Creative ELA (English Language Arts) Unit Studies spark conversation, elicit critical thinking, and get learners learning. They invite learners to dive into fantastic YAL books by awesome, diverse authors, learn about the world around them, connect, create, and build confidence. Creative ELA learners not only read what writers have to say but also become writers and share what they have to say.

Creative ELA Unit Studies

I started creating unit studies in 2004. No longer available to just my students and children, Creative ELA unit studies are now available to everyone.

I’m excited to share them with you!

Available for Purchase  

Creative ELA Unit Studies

Are for ALL Learners

Creative ELA is designed to meet students where they are on their literacy journey, not where a grade or curriculum says they should be.

Each unit, lesson, and activity is created to help all learners regardless of their learning style.

Creative ELA invites students into discussion, creative writing, research, and self-expression by asking students to be active learners, think critically, and take on challenges.

Units and classes are student-centered, teach with a hands-on approach, and engage even the most reluctant learners.

Learners are invited to dive into various texts and activities in each unit to help them learn AND enjoy learning.

In Creative ELA Unit Studies, Students

Creative ELA Unit Studies helps students:

How do I know students will find success?

Each Creative ELA unit incorporates the many things I’ve learned over the last 18+ years as an English Language Arts teacher. I have used unit studies and creative reading and writing activities to help hundreds of students find success.

Review from Homeschooler Family-

You’ve created such an AMAZING course!  I honestly could find very little to critique, both content-wise and otherwise.  The activities are so fun, creative, and engaging.  I can see the reading discussion questions really helping kids dive deeper into the story and think more about what they’re reading.  The whole thing is just very special. 

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Review from a Homeschool Family-

Nothing to change. At all. Here’s what I LOVED: letter to students, sample schedules, more checklists, that the unit includes an author study and isn’t just a single text study, cooking included, more than one writing project. This unit is BRILLIANT.

Creative ELA Unit Studies offer Flexibility + Independence + Support.

Creative ELA helps homeschool parents plan, creatively teach, and engage their learners.

Flexibility– As a homeschooler, I know the importance of choice. It’s why Creative ELA offers you and your learner many options. I want you to be able to use the materials in a way that fits your homeschool day and lifestyle, suits your learner’s learning style, and doesn’t make your homeschool day more complicated.

Independence– The materials in all of my units invite families to choose which ones they’ll complete together or independently. There are also more than enough to choose from, so if your learner isn’t interested in an activity or it isn’t a good fit, you can skip over it and still have plenty of engaging materials to choose from.

Review from a Homeschool Family-

The unit study is awesome!! I think it’s so varied and interesting! I love the hands-on activities and how kids get to learn about new cultures. I also love all the encouragement and tips you give for working in a group and for sharing. It’s going to be AMAZING!!

Creative ELA Unit Questions- 

What types of units can I purchase?
– Unit Studies with Two Zoom classes- one at the beginning and one at the end of the unit. We’ll schedule them to fit both of our schedules. 
– Unit Studies without Zooms– everything except the live classes

What does each unit study include?

• A downloadable, printable, thematic unit study guide with all of the following:
  • Novel Study
  • Reading guide for main texts (books are not included)
  • Activities to help students read, discuss, and write about what they are learning
  • Four Creative writing projects
  • Reading and writing minilessons aimed at helping students learn to be critical readers and creative writers.
  • Pre-reading, During Reading, and Post-Reading Activities
  • An author study
  • Activities to help students think critically about what they are reading
  • Lessons to help students use reading strategies and improve their comprehension
  • Hands-on activities
  • Resources to help students dig deeper into themes presented in the texts.
  • Video Lessons
  • A printable unit plan
  • Printable schedule (to use or modify)
  • Printable student workbook 
• Support for you and your learner. 

Cost- Each unit is sold separately. The printable unit plan is yours to download. 

ELA Unit with Zoom classes- $49.95- 6+ weeks worth of ELA activities, 2 Zoom classes, 3 recorded mini-lessons, and 4 creative writing projects.

The Zoom classes are not webinars, so students can get excited about starting each unit and, at the end of the unit, have a place to share their ideas, learnings, and the work they’ve created.

ELA Units without Live classes- $19.95– 6+ weeks worth of ELA activities, 3 recorded mini-lessons, and 4 creative writing projects. 

Materials and Additional Costs- Homeschooling and life are expensive, so I want this to be as cost-effective as possible. 

