RedThread Literacy

A complete K–8 literacy program combining
foundational skills, knowledge-building, reading,
and writing.

Connecting the Threads of Learning for Teacher & Student Success

Activate young minds and spark student curiosity with RedThread's complete K–8 literacy program. It seamlessly integrates best-first instruction with comprehensive instructional materials grounded in science-of-reading research, a proven method for accelerating learning.

Reviewed by The Reading League

The Reading League's Curriculum Navigation Report is the benchmark for science-of-reading aligned curriculum evaluation. RedThread Literacy has earned a place in that review. Whether you're deep in a curriculum adoption process or just beginning your research, the findings are worth your time.

Explore the Report
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RedThread builds knowledge with themes that connect each piece of the curriculum.

From Kindergarten through 8th grade, students see themselves as part of the stories they read and the problems they solve. Culturally diverse literature and project-based learning engage students in skill building faster than ever before, while RedThread coaching redefines leader and teacher support through immersive and hands-on techniques that rapidly build capacity.

In a RedThread classroom, you hear the buzz of learning. Students are discussing meaningful themes that have them reflecting on core values and important history. All teachers are coaching with clarity; they understand how to anticipate misconceptions and ask effective questions that support literacy skills and content knowledge. I’ve seen novice teachers scale up quickly over the course of a year because RedThread provides thoughtful scaffolds for educators, including anticipated misconceptions, back pocket questions, and clear teaching points that grow students to be stronger readers and writers.

Matt Lim, Vice Principal, Cypress Hills Ascend Middle School

RedThread Literacy unites students in a clear and coherent pathway for learning throughout each year and builds upon content knowledge from year to year. The texts are engaging and rigorous and inspire kids and adults to go beyond surface level. The curriculum is incredibly thoughtful and beautifully presented and sparks student curiosity and engagement while pressing for and achieving high outcomes. 

Sara Fischer, Director of Literacy, Zeta Charter Schools

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K–8 Core Literacy Curriculum

RedThread Knowledge K–5 is Lavinia Group's multicultural, project-based, and integrated reading and writing curriculum for grades K–5. We provide teachers with everything they need to successfully teach a 75-minute reading and writing block for grades K–2 or a 90-minute reading and writing block for grades 3–5. They receive a comprehensive unit overview, writing exemplars, scripted daily lesson plans, project samples, and booklists. All units are thematically linked to the content focus throughout the year and work backward from inquiry-based essential questions.

View K–5 Scope and Sequence

RedThread Knowledge 6–8 is a core reading and writing curriculum that improves literacy achievement in middle schools through a global, thematic, and project-based approach.

 

Students build content knowledge by engaging with diverse, rigorous texts, themes, and topics during a 90-minute reading-and-writing block. They apply their learning through authentic and integrated literacy and project work to develop as independent readers, writers, thinkers, and doers.

View 6–8 Scope and Sequence

RedThread Foundations K–2 Curriculum nurtures essential early literacy skills in a 45-minute block. This program emphasizes phonics to build a strong foundation for reading and language development. This comprehensive package includes teacher guides, resources, and a rich collection of RedThread Readers decodable texts. These decodables offer diverse, multicultural perspectives and focus on authentic subject matter, aligning seamlessly with the RedThread Knowledge curriculum.

View K–2 Scope and Sequence

RedThread Foundations 3–5 Curriculum is dedicated to honing and expanding students' foundational skills. This program seamlessly weaves fluency work and RedThread Close Reading for Meaning within an engaging five-day reading cycle. With teacher guides and abundant resources, it provides explicit instruction in critical reading elements, encompassing morphological awareness, decoding, and fluency. Focused on building strong reading foundations, this curriculum equips young learners with the skills they need to become confident and proficient readers.

View 3–5 Scope and Sequence
RedThread Knowledge K–5

RedThread Knowledge K–5 is Lavinia Group's multicultural, project-based, and integrated reading and writing curriculum for grades K–5. We provide teachers with everything they need to successfully teach a 75-minute reading and writing block for grades K–2 or a 90-minute reading and writing block for grades 3–5. They receive a comprehensive unit overview, writing exemplars, scripted daily lesson plans, project samples, and booklists. All units are thematically linked to the content focus throughout the year and work backward from inquiry-based essential questions.

View K–5 Scope and Sequence
RedThread Knowledge 6–8

RedThread Knowledge 6–8 is a core reading and writing curriculum that improves literacy achievement in middle schools through a global, thematic, and project-based approach.

