Review Step 1: Select and watch the video below that reflects your grade

Grades K-2
In grades K–2, daily instruction is segmented into two strands:

  • Skills lessons deliver explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, spelling patterns, decoding, writing mechanics, and writing structure and processes.
  • Knowledge lessons build knowledge and vocabulary in tandem with the process of learning to read, which research tells us is vital for long-term success.

Grades 3-5
In grades 3–5, the Skills and Knowledge strands are integrated. As part of the curriculum’s research-based design, students in grades 3–5 spend several weeks immersed in sequenced domains in science, history, and literature, deepening both critical literacy skills and background knowledge.

Knowledge matters

Amplify CKLA’s second design principle is that reading comprehension depends more on relevant background knowledge than on mastery of reading strategies. Knowledge builds on knowledge.

Our approach to building background knowledge is based on three pillars often overlooked in other curricula. It is:

  • Content-specific.
    Clearly outlined content objectives are specific and support the development of knowledge in history, science, literature, culture, and the arts.
  • Cumulative.
    Topics and vocabulary connect within and across grades, allowing students to extend knowledge and revisit topics in increasing depth in later grades.
  • Coherent.
    When curriculum is fragmentary and disconnected, students face repetitions as well as gaps that can hinder learning. An intentional design ensures the curriculum fits together as a whole.

Curriculum matters

Amplify CKLA was built to meet the all standards in a vertically and horizontally aligned, coherent, and cumulative knowledge-based curriculum. To encourage a broader view of literacy, our intentional design embraces history, art, science, music, and other disciplines to ensure that all New Jersey students have a level playing field. 

 

What’s included

Amplify CKLA provides engaging print and multimedia materials—accessible from anywhere—that are designed to provide a robust, literacy-rich foundation in every classroom.

Proven high-quality teacher materials

Teacher supports include research-based lessons that integrate foundational literacy skills and cross-curricular content knowledge.

  • Teacher Guides
  • Projectable lesson components
  • The Hub for digital components
  • Vocabulary Lessons (Example from Grade 1)
  • Quests for the Core for Grades 3–5 (immersive, problem-based learning, example from Grade 5)
  • Poetry Lessons (Example from Grade 3)
  • Professional development website with model lessons and training resources

Student materials

Engaging student resources include dynamic decodable chapter books and content-rich, cross-curricular Readers.

Digital resources

Access the program’s online resources anywhere, anytime, from any device.

  • Digital Hub
  • Knowledge Builder animated videos (Example from Grade 2)
  • Sound Library songs and videos (Examples from Kindergarten)
  • eReader
  • Vocabulary App
  • Recorded Read-Alouds
  • Professional development website
  • Real-time program support via email, live chat, and phone

Hands-on phonics materials

Multisensory phonics and foundational skills resources give students the opportunity to practice key skills using diverse, fun approaches that build independence.

  • Large and small letter cards
  • Spelling cards
  • Chaining folders
  • Digital big books

CKLA Curriculum Alignment to NJSLS

Professional learning

Amplify employs a national cohort of more than 50 ELA facilitators, all of whom have experience as former classroom teachers and many of whom are former school and/or district leaders. Our professional learning team has decades of experience working with large districts across the nation. Amplify has experience supporting district launches over multiple years and has partnered with districts of all sizes nationwide. We partner with districts and tailor professional learning to their unique needs. Click here to learn more.