Language arts covers a lot of ground. It includes reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and literature. Finding the right curriculum for each grade level can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there with my own four kids. I’ve also helped hundreds of families navigate these choices over the past eight years.
This guide organizes the best ELA programs by grade level, so you can quickly find what works for your child’s current stage.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to Use This Guide
Jump to your child’s grade level or read through to understand how literacy instruction evolves. Remember that homeschoolers aren’t locked into grade levels. Choose based on your child’s actual skills, not their age.
Kindergarten Literacy (Ages 5-6)
Kindergarten focuses on phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and early phonics. Writing involves learning letter formation. Keep it playful at this age!
Top Programs for Kindergarten
| Program | Focus | Price | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| All About Reading Pre-1 | Phonics foundation | $$$ | Top pick |
| 100 Easy Lessons | Reading instruction | $ | Budget pick |
| Logic of English Foundations | Comprehensive | $$$ | Most thorough |
| The Good and Beautiful K | All-in-one | $$ | Gentle option |
What Kindergartners Should Learn
- Recognize and write all 26 letters
- Understand that letters make sounds
- Begin blending sounds into words
- Write their name and simple words
- Listen to and enjoy read-alouds
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, play-based learning matters at this age. Choose programs with games and hands-on activities.
First Grade Literacy (Ages 6-7)
First grade is when reading really takes off. Systematic phonics instruction is critical at this stage. Writing progresses from copying to simple original sentences.
Top Programs for First Grade
| Program | Focus | Price | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| All About Reading 1 | Multi-sensory phonics | $$$ | For struggling readers |
| Writing With Ease 1 | Gentle writing | $$ | Top writing |
| First Language Lessons 1 | Grammar basics | $ | Top grammar |
| Explode the Code 1-3 | Phonics practice | $ | Supplement |
What First Graders Should Learn
- Decode CVC words (cat, pig, sun)
- Read simple sentences fluently
- Write simple sentences with capitals and periods
- Learn basic grammar terms (noun, verb)
- Spell common phonetic words
For detailed phonics options, see our All About Reading review.
Second Grade Literacy (Ages 7-8)
Second grade builds reading fluency while introducing more complex phonics patterns. Writing expands to short paragraphs.
Top Programs for Second Grade
| Program | Focus | Price | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| All About Reading 2 | Continued phonics | $$$ | Top reading |
| Writing With Ease 2 | Copywork/narration | $$ | Top writing |
| All About Spelling 1-2 | Systematic spelling | $$$ | Top spelling |
| First Language Lessons 2 | Grammar | $ | Top grammar |
What Second Graders Should Learn
- Read chapter books independently
- Decode long vowel patterns
- Write 3-5 sentence paragraphs
- Use commas in lists and dates
- Spell words with common patterns
Third Grade ELA (Ages 8-9)
Third grade marks a shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Formal grammar and composition instruction often begins here.
Top Programs for Third Grade
| Program | Focus | Price | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEW Primary Arts | Structured writing | $$$ | Top writing |
| Writing With Ease 3 | Charlotte Mason | $$ | Gentle option |
| Fix It! Grammar | Grammar through editing | $$ | Top grammar |
| All About Reading 3-4 | Advanced phonics | $$$ | If still needed |
What Third Graders Should Learn
- Read grade-level texts fluently
- Write organized paragraphs
- Understand parts of speech
- Use quotation marks correctly
- Apply spelling rules consistently
The U.S. Department of Education identifies third grade as a critical transition point in literacy development.
Fourth Grade ELA (Ages 9-10)
Fourth grade focuses on reading comprehension strategies and multi-paragraph writing. Grammar becomes more complex.