 

Students build content knowledge by engaging with diverse, rigorous texts, themes, and topics during a 90-minute reading-and-writing block. They apply their learning through authentic and integrated literacy and project work to develop as independent readers, writers, thinkers, and doers.

View 6–8 Scope and Sequence
RedThread Foundations K–2

RedThread Foundations K–2 Curriculum nurtures essential early literacy skills in a 45-minute block. This program emphasizes phonics to build a strong foundation for reading and language development. This comprehensive package includes teacher guides, resources, and a rich collection of RedThread Readers decodable texts. These decodables offer diverse, multicultural perspectives and focus on authentic subject matter, aligning seamlessly with the RedThread Knowledge curriculum.

View K–2 Scope and Sequence
RedThread Foundations 3–5

RedThread Foundations 3–5 Curriculum is dedicated to honing and expanding students' foundational skills. This program seamlessly weaves fluency work and RedThread Close Reading for Meaning within an engaging five-day reading cycle. With teacher guides and abundant resources, it provides explicit instruction in critical reading elements, encompassing morphological awareness, decoding, and fluency. Focused on building strong reading foundations, this curriculum equips young learners with the skills they need to become confident and proficient readers.

View 3–5 Scope and Sequence

Supplemental Curriculum

Using genre as an entry point, the RedThread Close Reading for Meaning method teaches students a symphony of strategies to unpack complex texts at or above grade level. This curriculum prepares students to attend to both the essential meaning and the author's craft. After engaging in a shared experience with their teachers, students can apply the RedThread Close Reading for Meaning method to a new text, honing their ability to tackle any text confidently and independently.

Grounded in the belief that all students are mathematicians, the RedThread Math Story Problems curriculum and method engages students in developing multiple approaches to solving problems at and above grade level through hands-on learning and rich mathematical discourse. As students persevere through problem-solving and share their mathematical reasoning, they build the confidence and precision to tackle any mathematical task independently while mastering grade-level standards.

RedThread Close Reading
for Meaning

Using genre as an entry point, the RedThread Close Reading for Meaning method teaches students a symphony of strategies to unpack complex texts at or above grade level. This curriculum prepares students to attend to both the essential meaning and the author's craft. After engaging in a shared experience with their teachers, students can apply the RedThread Close Reading for Meaning method to a new text, honing their ability to tackle any text confidently and independently.

RedThread Math Story
Problems

Grounded in the belief that all students are mathematicians, the RedThread Math Story Problems curriculum and method engages students in developing multiple approaches to solving problems at and above grade level through hands-on learning and rich mathematical discourse. As students persevere through problem-solving and share their mathematical reasoning, they build the confidence and precision to tackle any mathematical task independently while mastering grade-level standards.

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Sample Lessons

Interested in learning more about our lesson plans? We have several sample lessons available for download. Select the sample lesson you're most interested in from the drop-down menu below to get started.

Request a Sample

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RedThread Readers

Phonics decodables seamlessly integrate with our core literacy instruction, empowering students to forge meaningful connections throughout their educational journey.

Explore RedThread Readers by clicking any of the links below:

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A Mug for Pop and Pug

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Consulting Engagements

RedThread Curriculum Institutes

Transform your school’s progress with professional learning designed to maximize the impact of the RedThread Literacy Program.

Workshops and yearlong programs provide practical tools your staff can immediately apply to drive student growth and schoolwide improvement. Through clear modeling, hands-on practice, and actionable feedback, educators and leaders refine their skills and strengthen their instruction. This focused approach prepares your team to create lasting change, ensuring the curriculum delivers exceptional outcomes for your students and school community.

Explore RedThread Institutes

Options to Fit Your Schedule And Your Budget

RedThread’s curriculum launches provide educators with a thorough introduction to the RedThread Literacy Program, including curriculum design, instructional strategies, and implementation support. 

  • In-Person Institutes: Full-day events offer immersive, hands-on training.
  • Virtual Institutes: Full-day virtual sessions available on multiple dates throughout the year for flexible access.
  • Yearlong Virtual Unit Launches: A series of two-hour sessions offered throughout the year to deepen teachers’ understanding of each unit.

One-Day Workshops

For educators seeking a focused exploration of specific curriculum components, RedThread offers one-day workshops. These are available in both in-person and virtual formats, providing practical strategies that educators can immediately apply in their classrooms.

Leader Cohorts

During these virtual training sessions, leaders develop a focused vision for curriculum adoption and execution. 

