ELA C Learning Coach Guide

Part A:
Welcome to English
Language Arts C!

Welcome Letter

Dear Learning Coach, 

Thank you for partnering with CCA and investing in your learner’s education. This Learning Coach Guide is intended to help you support your learner in their English Language Arts C course. 

Within this guide, you will find the goals, components, and features of the online course. Please take time to read and review this information so you understand how to help your learner interact with all the course’s elements. 

The Learning Coach Guide also includes information about each of the units in this course. On each page of unit information, you will discover the following.  

• The Unit Overview will tell you what the focus, content, and skills of the unit will be.  
• The Unit Assessment section is a place for you and your learner to preview the graded work in the course. At the start of each unit, work with your learner to look at the unit in edio and find out which types of graded work are in this unit. Write them in the box and use it as a checklist. You can check off each one as your learner completes it. 
• The Unit Materials section tells you the materials your learner will need to complete the activities in this unit. You will also find the materials list repeated within each lesson so that your learner has exactly what they need at the right time. 
• The Unit Discussion Questions are optional questions that you may want to ask your learner during the unit to increase home and school connections about what your learner is studying.   
• In the Unit Notables section, you may find optional activities, literature connections, career connections, technology tips, safety tips, or ideas to help your learner if they get stuck.

CCA wishes you and your learner a terrific school year! 

Supporting Your Learner

Your role as a Learning Coach is very important. Here are a few ways you can help your learner do their very best in the course.

• Help your learner know what time guided or live class instruction is scheduled for, and prompt them to attend sessions or watch recordings.
• Look for Learning Coach Notes in the course. These are special messages to provide you with information about an activity or topic.
• Remember, it is okay for your learner to get stuck. Learning new material takes time. Encourage them to take breaks, keep trying, and even ask the teacher for help.
• Help your learner navigate technology. That may mean helping them type information or upload work into edio.
• Always encourage your learner to do their very best.
• Review the course syllabus for your learner’s course.
• Maintain communication with your learner’s teacher.

Part B:
Course Information

Course Goals

In English Language Arts, your learner will build upon letter-sound and word awareness from previous courses, ask and answer questions about texts, and use graphic organizers to complete writing assignments. By the end of the year, your learner will be able to:

• understand and spell grade level appropriate words;
• identify and spell words where y changes to i;
• read, spell and write high-frequency words;
• identify the main topic of a text;
• identify and understand the use of dialogue in a story;
• summarize stories;
• write a friendly letter;
• revise and edit their own writing;
• correctly use the four types of sentences in their writing; and
• write different types of poetry.

Course Format

Lesson Components:

Each day, your learner will spend approximately 90 minutes completing an English Language Arts lesson. Some days may take less time, while other days may take a little more time. The lesson does not need to be completed in one sitting. Encourage your learner to take short breaks as they need.

This section will help you to understand how your learner’s course is structured in edio.

See example below.

Lesson Bundling:

• Word Study: Word Study is intended to help your learner acquire foundational skills to help them learn to read and improve the fluency of their reading. This section will include the following items:
• Phonemic Awareness: Learners will recognize, think about, and work with individual spoken sounds in words.
• Handwriting: Learners will practice handwriting lowercase and capital letters to connect the sounds to print. They will also practice writing words in print.
• Phonics and Spelling: Phonics is the connection between printed letters and sounds. Learners will understand the organized and predictable relationship between written letters and the sounds they stand for.
• Reading: During the reading portion of the lesson, learners will explore fiction and nonfiction texts and work on comprehension strategies. The following strategies will be emphasized:
• Vocabulary: Learners will preview key vocabulary words. After reading, learners will take a closer look at how specific words are used in the text and practice applying the meanings of vocabulary words.
• Read or Listen to the Text: Learners will read or listen to fiction or nonfiction text included in the lessons.
• Close Read: Learners will take a closer look at the anchor text they read and answer questions to practice reading comprehension skills.
• Reading Analysis: Learners will learn and practice grade-level reading skills
• Writing: Learners will learn and practice their writing skills by focusing on the writing process and developing short writing and longer-form writing. Learners will practice narrative, informational, and argumentative writing.
• Conventions: Learners will be introduced to and will practice grade-appropriate grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
• Writing Instruction: Learners will be instructed on elements such as focus, style, and organization of different writing pieces. Learners will focus on three different genres: narrative, informative, and opinion writing.
• Independent Writing Practice: Learners will take what they have learned in conventions and writing instruction mini-lessons to establish their own voice and style by authoring their own writing pieces.
• On My Own: Learners will practice their reading skills by reading independently and completing personalized instruction in i-Ready. Learners will also practice their keyboarding skills by working on activities in Keyboarding Without Tears.

