On Our Way to English®

English Language Development Program Grades K–5

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Features
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  • Why?
    Why

    Engage Students

    Engage your students through gorgeous visuals, relevant topics and meaningful activities. At the heart of On Our Way to English® is a commitment to bring rich, culturally relevant language learning to every English language learner.

    Challenge Students

    Challenge students to reach new heights through rigorous content specifically written to foster success across the four language domains. Built upon the latest research and the Common Core State Standards, On Our Way to English presents language learners with enhanced writing instruction, foundational skills, embedded speaking and listening activities and a myriad of text interaction opportunities that will bring students to the next level of language development.

    Soar to New Heights

    Your students will soar to new heights through rigorous content specifically written for language learners that connects to students’ core instruction.

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    • Student Engagement

      Engage your students through stunning visuals, relevant topics and meaningful activities. At the heart of On Our Way to English® is a commitment to bring rich, culturally relevant language learning to every student. More than just acquiring new ideas or skills and strategies, students will see themselves in the readings and WANT to engage in the learning…as active participants. Beautifully crafted selections that are meaningful and connected to core content are housed within eight social studies and science-based units.

      Rich Content

      Rich literature and highly visual content pieces strike a perfect balance between literary and informational texts.

      Student Engagement Rich Content

      Culturally Relevant

      Students will see themselves in an array of selections. More than reflective of the individual student, On Our Way to English introduces students to a variety of other cultures and takes them on a journey across the continents.

      Student Engagement Culturally Relevant

      Social Studies and Science Units

      Content is tied together by eight social studies and science units that naturally develop academic language while bringing many opportunities to explore and develop students’ language.

      Student Engagement Social Studies and Science Units

      Interactive Learning

      Online Instructional Posters and Online Vocabulary Cards take language learning to a new level as students are introduced to both general and domain-specific vocabulary through several levels of support.

      Interactive Learning Online Vocabulary Card
    • Rich Content

      Rich literature and highly visual content pieces strike a perfect balance between literary and informational texts. On Our Way to English® inspires great conversation as students are drawn to the rich visuals. Thematically linked selections are fully supportive of developing students' listening and speaking. All of the rich content is tied together by a big question, inspiring meaningful dialogue and a great opportunity to develop rich academic vocabulary, while making meaningful connections to the content.

      Rich Content
    • Culturally Relevant

      Once drawn in by the beauty of the books, students will want to stay because they will begin to see themselves in an array of selections. On Our Way to English® introduces students to a variety of other cultures and takes them on a journey across the continents.

      Culturally Relevant
    • Social Studies and Science Units

      Content is tied together by eight social studies and science units that naturally develop academic language, while bringing many opportunities to explore and develop students’ language. Naturally lending itself to the Common Core State Standards, the instruction develops rich academic language through presenting a variety of interactions and resources. As the units are built around major concepts, students have sufficient time to truly become versed in a topic, regardless of the level of proficiency. The units in On Our Way to English® connect to core content, which inspires active learning and endless opportunities for students to make meaningful connections in their main instruction.

      Social Studies and Science Units
    • Interactive Learning

      Online Instructional Posters and Online Vocabulary Cards take language learning to a new level as students are introduced to both general and domain-specific vocabulary through several levels of support.

      Online Academic Language Builders, Online Concept Posters, and Online Chant Posters enhance language productivity through a gradual release of language supports.

      For students at the more basic level of language, the Chant Posters bring students out of the silent period and into success through patterned predictable phrasing that has full audio support.

      As a student’s language experience grows within the units they will encounter Online Academic Language Builders and Online Concept Posters. With less text support and a greater opportunity for students to develop independence, the interactive nature of the posters brings students to their feet and has them sing, chant, and play.

      Interactive Learning
    • CCSS and English Learners
      Lydia Stack

      Lydia Stack is a contributor to the Understanding Language Project through Stanford and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Common Core State Standards are not only accessible to English language learners, but that they are relevant to their learning experience. Lydia’s contributions to the language learning community, and more specifically On Our Way to English®, have been celebrated by the ELL community. What is most impressive about Ms. Stack’s work is her profound understanding of the Common Core State Standards and the many ways language learners are able to access the same content as their peers. Lydia’s research and practices are echoed throughout On Our Way to English.

       

      Foundational Skills

      Foundational Skills are embedded throughout the program and are a clear part of the student experience. Phonics Song Charts bring alphabet skills to students in a way that taps into the visual and musical experience. As students move into the Student Book they will find ABC pages at the primary level, as well as Letters and Sounds lessons and Word Work. Clearly designed for language learners, the visuals are supportive of language acquisition, while supporting the overall early literacy concepts that are essential to a student’s success.