Led by experienced professionals, these collaborative sessions equip leaders with:

  • Proven observation and coaching techniques to improve instructional quality.
  • Advanced strategies for analyzing data to drive informed decision-making.
  • Effective instructional management methods to ensure cohesive curriculum delivery.
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    Curriculum Without Hands-On Support Is Just Pages

    RedThread redefines literacy education by offering a truly holistic program. It provides a unified framework where curriculum and instructional coaching work in tandem, ensuring a tightly knit educational experience for both students and teachers.

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    We Deepen Cultural Connections
Through Diverse Narratives

    RedThread embodies cultural responsiveness through literature and projects that introduce students to diverse characters, topics, and themes across various backgrounds. Student discourse comes to life in the classroom as teachers use inquiry-based instruction to engage students in meaningful conversations, fostering deeper connections with themselves and those around them.

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    We Use Multicultural Literature
Written by Award-Winning Authors

    RedThread's excellence shines through its internationally acclaimed literature from a diverse array of voices. By incorporating authentic literature, our curriculum enriches vocabulary, ignites curiosity, and fosters critical thinking.

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    The Curriculum Is Strongly
Rooted in Knowledge-Building

    Our curriculum emphasizes knowledge-building over rote comprehension, connecting students to their subjects through integrated thematic learning. This commitment to knowledge-building is a cornerstone of both RedThread Knowledge and RedThread Foundations curricula, resulting in consistent, interconnected themes that distinguish us from any other educational program.

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    We Include Project-Based Components

    We embrace the power of project-based learning. This approach cultivates critical thinking, teamwork, and empathy while encouraging hands-on engagement and the development of background knowledge. Our immersive curriculum empowers students to take an active role in their education, igniting their creativity and honing essential problem-solving skills that will be invaluable throughout their lives.

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    We Embody Evidence-Based Excellence

    RedThread curriculum is rooted in the science of reading, supported by the latest research in literacy education. Our program takes inspiration from the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough's Rope models, ensuring students develop the critical skills necessary for comprehensive reading.

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Our tailored solutions cater to each school's unique needs and budget.

RedThread's integrated curriculum and support services are versatile, working effectively both independently and together. Let's discuss how RedThread can help you achieve your school goals. Contact us today!

Interested in Learning More?

Complete the form below and we will be in touch within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the RedThread curriculum align with state and national standards?

The RedThread curriculum integrates national standards, such as Common Core, by combining reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary development, and critical thinking into lessons that build knowledge and prepare students for academic success.

RedThread provides systematic instruction in foundational literacy skills, including phonics and decoding, as well as advanced skills like analysis, synthesis, and evidence-based writing. This comprehensive approach aligns with state requirements, particularly those mandating instruction grounded in the Science of Reading research.

The curriculum’s instructional approach also supports knowledge building by helping students connect concepts across disciplines and develop a deeper understanding. Integrating complex texts, close reading strategies, and rigorous writing tasks equips students to succeed on state assessments and beyond.

What is the difference between RedThread Knowledge and RedThread Foundations?

RedThread Foundations (K–5) systematically develops foundational literacy skills through explicit phonics, decoding, and fluency instruction. The program builds both reading mechanics and content knowledge through carefully sequenced lessons that grow students' confidence and independence.

The curriculum includes:

  • Systematic Phonics: Daily explicit instruction in letter-sound relationships, blending, and word analysis, supported by multisensory activities that reinforce learning
  • Knowledge-Building Decodable Texts: Carefully crafted readers that align with phonics instruction while building essential background knowledge through engaging, multicultural narratives
  • Comprehensive Teacher Support: Research-aligned lesson plans, assessment tools, and differentiation strategies that help teachers deliver effective instruction for all learners

For grades 3–5, RedThread builds on this strong foundation by increasing its focus on reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and evidence-based writing. The program systematically develops students' ability to tackle complex texts while continuing to build critical background knowledge, preparing them for success on state assessments. 

RedThread Knowledge (K–8) builds student knowledge through thematic units that integrate science, social studies, and the arts. By intentionally developing content knowledge alongside literacy skills, the program helps students build robust mental models that improve comprehension and critical thinking across disciplines.

The curriculum includes:

  • Integrated Text Sets: Thoughtfully organized reading fiction and non-fiction collections that deepen understanding of essential topics through multiple genres, perspectives, and cultural lenses
  • Project-Based Discovery: Carefully designed learning experiences that help students extend their knowledge through meaningful, real-world projects

Comprehensive Implementation Support: Research-aligned lesson plans, discussion guides, and assessment tools that help teachers strategically build student knowledge while developing critical thinking and analytical skills.

What kind of support is offered for implementation?