Students will need the books. You can buy them, check them out from your library, and if they are available for free, I will include a link in the unit plan. 

They will also need paper and basic writing and art supplies. I encourage you to use what you have. 

Printing the materials is optional. 

Zoom, and Nearpod (the platforms I use) are included. 

Do you offer refunds? No. You will have access to the unit’s materials immediately. 

Can I preview a unit? Yes, the author, main novel, writing genres, and table of contents are posted in the description of each unit study. Click on the link below to learn more.

If you want to preview my teaching style, I offer free classes.

How long does each unit take to complete? It’s up to you. There is more than enough material in each unit for kids to have ELA activities 5 days a week for six weeks or more. You set your schedule. If you prefer to do ELA 3 or 4 times a week, great. You do not have to do all of the activities. Pick and choose what works best for your learner.

Better yet, let them choose! Having autonomy will keep them interested. 

If your student needs more than six weeks, that is okay too! The unit is yours forever.

The only scheduled activities are the Zoom Classes. Once you purchase the unit, I will reach out to see if you want to purchase the live classes. You’ll pay for those separately, and we’ll schedule them together to make sure they fit into your schedule.

Does my student have to do all of the activities? NOPE. I purposely put in a lot of ideas and options, so you and they have autonomy over their learning. 

Do your units teach spelling and grammar? Not directly. I have found students who are readers and writers naturally improve in these areas if given time and practice. Your student will be encouraged to read and write a lot, which in turn will give them exposure and experience with the conventions of language. 

Do your units offer assessments? There are no formal assessments in any of my units. You will see your student grow as a reader and a writer. 

Each child grows at their own pace and has individual gifts and challenges, so a formal assessment does not actually assess their knowledge; rather, it assesses how well they take a test at that given moment.

Zoom Class Questions-

How are Zoom classes held? They are held on Zoom and Nearpod. Students use Nearpod to interact with the material, annotate, share ideas, and collaborate with peers.  

How many Zoom classes are included with each unit? 2 classes—one when you start the unit and one when you finish it. 

How long are the live classes? 1 hour

When are the live classes held? We’ll find a time that works for both of our schedules. If other families are also taking the unit, I’ll see if we can do a group class. 

What will happen in the Zoom classes? The first class of each unit will introduce students to the main author and theme through pre-reading activities. We’ll play games, write together, and I’ll introduce the writing projects. 

The second class allows students to share what they learned, wrote, and created. We’ll have a class discussion around themes and threads presented in the unit and play games. 

Does my student have to attend or participate in the Zoom classes? I encourage students to participate but want them to do so in whatever way they feel most comfortable. No one will ever be forced or called out. Students do not have to have their cameras on and are welcome to participate through audio or chat. 

Are the Zoom classes recorded? No, now that Zoom classes are scheduled as needed, they are not recorded. 

Can my student get additional support? Yes, I offer an optional Live Class Add-on- $40- for an hour-long, 1-1 class with me on Zoom. I will help them with anything related to the unit you purchase. We’ll schedule the class to fit your schedule. Payment through Venmo or Paypal. Once you have purchased the unit, email me to set up your session.

Why Choose a Creative ELA Unit Study?

You have a lot of ELA options. I know; I’ve tried many of them too. If you love what you’re using, I’m thrilled for you. If you’re curious about another option, I think I can help!

Before you purchase a Creative ELA Unit study, here are some questions to ask yourself- 

• Do you value creativity and the creative spark in all of us?
• Do you want to help your kids learn AND enjoy learning?
• Do you run out of ideas and steam trying to develop new lessons and activities?
• Are your kids sometimes reluctant to learn from you? (Mine can be too. It’s why I outsource math and art! No shame!)
• Do they often find box curriculums and workbooks boring? 
• Do you buy curriculums and find them sitting on the shelf at the end of the year, unused?
• Do you and your student want the best of both worlds- homeschooling and another teacher offering your kids support?
• Do you want your kids to develop critical thinking skills, be active learners, do hands-on learning, and improve their reading comprehension and writing skills? 
• Do you and your homeschooler need a curriculum that offers flexibility and choice?

I’d love for you to give my unit studies a try. I think you’ll find they are unique! Offering a variety of creative reading and writing activities, author studies, WebQuests, video minilessons, and hands-on projects, there are ways to engage every learner!