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In Virginia, elementary language arts instruction follows the 2024 English Standards of Learning (SOL). These K–5 standards describe what students should learn and how their progress is measured. Benchmark Advance, a program approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), is used as our K–5 curriculum. It includes ten units that build knowledge through topics in science, social studies, and literature across all grade levels. Each unit uses a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts to support learning.

Benchmark Advance Units by Grade Level

According to the Virginia Department of Education’s 2024 English Standards of Learning, Kindergarten students learn in a language-rich environment that builds their communication skills and early reading foundations. They develop awareness of sounds in words, learn how print works, and grow their vocabulary, comprehension, and enjoyment of reading and writing.

Students read and listen to many types of books, both stories and informational texts, to understand that reading can be a source of knowledge and fun. Their listening and speaking skills grow as they hear books read aloud, take part in conversations, and learn to work together with others.

Kindergarteners learn to recognize and write letters, use basic sound-letter patterns to read and spell, identify parts of a story, and share their ideas through pictures and writing. They are also introduced to simple research by asking questions and working with classmates on shared projects.

*Please note that the schedule may change during the year for field trips, testing, or school schedule adjustments. Each school may have different circumstances that affect the timing of units, but the overall sequence will stay the same. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

According to the Virginia Department of Education’s 2024 English Standards of Learning, building strong reading foundations is a main goal in first grade. These foundations include understanding sounds in words, learning how print works, phonics, reading fluently, using language correctly, and developing clear handwriting.

First graders will learn and use more complex sound and spelling patterns in both reading and writing. They will also work toward reading words and connected text more smoothly and automatically.

While these early reading skills are important, students will also continue to build knowledge about the world and grow their vocabulary. A rich environment filled with language and books helps children strengthen their communication, comprehension, and love for reading and writing.

Students will use comprehension strategies as they read and listen to stories and informational texts, and they will share their thinking during class discussions. First graders will also write for different purposes and in a variety of forms.

*Please note that the schedule may change during the year for field trips, testing, or school schedule adjustments. Each school may have different circumstances that affect the timing of units, but the overall sequence will stay the same. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

According to the Virginia Department of Education’s 2024 English Standards of Learning, building strong literacy foundations remains a key focus in second grade. Students will use more complex sound and spelling patterns, including common word parts and endings, when reading and writing.

Reading fluency continues to be an important goal. Students practice reading and rereading grade-level texts with smoothness, expression, and accuracy. They also continue to build knowledge about the world and language by reading a variety of stories and informational texts.

This year, students will explore different types of writing, with a special focus on fairy tales from different cultures. They will grow their vocabulary by listening and speaking effectively during class discussions and by sharing their ideas about what they read.

In writing, students learn cursive and begin to understand writing as a process that includes planning, drafting, revising, and sharing. They write for different purposes and in many forms—including across content areas—while continuing to practice grammar and mechanics.

Students also conduct simple research projects by using available resources to gather information and create a final product.

*Please note that the schedule may change during the year for field trips, testing, or school schedule adjustments. Each school may have different circumstances that affect the timing of units, but the overall sequence will stay the same. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

According to the Virginia Department of Education’s 2024 English Standards of Learning, building strong literacy skills remains a key goal in third grade. Students focus on reading grade-level texts smoothly, accurately, and with expression.

Third graders read many types of stories and informational texts, with special attention to folk tales and myths from different cultures. Carefully chosen reading materials help them build knowledge about language and the world around them. As they read, students grow their vocabulary by using word analysis strategies to understand new words.

Students continue to apply comprehension strategies to check their understanding and deepen it through class discussions and writing about what they read. They also use the writing process—planning, drafting, revising, and editing—to write for different purposes and in a variety of forms.

In addition, students learn how to find and use reliable sources to complete a research project. They begin to understand what plagiarism is and how to put information into their own words. Third graders also practice effective speaking and listening skills through group work and oral presentations.

*Please note that the schedule may change during the year for field trips, testing, or school schedule adjustments. Each school may have different circumstances that affect the timing of units, but the overall sequence will stay the same. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

According to the Virginia Department of Education’s 2024 English Standards of Learning, fourth grade places a stronger focus on reading comprehension by comparing fiction and nonfiction texts. Students use comprehension strategies to check their understanding and think critically about what they read.

Through class discussions and writing, students deepen their understanding of texts and share their ideas with others. They read a wide range of genres, with special attention to realistic and historical fiction from different cultures.

Vocabulary grows as students study word parts such as roots and affixes, as well as synonyms, antonyms, and homophones. Writing becomes more detailed and organized as students learn to structure their ideas clearly. They write for different purposes and across all subject areas.

Communication and teamwork skills continue to develop as students work together in diverse groups. They also create multimedia presentations and begin to analyze messages in media.

In research, students learn how to find reliable information and evaluate whether it is useful for their project. They show understanding of the research process by creating a final product in their own words and continue to learn the importance of avoiding plagiarism.

*Please note that the schedule may change during the year for field trips, testing, or school schedule adjustments. Each school may have different circumstances that affect the timing of units, but the overall sequence will stay the same. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

According to the Virginia Department of Education’s 2024 English Standards of Learning, fifth grade continues to focus on building strong reading comprehension skills by comparing both literary and informational texts. Students read many types of texts and analyze how authors use craft, style, and approach to share ideas or explore topics.

Through class discussions and writing, students deepen their understanding of what they read and learn to express their ideas clearly. Vocabulary grows as students study word parts—such as roots and affixes—and explore synonyms, antonyms, and homophones.

Students use the writing process to plan, draft, revise, and edit their work. They write for different purposes and in many forms across subject areas to show their understanding of a text or concept.

Collaboration remains important as students work respectfully in diverse groups, stay engaged, and value each other’s ideas. They also create multimedia presentations and explore how different techniques are used in media messages.

During research, students evaluate the reliability and credibility of their sources to gather accurate information. They apply what they learn by creating a final product that demonstrates their understanding of the research process.

*Please note that the schedule may change during the year for field trips, testing, or school schedule adjustments. Each school may have different circumstances that affect the timing of units, but the overall sequence will stay the same. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.