At The Meraki School, our language arts curriculum is intentionally designed to develop confident readers, articulate writers, and thoughtful communicators through structured, evidence-based instruction rooted in the science of reading. Foundational reading and decoding skills for our developing readers are taught using the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) program. This highly respected curriculum provides systematic, explicit phonics instruction that teaches students how to decode words accurately and fluently. Through carefully sequenced lessons and multi-sensory practice, students develop automaticity in reading while building the essential foundation necessary for lifelong literacy. Grammar instruction is taught explicitly through Simply Grammar, which develops students’ understanding of sentence structure, parts of speech, and the mechanics of written language. This direct instruction enables students to write with increasing clarity, sophistication, and precision as they progress through each grade level.

Spelling instruction is thoughtfully differentiated based on each student’s stage of reading development. Students who are still mastering foundational decoding use Simply Spelling, which reinforces phonics patterns and strengthens the connection between reading and writing. As students advance, they transition to Abeka spelling, which introduces more complex spelling patterns, multisyllabic words, and advanced vocabulary to ensure continued growth and appropriate academic challenge. Reading comprehension and literary analysis are developed through rich, knowledge-building units from Fishtank Learning. These carefully sequenced lessons expose students to high-quality literature and informational texts while strengthening comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and cultivating critical thinking. Students learn to analyze texts deeply, make meaningful connections, and express their ideas clearly both in discussion and in writing.