In this unit, students are encouraged to write letters to family and friends about a book they are reading. In the letters the will apply the skills learned in this unit, including how to structure a letter, punctuating titles of books and short stories, using possessives (in reference to the characters or ideas in the book), contractions and addressing an envelope. Don’t forget to request a response - getting a personal letter in the mail in this electronic age can be a thrill!

Bag, cat and cap are all examples of short A words that kindergarteners will be learning to read this year. You can support this learning with a guided exploration of the short A sound. Kids will be taught how to identify the short A within text, in addition to the corresponding sound. Check out our short A printables for more phonics practice.

Being able to recognize the short I sound, as in dig, fin and kid, is one of the foundations of kindergarten phonics. This guided lesson teaches kids all about the short I, and offers lots of practice to encourage retention. You can get even more practice with this phonics skill by checking out the printables that work in partership with this lesson.

Vocabulary development helps second graders advance their reading and writing skills. This guided lesson uses exercises and techniques targeted to building vocabulary. Kids will be tasked with using descriptive adjectives, distinguishing between similar verbs and adjectives, and using context clues to determine the meaning of a word phrase. For more vocabulary boosters, check out the worksheets that align with this lesson.

Knowing how to read short O words like hot, pot, and top takes practice. This guided lesson can help kids master the short O sound. Kids will be taught to identify the short O within common sight words, which will boost reading fluency. Don't forget to check out the short O printables at the end of the lesson to continue the learning.

Learning common constructions for words is one way that third graders can get traction on their spelling and reading comprehension skills. This guided lesson in word structure introduces kids to the idea that most words are made up of smaller words, and provides opportunities to apply this learning with practical examples. For more printable practice with word structure, check out our recommended worksheets.

Verbs and adverbs are the action heros of the language arts world. Third graders will be learning how to use these parts of speech this year, and you can support them with this guided lesson. Written by curriculum experts, this lesson provides kids with grammar instruction and plenty of examples of verbs and adverbs. For more printable practice with verbs and adverbs, check out the accompanying worksheets.