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Word Bird parts of speech, syntax, sentence structure materials

Our Program

Using explicit and systematic instruction, our program incorporates multimodal learning. Through our Word Bird characters, stories, and color-coded sentence structures, students are taught the intricacies of language within a variety of educational activities. It is fun, engaging, and remarkably effective. It is a resource that can be implemented within the framework of any existing core ELA curriculum. 

WHY COLORS OF ENGLISH?

Literacy is a fundamental skill, and it extends beyond the mere act of reading words. At The Colors of English, we provide tools to help students understand how words work within the structure of sentences, helping them become better readers and writers. When students understand and master the role that the parts of speech play within sentence structure, they are able to make sense of the English language and become more successful in all content areas. We believe even the youngest students must begin their language comprehension journey as soon as, or even before, they start to read, giving them an edge when transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn.

See our program in action!

MEET THE FLOCK RESPONSIBLE FOR 110% IMPROVEMENT IN LITERACY OUTCOMES

 Learn a little bit about each of our feathered friends. Students quickly internalize each bird's unique personality and learn who is friends with whom, and why they don't all get along. They may be small in stature, but they play a huge role in helping students understand the different jobs that each part of speech plays. Headbands and bowties do matter and make understanding complicated concepts such as possessives or gerunds easy eggs to crack.

Norm the Noun
Vern the Verb
Adjax the Adjective

Norm the

Noun

Vern the

Verb

Ajax the 

Adjective

Addie the Adverb
Pepe the Pronoun
Patty the Preposition
Coco the Conjunction
Ishmael the Interjection

Addie the

Adverb

Pepe the

Pronoun

Patty the

Preposition

Coco the

Conjunction

Ishmael the

Interjection

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Curriculum Overview

Students studying nouns

Taking Flight 1

Best for Grades K-2

Suggested Implementation

  • 5 times per week, about 15-20 minutes each lesson.

  • Each lesson consists of a short teacher-led lesson, a student workbook activity, and suggested class or small group activities

Classroom Materials​

  • 57-page student workbook 

  • Scripted instructors' guide

  • Tactile materials, including our eight stuffed Word Birds, color-coded pom-poms, dice, classroom posters, and more

  • Instructor online resource center, which includes detailed lesson plans, suggested games and activities, assessments, and other downloadable reinforcement activities

Students studying nouns

Taking Flight Book 2

Best for Grades 2-3

Suggested Implementation

  • 3-5 times per week, about 20-30 minutes each lesson.

  • Each lesson consists of a short teacher-led lesson, a student workbook activity, and suggested class or small group activities

Classroom Materials​

  • 49-page student workbook

  • Scripted instructors' guide

  • Tactile materials, including our eight stuffed Word Birds, color-coded pom-poms, dice, classroom posters, and more

  • Online resource center, which includes detailed lesson plans, exit tickets, assessments, and other downloadable reinforcement activities

Students studying parts of speech

Taking Flight Book 3

Best for Grades 3-4

Suggested Implementation

  • 3 times per week, about 30 minutes each lesson.

  • Each lesson consists of a lesson, with knowledge checks and optional exit tickets, writing assignments, quizzes, and tests.

Classroom Materials​

  • 86-page student workbook

  • Scripted instructors' guide

  • Tactile materials, including our eight stuffed Word Birds, dice, classroom posters, and more

  • Online resource center, which includes detailed lesson plans, exit tickets, assessments, and downloadable reinforcement activities

Interested in joining our flock?
Want to learn about our Pilot Program?

Professional Development & Support

Colors of English offers tailored professional development options designed specifically for teachers. Our program offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing instructional practices. 

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As students ascend through grade levels, we'll remain on as your partner through continuous professional development and training, as often--or as little--as you need us.

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Backed by Research

The research supporting an effective ELA curriculum emphasizes the importance of integrating language comprehension within the broader context of reading and writing. Studies suggest that explicit and systematic grammar instruction can enhance students' language proficiency and writing skills, leading to improved reading comprehension, sentence structure, and overall communication abilities.

 

By providing focused grammar instruction alongside meaningful language experiences, students can develop a deeper understanding and application of grammatical concepts in their written and spoken language.

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