Choosing the right English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum can make or break your child’s educational experience. A great curriculum inspires creativity, builds confidence, and equips students with essential skills for academic and real-world success. But a bad ELA curriculum? It does the opposite—stifling creativity, creating frustration, and turning writing into a dreaded chore.
At Essentials in Writing (EIW), we know the hallmarks of a poor curriculum all too well. Families often come to us after struggling with ineffective programs that leave their kids crying in frustration or dreading writing assignments. Let’s take a closer look at what bad ELA curriculum looks like—and why switching to EIW could be the best decision you make for your child’s education.
The Hallmarks of Bad ELA Curriculum
A bad ELA program can create unnecessary roadblocks for students, turning what should be an enjoyable and rewarding subject into a source of stress. Here are some of the red flags to watch for:
1. Tediously Formulaic Lessons
When a curriculum is overly formulaic, it strips writing of its creativity and self-expression. Students are taught to follow rigid templates and formats, leaving little room for originality or personal voice. This approach can make writing feel mechanical and uninspired, causing students to disengage.
2. Strict Formatting Rules
Overly structured curriculums often impose unnecessary restrictions on how students write. These programs may focus excessively on formatting details—such as margins, fonts, or step-by-step outlines—rather than on the content and quality of the writing itself. While structure is important, too many rules can stifle creativity and frustrate students.
3. “Banned” Words Lists
Some curriculums go so far as to ban specific words, forcing students to overthink their vocabulary choices. While teaching varied word usage is important, outright banning words can create unnecessary confusion and limit a student’s ability to communicate naturally and effectively.
4. Awkward and Forced Writing
Bad curriculums often push students to write in ways that feel unnatural or uncomfortable. Overly specific sentence structures or unrealistic prompts can result in writing that is awkward, forced, and difficult to connect with.
5. Ridiculous Focus on “-ly” Adjectives
A fixation on “-ly” adjectives is another common issue in bad ELA programs. Rather than teaching students to write descriptively and creatively, these curriculums encourage repetitive and formulaic use of adverbs, resulting in unnatural and clunky writing.
6. Kids HATE It
Perhaps the biggest red flag of all: kids hate it. A bad ELA curriculum creates stress, frustration, and tears, leaving students dreading writing assignments and disengaged from learning. When kids hate the process, they miss out on the opportunity to develop confidence and joy in their writing skills.
Why Essentials in Writing is the Solution
At Essentials in Writing, we take a completely different approach. Our curriculum is designed to empower students, foster creativity, and make writing a rewarding experience. Here’s what sets EIW apart:
1. Engaging and Flexible Lessons
Our lessons are clear, step-by-step, and easy to follow, but they also leave room for creativity and self-expression. We teach students the skills they need to structure their writing effectively, without making them feel boxed in by rigid templates.
2. Real-World Writing Skills
Rather than focusing on arbitrary rules or “banned” word lists, EIW emphasizes practical writing skills that students can apply across subjects and in real-life scenarios. We prioritize clarity, critical thinking, and authentic self-expression.
3. Encouraging Creativity
EIW encourages students to develop their own voice and style, helping them discover the joy of writing. By allowing flexibility and choice, we turn writing into an engaging and rewarding process, rather than a source of frustration.
4. Natural and Authentic Writing
We teach students how to write in a way that feels natural and authentic, avoiding awkward sentence structures and forced prompts. This approach builds confidence and helps students connect with their writing on a deeper level.
5. Focus on Skill-Building, Not Arbitrary Rules
Instead of fixating on minor details like “-ly” adjectives, EIW focuses on developing essential skills, such as grammar, organization, and effective communication. Our lessons are designed to build a strong foundation that students can build on throughout their academic journey.
6. Kids LOVE It
One of the most common pieces of feedback we hear from families is how much students love EIW. Even reluctant writers discover that they enjoy the process, thanks to our engaging lessons and supportive approach.
The Importance of a Great ELA Curriculum
ELA is the foundation for all other subjects, teaching students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with the world around them. A bad curriculum can hold students back, but a great one unlocks their potential and sets them up for lifelong success.
At Essentials in Writing, we believe that every student deserves an ELA program that is engaging, accessible, and empowering. By focusing on skill-building, creativity, and authentic learning, we help students become confident, capable writers who are ready to excel in any subject.
Conclusion: Make the Switch to Essentials in Writing
If your current ELA curriculum feels more like a burden than a blessing, it’s time to make a change. Essentials in Writing is here to provide the tools, support, and inspiration your child needs to thrive. With our flexible, student-centered program, you can say goodbye to frustration and hello to a curriculum that truly works.
Don’t let a bad curriculum hold your child back. Make the switch to Essentials in Writing today and discover how a great ELA program can transform your child’s education.
