Boosting Early Literacy Through Content-Rich Instruction

A new study explores how integrating a content-rich approach to early literacy instruction can accelerate learning in kindergarten. This infographic highlights key findings from a curriculum that uses science and social studies to build vocabulary and comprehension.

What happens when literacy and knowledge-building go hand in hand for kindergartners? A new study across 47 schools tested Core Knowledge Language Arts: Knowledge Strand (CKLA: Knowledge), a content-rich literacy curriculum that uses daily read-alouds to build vocabulary and background knowledge in science and social studies. After one semester, kindergartners who used the curriculum showed stronger learning gains than those who received typical instruction. More research is needed to explore long-term impacts and effects on standardized assessment outcomes.

Key Insights:

• Strengthen Vocabulary

Kids learned more words, specifically those tied to the science and social studies lessons they were taught.

• Build Comprehension

Teaching background knowledge may support a deeper understanding of texts.

• Reinforce Learning

Daily read-alouds, vocabulary instruction, and discussion made learning stick.

• Support Strong Starters

Students with a larger receptive vocabulary at the start saw the greatest gains.

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Boosting Early Literacy Through Content-Rich Instruction.

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Reference

Cabell, S. Q., Kim, J. S., White, T. G., Gale, C. J., Edwards, A. A., Hwang, H., Petscher, Y., & Raines, R. M. (2025). Impact of a content-rich literacy curriculum on kindergarteners’ vocabulary, listening comprehension, and content knowledge. Journal of Educational Psychology, 117(2), 153–175. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000916