys are not.

Synopsis: Wordly Wise 3000 provides direct academic vocabulary instruction that develops the critical link between vocabulary and reading comprehension. Through direct instruction of important, useful, or difficult words students successfully comprehend content-area texts and improve test results. Book numbers correspond with grade level.

★ Books K-1, students are introduced to vocabulary through a carefully sequenced progression of activities that develop sophisticated oral vocabulary.

★ Books 2-12 incorporate the use of context clues, word study (Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes, and synonyms and antonyms), reading comprehension, and writing.

Workbooks available: ★ Wordly Wise 3000 3rd Ed Book K - Book 12★ Wordly Wise 3000 3rd Ed Teacher’s Resource Book K - 12★ Wordly Wise 3000 3rd Ed Answer Key K - 12

These workbooks are recommended for strong readers and for critical vocabulary development. Struggling readers could use Wordly Wise books at a lower level. This is not a stand alone curriculum, but can be used as a vocabulary/spelling book.