Program includes explicit handwriting instruction in letter formation. 

Explicit lessons on writing posture, pencil grip, paper positioning, and letter formation are included in the Simplify Writing® curriculum starting in Kindergarten. Additional letter formation and handwriting practice resources are provided for additional support and practice.

Program includes a wide range of authentic writing opportunities. 

Program includes opportunities to write in multiple genres for different purposes.

Every writing genre is covered throughout the Simplify Writing® program, with units on narrative, informational, explanatory, and opinion/argumentative writing. Students will produce both simple and extended writing pieces, with opportunities for pinpointing an audience and writing to entertain, inform, explain, persuade, and share ideas.

Program includes text-based tasks that require students to write about the topic and use the vocabulary and language appropriate for their grade level.

Text-dependent writing is a cornerstone of the Simplify Writing® program. Every informational and opinion unit includes text-based tasks, with students incorporating evidence from outside sources to support their ideas in writing.  Students will also analyze literary texts with opportunities to respond to synthesize multiple texts in one writing piece.

The Simplify Writing® curriculum also incorporates writing across the content areas, with units at each grade level that focus on science, social studies, and literature-related topics.

Program includes explicit instruction in idea generation and planning that leads to narrative and expository composition.

Every Simplify Writing® unit covers the writing process from brainstorming to publishing, with structured mini-lessons that guide students through each step. At the end of each unit, students will have produced a published piece for a specific writing genre, including personal and creative narrative, explanatory, informational, and opinion/argumentative compositions.

Program includes explicit instruction in grade-level appropriate skills (e.g., grammar).

Starting in Kindergarten, students learn to produce and expand sentences, with explicit instruction on the components and various types of complete sentences. Grammar resources are provided for specific sentence and paragraph-level writing skills such as capitalization, punctuation, sentence construction, parts of speech, figurative language, and more.