      CCSS and English Learners Foundation Skills

      Literary Informational Text

      The Common Core also requires that students have a blend of informational and literary texts. The paired selections are a perfect match to prepare students for the skills required to interact with both types of text. More importantly, these selections are wrapped around an overarching theme, empowering students with concept words, instructional strategies, and resources so that they have the language they need to speak effectively and articulately about what they are reading.

      CCSS and English Learners Literary Informational Text

      Text Complexity

      As the student experience is designed to best prepare students for success across the content areas, the natural design of On Our Way to English supports the use of complex text. Academic vocabulary, higher-level concepts, figurative language, and a host of other elements make On Our Way to English the perfect entrée to complex text as it has tremendous supports for English language learners.

      CCSS and English Learners Text Complexity

      Interaction with Text (Zoom In and Prove It)

      Features such as Zoom In and Prove It have students revisit the text, citing text evidence and looking for details with a different eye. More than just a language experience, students will take these strategies and move them to the core content for a seamless transition. Only On Our Way to English will bring appropriately complex text to every language learner coupled with the instruction the Common Core requires.

      CCSS and English Learners Interaction with Text
    • Language and Vocabulary

      Meaningful Discussions

      Academic Discussion Strategies

      Academic discussion strategies afford students a safe environment…one where they can take risks. The strategies are taught throughout a unit and are built upon year after year. The supports found in the Teacher’s Edition scaffolds the learning and gradually release responsibility to the student.

      Language and Vocabulary Acedemic Discussion Strategies

      Amplify the Language

      Amplify the Language challenges students to enhance their language development by extending the discussion. The Online Instructional Posters offer comprehensible input and the differentiated instruction supports a diverse language learning population. With the Let’s Talk feature, students will be talking about the engaging content…structured in a fully supportive model that brings students back to the core Student Book.

      Language and Vocabulary Amplify the Language

      Dig Deeper

      Dig Deeper models proper etiquette, informal language, and rules of verbal discourse students need through real-life situations. Housed directly in the Student Book, the lesson’s progression builds independence that easily transfers to core content required by the CCSS.

      Language and Vocabulary Dig Deeper

      Rich Vocabulary

      Marzano’s Six Step Vocabulary Approach

      Using Robert Marzano's Six Step Vocabulary Approach, students move through the 6 steps and interact with the words in a variety of ways.

      • Step 1 uses the vocabulary cards and presents words in a student friendly way.
      • Step 2 has students demonstrate understanding in ways that reflect their own levels of proficiency.
      • Step 3 has the students connect the word to their own learning and experiences.
      • Step 4 moves students to a level of discussion that brings all students into the fold.
      • Step 5 has students reflect and refine, bringing ownership and true understanding of language to the students.
      • Step 6 has students demonstrate mastery through learning games.
      Language and Vocabulary Rich Vocabulary

      Because the lesson design is so interwoven, students are exposed to the academic discussion strategy multiple times; each opportunity challenges them to take their language learning to the next level.

      Vocabulary Resources

      Instructional Posters and Online Vocabulary Cards take language learning to a new level as students are introduced to both general and domain-specific vocabulary through several levels of support.

      Academic Language Builders, Concept Posters, and Chant Posters enhance language productivity through a gradual release of language supports. For students at the more basic level of language, the chant posters bring students out of the silent period and into success through patterned predictable phrasing that has full audio.

      As a student’s language experience grow within the units, they will encounter Academic Language Builders and Concept Posters. With less text support and a greater opportunity for students to develop independence, the interactive nature of the posters brings students to their feet and has them sing, chant, and play.

      Language and Vocabulary Resources
    • Writing

      Rich Writing Opportunities

      Sound instructional strategies, rich vocabulary and many oral language production opportunities set the stage for truly robust writing experiences. The Student Book (K–2) and the Student Activity Book (3–5) support the writing process.

      Writing Rich Writing Opportunities

      Fostering Writing Independence

      The lesson design is outlined through the Blueprint for Writing. Echoing the gradual release model is the unit’s instruction that begins with a modeled experience, moving to shared experiences and finally independence. As the Student Edition and Student Activity Books have student models, language learners will maximize on the reciprocal nature between reading and writing…while crafting a finished product over the course of a unit.

      Writing Fostering Writing Independence
    • Rigorous Content

      Watch your students take flight and soar to new heights.

      Leveled Readers

      One of the ways independence in reading is achieved is through matching text to reader and supporting students with robust instruction. The Online Leveled Readers are crafted just for language learners, taking both language and reading level into consideration. Visuals have all of the elements fully supportive of simultaneous language and reading development. As students progress, they will encounter text that has more complex sentence structures, figurative language, and the increased use of idioms, while also being challenged with qualitatively difficult text. Independence in reading and mastery of language are essential for the generalization of skills into the core instruction.