RedThread offers a multi-layered support system to ensure successful implementation:

  1. Core Curriculum Resources: Teachers receive comprehensive guides, student materials, and supplementary resources to support effective lesson delivery.
  2. Professional Learning Opportunities: Educators can participate in workshops, unit launches, and RedThread Institutes to deepen their understanding of the curriculum, refine instructional strategies, and foster student engagement
  3. Coaching: Throughout the year, teachers can benefit from coaching support that provides tailored feedback, real-time guidance, and actionable strategies to meet their classrooms' diverse needs.
What professional development opportunities are available for educators implementing RedThread?

 

RedThread Curriculum Institutes

RedThread Institutes are comprehensive, daylong workshops and multi-day events. These sessions provide practical strategies for effective implementation and curriculum alignment, with the option to incorporate unit launches throughout the year. Offerings include virtual, in-person, or blended formats.

Browse Institutes 

Daylong Workshops

Our high-quality, full-day workshops—available virtually and in-person—are tailored for K–8 teachers and school leaders. These focused sessions help improve instructional practices and drive better student results, going beyond curriculum implementation to explore essential topics like the Science of Reading, Math Story Problems, and the Close Reading Method. 

Explore our upcoming workshops or collaborate with us to design a fully customized training experience for your school.

Browse Workshops 

On-Demand Courses

Our asynchronous, on-demand courses provide in-depth training alongside a robust set of resources tailored to each topic. Across four consecutive modules, participants build expertise progressively, gaining practical tools, instructional routines, and strategies they can apply immediately in classrooms. Topics include literacy tutoring, math tutoring, and advanced techniques such as Close Reading for Meaning, Math Story Problems, and the Science of Reading.

K12 Coalition On-Demand professional development courses provide year-round, self-paced learning to help educators improve outcomes for all students.

Browse Courses 

Professional Learning Labs

Learning Labs provide hands-on, interactive sessions for educators to explore strategies in depth. These labs focus on collaborative problem-solving and practical application of instructional techniques in literacy and math, fostering immediate classroom impact.

Learn About Our Instructional Leader Series

Is professional development required for RedThread?

No, professional development is not required to implement the RedThread curriculum, but it is highly recommended. These programs help educators use the curriculum effectively and adapt it to meet students' needs.

Does the cost of the curriculum include professional development?

No, the RedThread curriculum cost does not include extensive professional development. However, it includes a basic training component to help educators get started. Additional professional development opportunities, such as RedThread Institutes, Leader Cohorts, and On-Demand Courses, are available.

Investing in additional professional development can improve implementation effectiveness. By equipping educators with deeper knowledge and strategies, schools can optimize their return on investment to achieve meaningful progress in literacy outcomes.

What literacy models inform the RedThread curriculum?

RedThread Knowledge and Foundations are grounded in the Science of Reading, using a structured literacy approach to provide explicit, systematic, and diagnostic instruction in:

  • Phonological awareness
  • Phonics and word recognition
  • Fluency
  • Vocabulary
  • Listening and reading comprehension
  • Written expression

The curriculum aligns with the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, addressing both foundational skills (e.g., phonological awareness, phonics) and language comprehension (e.g., vocabulary, background knowledge, verbal reasoning).

RedThread Knowledge builds background knowledge and literacy skills, while RedThread Foundations emphasizes foundational reading skills. Both programs use meaningful texts and discussions to support comprehension and knowledge building.

Writing instruction is research-based and integrates reading and writing to build knowledge before students begin writing tasks. Explicit instruction in writing structure and mentor texts further refines students’ skills.

Does the RedThread curriculum include assessments?

Yes, the RedThread curriculum includes a comprehensive assessment package. Each unit features formative and summative assessments. These resources are designed to help educators measure student learning, identify areas for growth, and inform instruction.

How much time is recommended for implementing the RedThread curriculum?

The recommended daily time varies by program and grade level:

  • RedThread Foundations K–5: Each lesson is designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a logical progression in reading skill development. Lessons include 30 minutes of structured routines and 20 minutes of RedThread Readers daily decodable text work, supported by continuous formative assessment.
  • RedThread Knowledge K–2: 75 minutes daily for an integrated reading and writing curriculum that aligns with RedThread Foundations.
  • RedThread Knowledge 3–5: 90 minutes daily for a multicultural, project-based literacy program aligned with 3–5 RedThread Foundations.
  • RedThread Knowledge 6–8: 90 minutes per day in a global, thematic reading and writing program, including 30 minutes of routines and opportunities for formative assessment.