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Elementary Language Arts

Elementary Language Arts

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Wit & Wisdom

From Great Minds- 

Knowledge has a multiplier effect—the earlier you begin to build knowledge, the better you do academically in later years. English Language Arts lessons can integrate knowledge from science, history, geography, and other topics while students develop their reading and writing skills and expand their vocabulary. Wit & Wisdom’s approach to ELA allows students to build both skills and knowledge with every lesson.

Wit & Wisdom ELA is recognized by the Knowledge Matters Campaign as one of a few knowledge-building curricula crafted to ensure that students build critical ELA skills while also building knowledge of the world.

Hamden Public Schools began implementing the Wit & Wisdom program K-3 during the 2024-2025 academic year and will begin implementing the Wit & Wisdom program 4-6 during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The information in this section is adapted from the Great Minds, Wit & Wisdom information page and family resources packets.

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Fundations

From Wilson Language, Fundations-

The research-based approach of the Fundations program allows teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling, and handwriting curriculum using engaging materials and multimodal techniques.

...Fundations is grounded in the science of reading and guides teachers to provide effective instructional practices in print concepts, phonemic awareness, phonics and word study, vocabulary, automaticity/fluency, and comprehension. Instruction and practice occur in a systematic, cumulative, and explicit manner that maximizes classroom time and allows students to experience greater gains in the skills required for independent reading.

Hamden Public Schools began the implementation of the Fundations program with K-2 students in 2018-2019 and added 3rd grade in 2021-2022. We will begin implementing the Fundations program in our Hamden Early Learning PreK classrooms during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The information in this section is adapted from the Wilson Fundations information page and program materials.

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Heggerty

At Hamden Public Schools, educators use the Heggerty curriculum to help students from Pre-K through 1st grade build strong literary foundational skills. The curriculum follows an intentional and systematic progression of skill development, covering a range of phonological and phonemic awareness skills.

Hamden Public Schools began implementation with K-2 students in 2021-2022. We will begin implementing the Heggerty program in our Hamden Early Learning PreK classrooms during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The information in this section is adapted from the Heggerty program materials.

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Geodes

Geodes books provide an authentic reading experience that builds content knowledge about science, history, and the arts, fostering intellectual curiosity.

Rooted in the belief that children are capable of reading to learn while learning to read, Geodes, published by Great Minds® in association with Wilson Language Training®, are a collection of accessible, knowledge-building books for emerging and developing readers.

Each of the modules cover a specific topic aligned with Wit & Wisdom:

  • Topics from many content areas and genres build content knowledge and context.
  • Texts are organized in grade-level appropriate sets.
  • Geodes are 80%* decodable or higher at a designated point in the Fundations scope and sequence.
  • Decodable words include previously taught and newly taught phonetic concepts that align with Fundations.
  • Recognizable words include previously taught and newly taught Fundations Trick Words.

The information in this section is adapted from Geodes Classroom Libraries and the Geodes program overview.

  • Geodes Level K aligns with the scope and sequence of Fundations Level K. Children build on an early understanding of story structure to graduate from wordless picture books and sound search books to duet books, where students practice decoding words, phrases, and simple sentences. Duet books contain child- and adult-read text, and the child-read text is at least 90% decodable as aligned with the scope and sequence of Fundations Units. From the very first book, students begin to build knowledge.

    The classroom library is organized into the module topics that align with Wit & Wisdom: The Five Senses, Once Upon a Farm, and America, Then and Now.

    • The Five Senses: Students explore sensory experiences in South America and in museums around the world.
    • Once Upon a Farm: Students explore farm life across the United States.
    • America, Then and Now: Students explore changes over time in American life and culture.

  • Geodes Level 1 aligns with the scope and sequence of Fundations Level 1. The classroom library is organized into the module topics that align with Wit & Wisdom: A World of Books, Creature Features, and Powerful Forces.

    • A World of Books: Students explore the power of books shared across time and culture
    • Creature Features: Students explore intriguing animal traits and behaviors and are introduced to people who study animals
    • Powerful Forces: Students explore how wind affects life on earth and how its energy can be used to generate power.

  • Geodes Level 2 aligns with the scope and sequence of Fundations Level 2. The books are organized into the module topics that align with Wit & Wisdom: A Season of Change, The American West, and Civil Rights Heroes.

    • A Season of Change: Students explore the four seasons throughout the world.
    • The American West: Students explore the American West region and learn about westward expansion.
    • Civil Right Heroes: Students learn about civil rights heroes and examine their impact on equality and justice in the United States.

  • 3rd grade is a pivotal year for students. As they take on more responsibility for reading complex texts independently, students are expected to have a level of reading proficiency so they can focus more on comprehending and making meaning out of what they read. However, many students still need additional support in accessing grade-level complex texts and content, which often leaves them unprepared for the upcoming challenges of fourth grade and beyond.

    The Level 3 Geodes books are phonetically accessible, knowledge-building texts guide students toward grade-level reading proficiency. The books are carefully designed to help students read with accuracy, phrasing, and expression so they can build fluency and comprehension.  The books are organized into the module topics that align with Wit & Wisdom: The Sea, Outer Space, and A New Home.

    • The Sea: Students explore the reasons why humans explore the sea while learning about the sea through different perspectives, including poets and writers, scientists, and explorers.
    • Outer Space: Students explore the wonders of space and history of space exploration.
    • A New Home: Students explore the themes of immigration and belonging.