      Rigorous Content Leveled Readers

      Learning Centers

      Learn Centers add depth and cross curricular growth to the student experience. Naturally building social and academic language, the Learning Centers tap into a variety of learning modalities.

      Rigorous Content Learning Center

      Unit Projects

      Unit Projects tie together skills and strategies while developing all language domains. Students learn essential skills that are transferred to their entire academic experience.

      Rigorous Content Unit Projects

      Community Involvement

      As all members of the language learning community are active participants in On Our Way to English®, the digital delivery and Home Activities bring everyone into the conversation.

      Rigorous Content Community Involvement

      Link to Core Experiences

      A unique online correlation allows teachers to connect On Our Way to English to reading lessons by skill or strategy. On Our Way to English offers a truly seamless way to have students soar to the core!

      Rigorous Content Link to Core Experience
    • Authors

      Meet the On Our Way to English® author team.

    • Correlations

      Correlation guides indicate how On Our Way to English® correlates to both WIDA® and CCSS Standards. Download a PDF to see specifics at a particular level.

      WIDA Correlations (467 KB)

    • Scope and Sequence

      The Scope and Sequence provides an overview of the concepts to be covered in On Our Way to English®. Download a PDF to see the progression and order of topic introduction.

      Scope and Sequence (4.07 MB)

    • Common Core

      Access to the Core

      On Our Way to English® provides carefully crafted content-based thematic units that build language across the four domains- listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The vast array of print and digital resources support both whole group and small group instruction and provide flexibility in the way you deliver content.

      Common Core Enhancement Packages

      Two new packages work with On Our Way to English to ensure that the Common Core State Standards are completely fulfilled. Clear instruction, ready-made pretests, practice and review sheets; assessments, and reteaching activities make lessons easy to implement.

      Package Contents

      Common Core Extension Teacher Edition: Organized by topics according to the Common Core State Standards , the Common Core Extension Teacher Edition includes a variety of lessons to support Reading, Grammar and Writing, Speaking and Listening, as well as Text Analysis. Lessons contain explicit instructions for presentation and practice; suggestions for differentiation; answer keys; and Teach, Reteach, and Review activities.

      Common Core Extension Student Edition: Using pretests to determine if students need additional instruction to master a standard, the Common Core Extension Student Edition features instruction and practice pages while providing review, and Formative Assessments.

      Reteaching Correlation Guide to On Our Way to English: Provides a quick and easy reference to guide the teacher from the Common Core State Standards to the corresponding pages in the Common Core Extension materials.

      Vocabulary

      Research confirms that learning vocabulary is one of the keys to language acquisition and success in school. On Our Way to English is the only ELL program that incorporates Dr. Robert Marzano’s Six-Step Vocabulary Process—your key to success for vocabulary development. Per the Common Core State Standards, students will receive explicit instruction in domain-specific and general academic vocabulary that will ensure success in the content areas.

      Speaking and Listening

      Connected thematically, oral language lessons have a daily, weekly and unit sequence to reinforce language learning and to support optimal acquisition of vocabulary and skills. Review of key concepts is comprehensive in that students are expected to use the structures taught throughout the course of a lesson…and their lives. A variety of instructional tools including Chant Posters, Academic Language Builders, Big Books, Read Alouds and Concept Posters are clearly referenced in the daily instruction.

      Language

      On Our Way to English develops language, and the overall structures and principles of the English language, through direct mini-lessons. Grammar lessons are provided through the Thematic Teacher’s Edition, with thorough follow up in the Activity Book. The back-matter of the Thematic Teacher’s Edition houses a comprehensive language transfer document that addresses grammatical and phonological elements.

    • Research: Evidence & Efficacy

      On Our Way to English Field Study (2014)

      Summarizes Grades 2–4 English language learners' (ELL) acquisition of English language skills using the On Our Way to English program.

  • Features
    Program Delivery

    Program Delivery

    On Our Way to English® provides all the tools necessary for 21st-century, Standards-based instruction in a variety of classroom settings.

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    Components

    Components

    Flexible, motivating student components and an easy-to-use Teacher’s Edition make On Our Way to English accessible to all members of the language learning community.

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    Domain-based Instruction

    Domain-based Instruction

    The instructional delivery of On Our Way to English encompasses robust domain-based instruction. Targeted lessons develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing, moving students to proficiency.