Within the lesson bundles, there are different components your learner will interact with. These components will not be used every day.

1. Getting Started Lesson: There is one Getting Started lesson in this course. It can be found on Day 1 of Unit 1. This lesson includes important information about the course and contact information for your teacher.

2. Unit Overview: Each unit will include a unit overview. This describes what your learner will learn in the unit and how many assessments the unit will have.

3. Prep for Success: At the beginning of each unit, your learner will find a Prep for Success. This component offers learners tips to be successful in the course, such as study tips, important software information, safety reminders, and more.

4. Knowledge Check: There will be one Knowledge Check in each unit. The Knowledge Check is designed to check prior learning and understanding about key skills and concepts that will be taught in the unit. The Knowledge Check is not a graded assessment.

Each lesson has its own components to help guide your learner through the lesson.

1. Lesson Overview: At the beginning of every lesson, your learner will see the lesson overview. This section contains lesson objectives, lesson vocabulary, materials your learner will need for the lesson, and the suggested lesson length.

2. Engage: The first section of the lesson is Engage. In this section, learners will be introduced to the lesson by making a connection to past and present knowledge and will get ready for the lesson’s instruction.

3. Discover: New content and instruction is presented in the Discover section. Your learner will interact with the lesson content through defined vocabulary terms, videos, audio, and Pause and Think activities. Your learner will be able to practice and answer questions as they work through the lesson.

4. Show: Learners will demonstrate what they have learned in the lesson through a series of practice questions.

5. Wrap Up: This section recaps the day’s objectives and prepares learners for a future lesson or assessment.

The course includes assignments and projects. These graded assignments allow your learner to show what they have learned and apply their new skills. All CCA assignments and projects include these components.

1. Assessment Overview: At the beginning of each assessment, your learner will see the assessment overview. This section contains the goals of the assessment, materials your learner will need, length of the assessment, and directions for completion.

2. Plan: In the Plan section, learners will be introduced to the assignment or project. Learners may be provided with a review of content from the previous lessons, strategies for completing the activity, graphic organizers, and grading rubrics.

3. Do: Learners put their plan into action and work to complete the assignment or project successfully. This section also provides the grading expectations and/or rubric the teacher will use to grade the work.

4. Reflect: In Reflect, learners will think back to the work they completed. They will reflect upon the experience and analyze how well they completed the task. These moments of reflection are important and allow learners to think about their learning and their work habits.

In addition to assignments and projects, this course also includes quizzes, tests, and exams.

• Quiz: A quiz may be given at the end of a topic or the end of a unit.
• Unit Review: Before a test, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in the test.
• Unit Test: A test will assess learning at the end of a unit.

Course Features

This course includes and uses unique features such as:

English Language Arts Kit: Learners will receive a kit that includes activity books, texts required for lessons, and other materials needed for learning English language arts skills.

English Language Arts Activity Books: Learners will receive the following activity books that will be used throughout the course: Word Study Activity Book, Reading Activity Book, and Writing Activity Book. Each activity book includes pages to be completed during lessons. The activity books also include additional resources to help learners better understand the content and skills.

Writer’s Notebook: Learners will have access to a Writer’s Notebook as part of the Writing Activity Book. This includes important writing strategies, additional resources, and guidance to support what they are learning in their lessons.

Writing Assignments: Learners will complete multiple writing assignments in this course. They will use grammar skills and writing skills learned throughout the course in their writing assignments.

Free Write Submissions: Throughout the course, learners will have the opportunity to engage in writing activities of their own choice and submit these free writes.

Anchor Texts: Learners will receive a collection of fiction and nonfiction texts. These are referred to as anchor texts. These reading resources will be used to develop reading, listening, and comprehension skills.

Decodable Texts: Learners will receive a collection of decodable texts. These reading resources come in Set 1, Set 2, Set 3 and Set 4.

Daily Grammar: Learners will have Daily Grammar activities in their writing lessons. They will complete these pages to practice grammar skills in lessons.

On My Own: This is a part of lesson bundles. Learners will be prompted to do one independent activity each day. The activities will range from independent reading, typing practice, using Raz-Kids, or i-Ready practice.

i-Ready: This is an online program that helps learners practice and develop their reading, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. The program provides personalized instruction tailored to the learner’s needs and skill levels. Learners should expect to work in i-Ready for 45 minutes each week.

