WIt & Wisdom

What is Wit & Wisdom?

Wit & Wisdom in Our schools

Modules of Study

WHat is Wit & Wisdom?

WHAT IS WIT & WISDOM?

Wit & Wisdom is a comprehensive Grades K–8 English language arts curriculum. Each Wit & Wisdom module centers on the study of rich and engaging texts, curated to build student knowledge of important ideas in the liberal arts and the sciences. The approach is integrated and text-based: daily reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary study is based on—and draws on evidence from—exceptional texts. The Wit & Wisdom approach helps teachers celebrate the joy of reading and writing with students, while also supporting all learners to tackle the rigor that the standards demand.

By reading books they love and engaging meaningfully in their learning, students develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful readers, critical thinkers, and effective communicators who love to learn and can succeed in college and careers. Wit & Wisdom allows educators to teach more meaningful English because of three principles below.

Books

Every Wit & Wisdom Text students encounter is authentic and of the the highest quality. Students read books they love to build knowledge of important topics and master literacy skills. The texts are wide-ranging and varied, including a careful balance of literacy, informational, and fine-art texts.

Knowledge Building

Every module, or unit of study, in each grade focuses on a topic essential for building background knowledge, vocabulary, and writing skills. For example, students learn about the seasons, the American Revolution, civil rights, and space exploration. Essential topics strategically reoccur, empowering students to deepen understanding of core knowledge across Grades K–8.

Integrated

Students practice reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language in an integrated way, with every strand of the standards woven throughout each module. This integrated approach enables students to be more successful as they activate and build on their developing background and vocabulary knowledge of the module topic while learning skills in other areas.

Wit & Wisdom in Our Schools

All District 19 schools implemented the Wit & Wisdom ELA curriculum in the 2019-2020 school year to ensure our scholars had access to high quality curriculum and instruction.