Literacy
Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) is a top early literacy curriculum based on the Science of Reading. It combines knowledge-building, a robust online platform, and research-based foundational skills to help educators develop strong readers, writers, and thinkers. The Amplify CKLA K–5 literacy curriculum provides students with a wealth of knowledge that is purposefully designed to spark curiosity and achieve meaningful outcomes. Amplify CKLA is one of the few curricula acknowledged by the Knowledge Matters Campaign for its excellence in intentionally building knowledge. It has also received all-green ratings on EdReports, achieving top scores across all gateways.
Why we love it at LUMIN Schools
Amplify CKLA is an exceptional curriculum that integrates knowledge-building with foundational literacy skills. Its structured approach ensures that students not only learn to read but also gain a deep understanding of the content. The program's design, which includes both an online platform and teacher-led instruction, provides a comprehensive and flexible learning experience. This blend of instructional methods and the focus on developing strong readers, writers, and thinkers align perfectly with our goals at LUMIN Schools, making it an invaluable resource in our classrooms.
Reading Reconsidered 5th-8th grade
This curriculum is grounded in science, emphasizing that background knowledge is as crucial to reading comprehension as reading skills. It integrates knowledge from various subjects, like history and science, to create a strong foundation for understanding and analyzing texts. The curriculum includes explicit vocabulary instruction to enhance word knowledge and comprehension, with a focus on both explicit and implicit vocabulary teaching methods. Additionally, Writing is a central component, with students engaging in writing exercises. These tasks help students develop their thinking, refine their sentence-level writing skills, and form well-supported arguments.
The curriculum centers lessons around specific texts. It allows for flexibility, enabling schools or teachers to select from a range of texts to create a customized scope and sequence. The program also emphasizes building a culture of reading through various approaches, including independent reading, shared read-aloud sessions, and teacher-led read-alouds. These activities foster a love for reading and help students see it as a relevant and enjoyable activity.
Why we love it at LUMIN Schools
We love this curriculum at LUMIN Schools because it blends comprehensive knowledge-building with essential reading skills, creating a well-rounded educational experience. By integrating subjects like history and science, it not only enhances students' comprehension but also deepens their understanding of key concepts. The explicit vocabulary instruction ensures that students develop a rich vocabulary, aiding in both reading comprehension and overall communication skills.
The curriculum's strong emphasis on writing is also valuable, as it encourages students to think critically and articulate their thoughts clearly. Through formative, developmental, and summative writing exercises, students refine their writing abilities and learn to construct well-supported arguments.
Its modular and book-based structure allows us to tailor the curriculum to meet our specific needs, choosing from a variety of outstanding texts. This flexibility helps us craft a unique and engaging learning experience for our students. Additionally, the focus on building a culture of reading through various methods, such as shared read-aloud sessions, fosters a love for literature and reading within our community. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with our educational goals at LUMIN Schools, making it an invaluable asset to our classrooms.