Top Programs for Fourth Grade
| Program | Focus | Price | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEW Theme-Based | Structured writing | $$$ | Structured |
| Brave Writer Arrow | Literature-based | $$ | Creative |
| Easy Grammar 4 | Traditional grammar | $$ | Top grammar |
| Spelling You See | Visual spelling | $$ | Visual learners |
What Fourth Graders Should Learn
- Identify main idea and supporting details
- Write five-paragraph essays
- Use complex sentences
- Apply spelling rules to new words
- Analyze character and plot
Fifth-Sixth Grade ELA (Ages 10-12)
Upper elementary focuses on refining skills and preparing for middle school demands. Literary analysis deepens.
Top Programs for Grades 5-6
| Program | Focus | Price | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEW Structure & Style | Essay writing | $$$ | Top writing |
| Writing With Skill 1 | Intermediate writing | $$ | Classical |
| Easy Grammar Plus | Comprehensive grammar | $$ | Top grammar |
| Lightning Lit | Literature study | $$ | Literature focus |
What 5th-6th Graders Should Learn
- Write research-based reports
- Analyze literature thematically
- Use varied sentence structures
- Master spelling of academic vocabulary
- Edit and revise their own work
Middle School ELA (Grades 7-8)
Middle school prepares students for high school expectations. Focus shifts to analytical writing and deeper literature study.
Top Programs for Middle School
| Program | Focus | Price | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEW Theme-Based | Research/essays | $$$ | Structured |
| Writing With Skill 2-3 | Academic writing | $$ | Classical |
| Analytical Grammar | Grammar mastery | $$ | Top grammar |
| Brave Writer Boomerang | Literature-based | $$ | Creative |
What Middle Schoolers Should Learn
- Write analytical essays with evidence
- Master complex grammar rules
- Analyze literature independently
- Develop academic vocabulary
- Research and cite sources properly
For writing program comparisons, see our IEW review and Brave Writer review.
High School ELA (Grades 9-12)
High school prepares students for college writing and develops sophisticated literary analysis skills.
Top Programs for High School
| Program | Focus | Price | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEW High School Essay | Academic writing | $$$ | Structured |
| Brave Writer Online | College prep | $$$ | Creative |
| Excellence in Literature | Classic lit study | $$ | Literature focus |
| WriteShop II | Essay development | $$ | Step-by-step |
What High Schoolers Should Learn
- Write college-level research papers
- Analyze literature critically
- Develop a personal writing voice
- Master grammar and mechanics
- Prepare for college entrance essays
All-in-One vs. Separate Components
Some families prefer all-in-one programs. Others piece together separate curricula. These cover reading, writing, grammar, and spelling separately.
All-in-One Programs
- The Good and the Beautiful: K-8, affordable, beautiful
- BJU Press: K-12, comprehensive, Christian
- Sonlight: Literature-based, secular options
When to Use Separate Components
Choose separate programs when your child needs different levels for different skills. They’re also good when you have strong preferences for specific approaches like Orton-Gillingham for reading.
For complete options, see our complete ELA curriculum guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I teach all ELA components separately?
Not necessarily. Integrated programs work well for most families. Separate components make sense if your child needs different levels for different skills. For example, they might be above grade level in reading but struggling with writing.
How much time should we spend on reading and writing daily?
Elementary students need 45-60 minutes total. Middle schoolers need 60-90 minutes. High schoolers need 90-120 minutes, including literature reading. Break this into separate subjects if needed.
What if my child is behind grade level?
Start where they are, not where they “should” be. A struggling third grader might need first-grade phonics. There’s no shame in going back to build solid foundations.
Do I need grammar if we do lots of writing?
Yes, but it can be taught through editing rather than workbooks. Programs like Fix It! Grammar teach grammar in context. Some writing programs like IEW also include grammar instruction.
Our Recommendations by Type
After helping hundreds of families, here are my go-to recommendations:
- Top All-in-One: The Good and the Beautiful (K-6)
- Top Phonics: All About Reading
- Top Elementary Writing: Writing With Ease
- Top Middle/High Writing: IEW or Brave Writer
- Top Grammar: Fix It! Grammar or Easy Grammar
The most important thing? Choose something and stick with it. Consistency beats curriculum hopping every time.
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