When I started homeschooling, I thought literacy was all about teaching my kids to read and write. Now, with both an avid reader and a couple of reluctant learners in junior high and high school, I’ve learned that literacy is so much more. It’s about communication, critical thinking, and connecting ideas in everyday life. Looking back, I wish I’d fully understood the many ways literacy shapes our learning journey—and how different it can look for each child.
For those of you who prefer to design and pick your own curriculum, you already know the freedom homeschooling offers to customize literacy in a way that fits your child. Whether you’re diving into chapter books, crafting stories together, or exploring real-world applications, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to literacy. I’ve discovered that it’s in those everyday moments — like family discussions, cooking, or reading menus on a road trip — where so much literacy learning happens.
That said, if you’re looking for extra support or new ways to engage your kids, Cottonwood offers some amazing programs I wish I’d had access to when my kids were younger.
For our TK-3rd grade students: Our Superstar Readers program teaches phonics and reading and is open for families to join at any time. It’s a wonderful way to help young readers build confidence while still keeping literacy fun. When my kids were little, I used a lot of read-alouds and letter games to support their literacy, but having something like Superstar Readers would have been a game-changer for me when I was just starting out.
For upper elementary students: You’re likely seeing literacy evolve as your kids’ comprehension deepens. Whether they’re writing their first stories or discussing the characters in books, this is a great stage for exploring literature together. For those wanting more structure, our Boost program offers Language Arts enrichment classes with live instruction once a week, along with social interaction, novel studies, and lots of literacy fun! Registration closes this Friday for the first semester!
Writing Wednesdays: Another fantastic option for students at any writing level is Writing Wednesdays with Ms. Garcia, our ELA Intervention Coordinator. This program is open to all students and focuses on key writing skills, from constructing responses to developing their own style. Students receive live feedback, and weekly writing assignments are provided to encourage growth in their writing abilities. It’s an excellent way to get tailored support, whether your child loves writing or could use a little extra encouragement.
For middle and high schoolers: Now that I have students in middle school, I’ve seen firsthand how literacy goes beyond reading and writing. It’s about analyzing information, forming opinions, and learning to communicate effectively. If you prefer a hands-on approach at home, engaging with your teens in real-world literacy — such as researching topics of interest or discussing books over dinner — can be incredibly powerful. For families who want more support, I can personally recommend our RISE program for middle school, which provides live instruction twice a week, peer collaboration, and guidance from a Cottonwood HST. It’s been a relief to have Language Arts off my homeschool plate this year! We also have the CVHS program for high school students, offering a similar format and support with a focus on critical thinking and communication.
Everyday literacy moments: Regardless of your approach, literacy happens in so many different ways. It might be through a favorite audiobook on a road trip, a family discussion at the dinner table, or even following a recipe. These everyday moments are key in building those literacy skills without even realizing it.
Different approaches for different learners: Homeschooling gives us the flexibility to meet our kids where they are. My avid reader loves getting lost in novels, while my reluctant learners have found their groove with audiobooks and graphic novels. Whether your child prefers traditional reading and writing or more unconventional approaches, literacy can be woven into so many parts of your homeschool life. Find what resonates with your child and be open to evolving as they grow.
Whether you’re fully designing your own curriculum or tapping into the amazing programs Cottonwood offers, literacy is an evolving process that shapes our children in so many ways. No matter where you are on your homeschooling journey, remember that literacy can look different for every child — and that’s a beautiful thing.
Kindly,
Kara Parkins