Keyboarding Without Tears: This online program helps learners practice and develop their keyboarding skills. The program features a variety of typing games and exercises to teach basic keyboarding skills.

Integrated with Science and Social Studies: Learners will read a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts that closely align with science and social studies concepts. The topics read in the texts will be reinforced in the science and social studies courses.

edioReader: Learners can interact with digital texts through edioReader, an eReader application. Embedded directly in the lesson content, edioReader allows learners to read or listen to digital texts. Learners will be able to interact with each text by using features such as a key word search, zoom in to increase the font size, take and store notes, highlight the pages, and bookmark their spot in the text.

Part C:
Unit Information

Welcome to ELA/Digital Citizenship

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will identify open and closed syllables. Learners will read and write words with short and long vowel sounds. Learners will practice Internet safety and digital citizenship. Learners will practice writing skills and demonstrate the use of singular and plural nouns and verbs in writing.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What does it mean to be safe on the Internet?

How have your writing skills changed since last year?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will describe what they would do if someone was bullying them.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text CollectionSet 1, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard, whiteboard

Household Materials

blank paper

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will identify open and closed syllables. Learners will read and write words with short and long vowel sounds. Learners will practice Internet safety and digital citizenship. Learners will practice writing skills and demonstrate the use of singular and plural nouns and verbs in writing.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What does it mean to be safe on the Internet?

How have your writing skills changed since last year?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will describe what they would do if someone was bullying them.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text CollectionSet 1, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard, whiteboard

Household Materials

blank paper

You Can Make a Difference

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will build on their understanding of consonant sounds. Learners will identify the main topic of informational texts. They will use the Five Finger Retell strategy. Learners will correctly structure sentences. They also will understand parts of a letter and begin to write one.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

Which sound spellings are still confusing for you?

What new vocabulary words could you use in your everyday conversations?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will read words that start with dr and tr. Your learner may need to pay closer attention to words with these beginnings as they can sometimes sound like they are starting with a “jr” or “chr” sound.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text Collection Set 1, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will build on their understanding of consonant sounds. Learners will identify the main topic of informational texts. They will use the Five Finger Retell strategy. Learners will correctly structure sentences. They also will understand parts of a letter and begin to write one.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

Which sound spellings are still confusing for you?

What new vocabulary words could you use in your everyday conversations?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will read words that start with dr and tr. Your learner may need to pay closer attention to words with these beginnings as they can sometimes sound like they are starting with a “jr” or “chr” sound.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text Collection Set 1, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

Matter is Everywhere

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will use two- and three-letter consonants to spell words. Learners will add -s and -es to words to make them plural. Learners will explore how a story is structured and understand the sequence of events in a story. Learners will engage in creating lists. They also will use transition words in writing.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What do you enjoy most about free writes?

Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? Why?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will create a brochure full of facts they have learned.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text Collection Set 2, dot cube, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, glue, letter tiles, magnetic counters, scissors, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will use two- and three-letter consonants to spell words. Learners will add -s and -es to words to make them plural. Learners will explore how a story is structured and understand the sequence of events in a story. Learners will engage in creating lists. They also will use transition words in writing.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What do you enjoy most about free writes?

Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? Why?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will create a brochure full of facts they have learned.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text Collection Set 2, dot cube, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, glue, letter tiles, magnetic counters, scissors, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

The Land Around You

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will read and spell words with long vowel sounds. Learners will identify and spell words where y changes to i. Learners will explore the voice of a character and understand the use of dialogue. Learners also will write several types of poetry.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

How can a graphic organizer help you?

Which character in the stories you have read are you most like? How so?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will learn to use the RACES strategy. It would be beneficial for learners to have the RACES strategy posted in their workspace, if possible.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text Collection Set 2, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will read and spell words with long vowel sounds. Learners will identify and spell words where y changes to i. Learners will explore the voice of a character and understand the use of dialogue. Learners also will write several types of poetry.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

How can a graphic organizer help you?

Which character in the stories you have read are you most like? How so?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will learn to use the RACES strategy. It would be beneficial for learners to have the RACES strategy posted in their workspace, if possible.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text Collection Set 2, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

Living Things are Everywhere

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will read and spell words with two-letter vowel and consonant sounds. Learners will use contractions when reading and writing. Learners will identify and understand the purpose of a narrator. They will compare and contrast two versions of the same story. Learners also will develop topics using facts, details, definitions, and quotations.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What can you do to become a more fluent reader?

