Empowering Striving Readers in Grades K–5

Connect helps teachers ASSESS ongoing learning progress, DISCOVER skills gaps, and PERSONALIZE instruction using standards-based lessons and activities!

What to expect with Connect Basic Reading Skills:

Standards-based instruction and assessment: Systematic scope and sequence, pacing guides, assessments, and instructional routines that help build targeted literacy skills
Personalized learning experience: Scaffolded instruction and meaningful practice opportunities provide explicit and systematic supports to help students achieve grade-level proficiency
Foundational skills support: Phonemic awareness, phonics, and spelling instruction and practice for early literacy needs

Before You Read

The Before You Read section provides students with strategies that support reading comprehension.

The Before You Read section for grades K–2 introduces students to a reading strategy that supports comprehension, as well as to key words found in the reading.

For grades 3–6, an introduction to the reading activates prior knowledge and provides background information. Key words from the reading are practiced and vocabulary strategies are introduced.

Reading

A literary or informational text is the centerpiece of each unit. Students are introduced to the text genre, preview the high-frequency words, and answer “Check In” questions for ongoing evaluation during the reading.

Students follow along with the recording of the story, which provides models for pronunciation and fluency.

After You Read

This section provides post-reading activities that support student comprehension and retention of information from the text.

In grades K–2, Reread, Retell, and Reflect sections support reading comprehension and encourage students to apply their knowledge in different ways.

The Apply the Reading Strategy and Discuss the Reading sections for grades 3–6 support reading comprehension and encourage students to express their ideas.

Connect to Grammar

Each unit includes two grammar points followed by multiple practice opportunities. Explicit grammar, usage, and writing instruction are provided. Writing activities and pair/group work encourages communication.

Connect Grammar Tutorials

Animated Grammar Tutorials engage students by pairing grammar rules with fun explanations.

Connect to Writing

In Connect to Writing, a student model helps students learn how to write a variety of writing styles. Process writing steps guide them to complete and present their writing assignments.

Program Components

Print

Student Book with Connect to Phonics PLUS
Practice BookThematic Readers (2 readers per unit)
Teacher’s Edition with Connect to Phonics PLUS
Vocabulary Cards
Assessment Program

Online

vhlcentral digital platform with interactive, media‑rich, student and teacher resources
Assess to Learn system for progress monitoring, proficiency assessments, and personalized instruction

Connect