Wit & Wisdom
Wit & Wisdom® has transformed English language arts instruction in classrooms across the nation. Developed by our expert team of teacher–writers, the curriculum features knowledge-building lessons and carefully curated selections of art and books that inspire a passion for reading and writing in students. Teach more meaningful English with Wit & Wisdom.
“Students are learning for themselves, discovering, and growing. They are digging in, talking, and writing so much more. We never had so much excitement about literacy instruction. Wit & Wisdom is absolutely challenging, but it’s also exactly what our kids need.
- Sarah S., Curriculum specialist for ELA and social studies, Rogers Public Schools, AK
Books, Not Basals
Every text Wit & Wisdom students touch is authentic, of the highest quality, and chosen to meet their social-emotional learning needs—no basals or leveled readers here. Students use these texts at every turn to learn—and eventually to master—essential reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as well as grammar and vocabulary. Along the way, students explore important topics such as the four seasons, the American Revolution, and space exploration.
Integrated, Not Isolated
With Wit & Wisdom, students practice reading, writing, speaking and listening, academic vocabulary, and style and conventions in concert to build holistic ELA knowledge.
Layered, Not Linear
Every module of each grade is crafted around a topic essential for building knowledge, vocabulary, and writing skills. These topics strategically reoccur, empowering students to deepen understanding of core knowledge while scaffolding to writing and speaking on increasingly complex ideas.
Questions, Not Answers
What truly sets Wit & Wisdom apart is its commitment to foster a questioning spirit. Students learn the joy of wondering and imagining, the exhilaration of independent thought, the fulfillment that comes from building rich knowledge of the world, its stories, and the human condition.
Geodes
Geodes are accessible, knowledge-building books for emerging and developing readers, aligned with the developmental stages of the Wilson Fundations®foundational reading program. Each book in the collection is designed to cultivate a deep reading experience, enabling students to apply decoding skills while building knowledge in history, science, and the arts.
Meet Ajay
Ajay’s struggles with dysgraphia made him dread school and, above all, reading. That changed with Wit & Wisdom.
Wit & Wisdom In Sync
Built to be flexible in today's fluid learning environment, Wit & Wisdom in Sync allows you to access all the Wit & Wisdom resources you need, anytime, anywhere. Featuring digestible video lessons and downloadable and fillable PDFs, Wit & Wisdom in Sync makes toggling between home and the classroom seamless.
Affirm
Affirm®, Wit & Wisdom’s digital assessment tool, helps educators better meet the needs of their students, with instant scoring and reporting to help track student progress over time. The tool also provides students with extra practice and preparation for standardized assessments.
Professional Development
Designed by Great Minds teacher–writers, our range of professional development resources support educators in implementing Wit & Wisdom.
Curious about Wit & Wisdom?
Whether you’re just getting started with Wit & Wisdom or want to learn more, our free Resource Overview Session webinars are a great way to explore the curriculum.
Wit & Wisdom Curriculum Review Materials
Did you know that in 2002 a young boy in Malawi named William Kamkwamba saved his village from famine by learning how to harness wind energy? This is just one example of the rich content Wit & Wisdom® students explore as they learn about Powerful Forces in Grade 1 Module 3.
Through picture books, poetry, videos, audio recordings, articles, and artwork, students develop reading and writing skills and expand their vocabulary—all while building enduring knowledge about wind as a form of energy and how it has affected the world around them.
Pilot The Curriculum
Piloting Wit & Wisdom is a great way to see how the curriculum can create joy in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language. Sign up to pilot the curriculum below.
TRANSFORMING CLASSROOMS
“Through Wit & Wisdom’s knowledge-focused designs, I am able to make everyday connections and focus on the wholeness of my kids, making the material more meaningful.”