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    • Program Delivery

      On Our Way to English® is a truly innovative program supporting a blended learning model, integrating both print and digital resources, in a seamless instructional path that is differentiated for students who are at varying levels of proficiency. Streamlined for targeted instruction and ease of use, the core student pieces, available both as print and digital resources, include the Student Book (K–2), Student Edition (3–5), and the Activity Book (3–5). Both the Student Book (K–2) and the Activity Book (3–5) are highly interactive resources that act as work texts and are sure to inspire students to amplify language development across the domains, with particular emphasis devoted to the Common Core State Standards and the latest ELD Standards.

      The Mainstream Classroom

      Mainstream classrooms include English learners at various stages of language acquisition, as well as native English speakers. Mainstream classroom teachers can use On Our Way to English in the following ways.

      Organize all classroom instruction based on the thematic units in On Our Way to English, creating a sense of community and equity for all learners, while naturally developing rich academic language. The content-based literacy instruction inspires growth across the domains.

      Alternatively, English learners may be met with separately, while other students participate in independent, collaborative, or center-based activities. On Our Way to English provides comprehensive word study instruction appropriate for the large scope of English language learners in the classroom.

      The ESL Specialist

      On Our Way to English is crafted with a strong research-base proven to yield results. ELL specialists will benefit from the flexible delivery, either within the classroom or on a pull-out basis. The blended delivery of On Our Way to English lends itself to a variety of grouping options: common levels of proficiency, common reading instructional goals, or common grade levels.

      Instructional time is precious!

      The blended print and digital delivery brings tailored language learning to students easily. The instruction can be tailored to suit the group’s appropriate stages of language acquisition by following the Differentiation feature within the lesson plans, while using engaging multimedia devices, interactive texts, and motivating content.

      Collaboration has never been easier with the classroom teacher!

      Online Leveled Readers, content-based units, and direct links to the core reading program create a seamless connection between the content areas.

      The Self-Contained Classroom

      Self-contained classrooms are made up entirely of English language learners who are at similar stages of language acquisition, usually stages 1–3.

      The social studies and science-based units are designed for whole-group instruction, while engaging students through a variety of delivery methods. By following the suggestions for differentiation within the lesson plans, students are sure to exhibit language growth across the domains. Rigby ELL Levels, used to craft the Online Leveled Readers, place students in text that is considerate of both language and reading levels.

    • Student Components
      Student Components

      At the core of the student experience are Online Big Books (K–2), a four-color Student Book (K–2) , and both a rich Student Edition and consumable Activity Book for students at grades 3–5. Designed to draw students in with each page turn, the selections offer a wide variety of genres that prepare students for the rigor of the Common Core State Standards, while bringing an essential focus on language to each interaction with the text. As On Our Way to English® is fully supportive of active learning, the student texts are delivered digitally and can also be downloaded so students have access to the content.

      As students dive into the content, the instruction brings them back to the core text through a close read. Features such as Zoom In and Prove It have students revisit the text, citing text evidence, and looking for details with a different eye. This delivers much more than just a language experience; students take these strategies and apply them to the core content for a seamless transition. Only On Our Way to English will bring appropriately complex text to every language learner coupled with the instruction the Common Core requires.

    • Teacher Components
      Teacher Components

      Fully supporting the rigorous instruction are lesson plans that build student independence, while appropriately differentiating to meet the different levels of students. The Teacher's Edition brings the learning experience together in one comprehensive resource, clearly outlining the Unit, Week, and lesson objectives. Every step of the way, the Common Core State Standards are referenced and support the targeted domain-based instruction.

      Online Leveled Readers are leveled according to the Rigby ELD Levels, the first leveling system designed specifically for English learners. Four strands—fiction, social studies, math, and science—allow students to build literary and informational reading skills while building content-area knowledge. Designed to develop both general academic and domain-specific academic language while reinforcing everyday language, the scaffolds in the texts make them a comprehensible resource that is both academically and linguistically appropriate for students. Each Online Leveled Reader is supported by a comprehensive online lesson plan that guides teachers through the 224 titles in the collection.

      The instructional posters within On Our Way to English® are fully interactive and whiteboard-ready to optimize language development across the domains. In keeping with sound instructional practices and an attention to brain-based research, these graphics bring learning to the next level. Online Academic Language Builders stimulate academic language and content knowledge for the unit. The graphic resource supports oral language development with interactive experiences. Online Chant Posters introduce theme-related academic language presented in rhythmic language. The Online Concept Posters engage students in the development of academic concepts, offering opportunities for students to build productive language while the Online Phonics Song Charts reinforce developmental skills through engaging sing-alongs as they join in and learn traditional tunes. On Our Way to English has ELD-specific resources that are sure to bring students to the next level. Online Reading Strategy Cards, Online Letter Formation Practice Books, and the Online Vocabulary Cards bring 21st-century learning to all students in a meaningful, content-driven way, while developing students’ ability to express information and ideas in formal oral presentations on academic topics.

