Each module focuses on a topic or theme that builds students’ content knowledge through the use of rich interdisciplinary grade-level texts. Essential topics strategically reoccur, empowering students to deepen their understanding of core knowledge across Grades K–8.
Wit & Wisdom
Wit & Wisdom® is a comprehensive K–8 curriculum that has transformed English language arts (ELA) instruction in classrooms across the nation. Great Minds® believes that classrooms are places where students and teachers encounter wit, wisdom, wonder, rigor, and knowledge, and that literature, history, art, and science all have a place in ELA instruction. By providing a framework for inquiry, Wit & Wisdom helps students build rich layers of knowledge. It inspires teachers and students to experience complex texts and ideas on a deeper level by fostering the questioning spirit that will shape the next generation of great writers, thinkers, and leaders.
The Facts About Wit & Wisdomand its Impact
Wit & Wisdom students are invited to read content-rich and complex texts that build their knowledge of important topics as they master literacy skills. Core texts are wide-ranging, varied, and provide a careful balance of literary, informational, and fine art texts.
At the Core of Wit & Wisdom
Layered Not Linear
Integrated, Not Isolated
Wit & Wisdom leads students to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening, vocabulary, and language skills in concert. Instead of addressing standards one by one, in isolation, Wit & Wisdom arranges for students to practice required language arts skills in the context of module content.
Books, Not Basals
Instead of leveled readers that limit engagement and deeper learning, students are invited to read content-rich and complex texts that will build their knowledge of important topics as they master literacy skills. The selected core texts are wide-ranging and varied and provide a careful balance of literary, informational, and fine art texts.
Knowledge For All: The Power Of High-Quality Curricula For Students With Diverse Learning Needs
“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.”
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SARAH S., CURRICULUM SPECIALIST FOR ELA AND SOCIAL STUDIES, ROGERS PUBLIC
SCHOOLS, AR
Meet Ajay: Proof That Curriculum Matters
Ajay’s struggles with dysgraphia made him dread school and, above all, reading. That changed with Wit & Wisdom.
Fostering a Questioning Spirit Through Fine Art
Wit & Wisdom students engage with significant works of art, including paintings, illustrations, prints, sculpture, architecture, and photographs, that provide diverse access points to a topic so learners at all levels can build strong literary skills.
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.
Wit & Wisdom in Sync
As education evolves, so should curricula. Wit & Wisdom in Sync™ allows your students to build knowledge anytime, anywhere. Featuring digestible video lessons and fillable PDFs for students, Wit & Wisdom in Sync makes learning seamless and unstoppable.
LOOK INSIDE Wit & Wisdom
Watch our Resource Overview Session
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.
We're Your Trusted Colleague
Created by our team of teacher–writers and subject experts, Wit & Wisdom doesn't just stop at curriculum development—it's a complete program that includes supports and resources for teachers. We're here for you every step of the way.
Wit & Wisdom Curriculum Review Materials
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 the world around them.
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.”