How does information that you gain from a text add to your understanding of a topic?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will use a graphic organizer to brainstorm ideas for a writing topic. You might consider keeping this graphic organizer in a plastic sheet so that it does not get torn.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text CollectionSet 3, dot cube, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, sticky notes, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

blank paper

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will read and spell words with two-letter vowel and consonant sounds. Learners will use contractions when reading and writing. Learners will identify and understand the purpose of a narrator. They will compare and contrast two versions of the same story. Learners also will develop topics using facts, details, definitions, and quotations.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What can you do to become a more fluent reader?

How does information that you gain from a text add to your understanding of a topic?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will use a graphic organizer to brainstorm ideas for a writing topic. You might consider keeping this graphic organizer in a plastic sheet so that it does not get torn.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, coloring tools, Decodable Text CollectionSet 3, dot cube, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, sticky notes, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

blank paper

Making Money

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will build on their understanding of reading letter sounds and spelling words with prefixes. Learners will summarize stories using details from the text. They will explore biographies, scientific texts, and historical texts. Learners will write compound sentences and use commas when writing. They also will write an opinion piece.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What is something new that you learned while reading the texts in this unit?

Why is it important to revise your writing?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners identify major events in a biography. Your learner may struggle with determining which events are major. Guide them through this process.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, Decodable Text Collection Set 3, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will build on their understanding of reading letter sounds and spelling words with prefixes. Learners will summarize stories using details from the text. They will explore biographies, scientific texts, and historical texts. Learners will write compound sentences and use commas when writing. They also will write an opinion piece.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What is something new that you learned while reading the texts in this unit?

Why is it important to revise your writing?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners identify major events in a biography. Your learner may struggle with determining which events are major. Guide them through this process.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, Decodable Text Collection Set 3, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

Shaping the Land

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will read and spell words with two-letter vowel sounds. Learners will also read words with irregular plurals. Learners will determine the message of a story. They will also explore points of view of characters. Learners will write statements, questions, and other types of sentences. They will use dialogue when writing a story.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What was the most interesting thing that you learned in this unit?

Which letter sounds do you still need to practice? How might you practice them?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will explore two -letter vowel sounds like ou and ow. Your learner may confuse which to use when writing. Support your learner through this potential challenge. Remind them: Exposure to reading words with these sounds will help them to learn.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, Decodable Text Collection Set 4, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will read and spell words with two-letter vowel sounds. Learners will also read words with irregular plurals. Learners will determine the message of a story. They will also explore points of view of characters. Learners will write statements, questions, and other types of sentences. They will use dialogue when writing a story.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

What was the most interesting thing that you learned in this unit?

Which letter sounds do you still need to practice? How might you practice them?

Unit Notables

In this unit, learners will explore two -letter vowel sounds like ou and ow. Your learner may confuse which to use when writing. Support your learner through this potential challenge. Remind them: Exposure to reading words with these sounds will help them to learn.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, Decodable Text Collection Set 4, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

none

History Around the World

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will read and spell high-frequency words. They also will explore words with prefixes. Learners will connect and summarize story events. Learners also will read and compare and contrast informational texts. Learners will use the past, present, and future tense of verbs. They will write an introduction and conclusion to a topic.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

Think of your favorite book. What are some ways your favorite book compares or contrasts to a text that you read in this unit?

You have learned a lot throughout this course. What do you hope to continue working on for next year?

Unit Notables

In this unit learners will explore the word “fabulous.” They will share why they think the author uses this word and then find something within their home that is fabulous.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, Decodable Text Collection Set 3, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will read and spell high-frequency words. They also will explore words with prefixes. Learners will connect and summarize story events. Learners also will read and compare and contrast informational texts. Learners will use the past, present, and future tense of verbs. They will write an introduction and conclusion to a topic.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

Think of your favorite book. What are some ways your favorite book compares or contrasts to a text that you read in this unit?

You have learned a lot throughout this course. What do you hope to continue working on for next year?

Unit Notables

In this unit learners will explore the word “fabulous.” They will share why they think the author uses this word and then find something within their home that is fabulous.

Kit Materials

Anchor Texts, Decodable Text Collection Set 3, dry erase marker, ELA Activity Books, eraser, letter tiles, magnetic counters, ten-frame whiteboard

Household Materials