      On Our Way to English supports the formal evaluative process through Online Progress Tests and the Online Assessment Handbook. The online assessment also includes a variety of options for teachers to select items that meet desired proficiency levels and skill focus. Bridging content in a meaningful way, the assessments evaluate student performance across domains ensuring a smooth transition to the core instruction.

      Fully committed to the notion of success across disciplines, the Online Teacher’s Edition provides a fully interactive correlation that is linked to core reading programs, connecting to core reading skills and strategies is as simple as accessing the program on a preferred device.

      Houghton Mifflin Harcourt celebrates parental and community involvement. Parent letters are an integral part of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s commitment to building a strong community of teaching and learning. Within the Online Teacher’s Resource, teachers have access to the Home-School Connection, available in eight different languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong, Cantonese, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Cambodian. The Home Activity is a theme-related opportunity for children to practice new vocabulary words and higher order thinking skills.

    • Domain-based Instruction

      The four domains of language—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—are woven together to create balanced integrated lessons, as Common Core demands.

      Listening and Speaking

      On Our Way to English® develops students oral language skills in the context of meaningful interactions and practice. Throughout On Our Way to English, the Language Workouts build through the grade-level lessons to develop students’ English language development and acquisition of communication skills. The consistent daily routine, which includes oral language, reading, and writing, increases students' exposure to and practice with new skills and strategies, as well as helping teachers to maximize classroom instruction and minimize planning and transition time. Each thematic unit offers oral language development through a focus on vocabulary, social language function, grammar, and an academic discussion strategy. Let’s Talk and Say More features encourage students to read and speak aloud, share ideas, use complete sentences, and listen to peers.

      Domain-based Instruction Listening and Speaking

      Reading

      On Our Way to English develops comprehension skills, preparing students to read the challenging texts they will need to be college and career ready. On Our Way to English has students engage in the kinds of close reading encouraged by the Common Core State Standards. On Our Way to English ignites students’ prior knowledge with thematically connected literary and informational texts and offers scaffolds and support as they interact with appropriately complex texts. The lesson design supports independence, first with guided instruction and then releasing responsibility to the student. As they engage in the Close Reads, students build the comprehension skills they need for academic success. The Online Leveled Readers build comprehension skills with texts at their level of fluency while building confidence to progress to the kinds of more complex texts specified by the Common Core.

      Domain Based Instruction Reading

      Writing

      On Our Way to English’s writing instruction has students learn to write for varied purposes and in varied writing forms. Students engage in daily writing to ensure that their skills are reinforced and developed, while being reflective of their proficiency level. Writing instruction is connected to the main reading selection by both form and content.

      Domain-based Instruction Writing

      In Kindergarten, students complete increasingly complex sentence frames, and use content vocabulary to write about theme-related topics. In Grades 1 and 2, students explore varied writing forms during daily writing instruction. Graphic organizers and rubrics allow the class to deconstruct the writing form, connecting reading and writing.

      Domain Based Instruction Writing

      In all grades, the Blueprint for Writing presents the explicit, daily writing instruction in an accessible week-at-a-glance format. On Our Way to English ensures alignment with the Common Core; the Blueprint for Writing reflects each of the forms of writing specified in the Common Core and ensures coverage of all Common Core forms of writing.

      Domain Based Instruction Writing
  • Sample Online

    Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™ is pleased to invite customers to enjoy a 120-day trial of our On Our Way to English® Online Editions.

    On Our Way to English Digital Platform Walkthrough

    On Our Way to English Digital Platform Walkthrough

    View the Digital Walkthrough for a guide to online features and tools.

    Digital Walkthrough (2.5 MB)

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  • HMH Professional Services

    Our Mission Is to Advance Yours

    HMH Professional Services forges student-centered partnerships with schools and districts in the belief that all learners deserve a quality education and the opportunity for lifelong success.

    HMH Professional Services includes teachers, leaders, and technologists. Our Professional Learning Consultants become part of your team, working right beside you to build and implement professional learning plans that respect the unique needs and culture of your school or district community. Through program, practice, and technical services, we work collaboratively to unlock the full potential of every student, teacher, and leader.

    Comprehensive Services for K–12 Educators

    We offer teachers and instructional leaders a full suite of learning and support to deepen their mastery and hone their teaching skills throughout the school year.

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    Visit us at hmhco.com/professionalservices to learn more.


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