The curriculum weaves reading and writing together through topics designed to engage students at each grade level
All elementary schools in the Ann Arbor Public Schools district launched their new Arts & Letters curriculum this week, bringing a comprehensive approach to reading and writing instruction to K-5 classrooms across the district.
The curriculum weaves reading and writing together through topics designed to engage students at each grade level. Each module includes stories, nonfiction texts, art, and multimedia components, connecting reading with subjects like history, science, and the arts.
“Arts & Letters will allow every child in the AAPS to have access to high-quality instruction and materials to support them in becoming skilled readers and writers,” said Kristen Smith, Elementary Curriculum Coordinator for ELA and Social Studies.
The program aims to help students build comprehension skills, think critically, and develop their imagination while making connections across different subject areas. Students learn to listen closely, write thoughtfully, and express themselves clearly through the integrated approach.
Arts & Letters is taught daily for 60 minutes as part of the district’s English Language Arts block. The timing of instruction varies by grade level and individual school schedules.
Hillary Wooley, the Building Literacy Coach at at Logan Elementary, highlighted one of the curriculum’s key strengths: “There are many benefits of the curriculum, but one important one is that the program has scaffolds built in that allow every child to engage with the material and learn the same grade level material. It is challenging, yet allows striving readers to participate fully and successfully.”
The curriculum’s design ensures that all students, regardless of their current reading level, can access grade-appropriate content while receiving the support they need to succeed. This approach helps students develop knowledge and confidence that will benefit them across all academic subjects.
Bryant first grade teacher Keron Perry is already a big fan of the new curriculum, saying he appreciates the intentionality behind each lesson, and the fact that it is especially helpful for multilingual learners.
“I’m all for it because we’re meeting everyone now,” he says. “We’re not leaving anyone behind.”
Implementation is rolling out across all district elementary schools this week, with specific classroom schedules varying by building and grade level.
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