Comprehensive K–6 Curriculum. Research-Based. Teacher-Developed.
Essential Skills provides a comprehensive library of supplemental programs for K–6 Reading and Math, plus ELL, Science, Geography, and more. Instruction is explicit, carefully sequenced, and designed to help students build skills step by step through focused, engaging practice.
Used in schools for over 25 years, Essential Skills supports classroom learning, intervention, special education, and English language learners. Built-in assessment, individualized practice, and progress reporting help educators identify learning gaps, reinforce essential skills, and monitor student growth.
Explore programs by grade level, subject, or both.
All Grades
This program uses sound blending and rhyming to teach 200 grade 1 spelling words.
Designed for: Grade 1
This program uses a phonics approach to teach over 400 grade 2 spelling words. The word lists are grouped by short and long vowel patterns, consonant blend and diagraph patterns.
Designed for: Grade 2
This program uses phonics to increase accuracy in spelling of more than 370 grade 3 spelling words. The words are grouped into lists using 37 common spelling patterns such as long vowels, consonants and "r" with vowel patterns.
Designed for: Grade 3
Introducing Spell Master Ultimate, the cutting-edge spelling app designed for teachers and students! Choose from hundreds of premade spelling lists or easily add your own in just a few simple clicks. With text-to-speech audio for each word and 12 engaging…Read More
Designed for: Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6
Introducing Spell Master Ultimate, the cutting-edge spelling app designed for teachers and students! Choose from hundreds of premade spelling lists or easily add your own in just a few simple clicks. With text-to-speech audio for each word and 12 engaging…Read More
Designed for: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3
Teaches the spelling and pronunciation of more than 500 grade 4 spelling words. Spelling is taught using long vowel patterns, digraph and diphthong patterns consonant combinations, "r" with vowel patterns and spelling stumpers.
Designed for: Grade 4
Teaches over 500 essential grade 5 spelling words. 38 lists teach important spelling patterns for grade 5 such as igh, ion, eigh and ough patterns. Also taught are 35 pairs of homonyms.
Designed for: Grade 5
Teaches more than 500 grade 6 spelling words as well as grade-appropriate spelling rules. There is also a section to teach 21 sets of homonyms for grade 6.
Designed for: Grade 6
More than 500 engaging activities teach the 400 most frequently misspelled words from grades 1 to 5.
Designed for: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5
Teaches the 450 most frequently misspelled words from grades 5 to 9. The program teaches grade-appropriate spelling rules with follow-up activities.
Designed for: Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 6 Plus
First Words for ELL builds a strong foundation in English vocabulary by teaching the meaning, spoken forms, and written forms of essential words, while connecting these forms for deeper understanding. Developed by teachers and reading specialists, the program features optional…Read More
Designed for: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 6 Plus
Everyday English for ELLs builds a strong foundation in practical English vocabulary by teaching the meaning, spelling, and usage of essential words for day-to-day life. Developed by teachers and reading specialists, the program features seven engaging units and over 140…Read More
Designed for: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 6 Plus
School Stories for ELLs builds a strong foundation in school-related English vocabulary by teaching the meaning, spelling, and usage of essential words through eleven engaging stories. Developed by teachers and reading specialists, the program features optional auditory support in 12…Read More
Designed for: Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 6 Plus
Provides students in grades K to 1 with a strong foundation in understanding basic number concepts. Some of the skills taught in this program include: number recognition, counting, addition and subtraction.
Designed for: Kindergarten, Grade 1
Provides students in grade 2 with a strong foundation in understanding basic number concepts. Some of the skills taught in this program include: adding and subtracting two-digit numbers with regrouping, multiplication, division and working with simple fractions.
Designed for: Grade 2