K-5 Integrated ELA and Social Studies
Core ELA and core social studies in one instructional block
Better Together: ELA and Social Studies
Meet Inkwell, K–5 core ELA and core social studies in one, cohesive instructional block. But Inkwell is so much more than just a mix of subjects; it's a cohesive inquiry-based learning experience where reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are applied with depth, context, and purpose.
- Two sets of core standards, addressed in one instructional block
- Grounded in the Science of Reading
- Explicit, daily embedded writing instruction
- Content-rich social studies investigations
- An inquiry-based approach to bring it all together
Apply to be an early adopter
Want to help shape integrated ELA and Social Studies? Apply to join the Inkwell Early Adopter Program, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
Comprehension, and so much more
We heard from so many districts who wished there was a high-quality ELA program that truly integrated content-rich social studies. The natural fit of literacy skills with the deep knowledge building of social studies seemed like a no-brainer to us. So, we built it.
As we began designing the curriculum, there were a few key shifts we identified from typical ELA materials that would be needed for Inkwell to make an impact.
Other ELA
Purpose of Knowledge
Knowledge used for text comprehension
Knowledge to understand the world and solve problems
Use of Evidence
Text evidence shows comprehension
Text evidence supports insights and conclusions
Role of Topics
Topics are entry points for text- based work
Topics are lenses for conceptual thinking
Source of Knowledge
Drawn from selected texts, incidental
Standards-aligned knowledge, grounded in social studies
Demonstration of Learning
Demonstrate learning within the text
Apply and transfer learning beyond the text
Focus of Learning
Focus on what happened in a given text
Focus on why it matters and how it connects
What all that knowledge building is for
Other ELA often treat knowledge as a tool for text comprehension; students learn facts to answer questions about texts. Inkwell’s inquiry-based approach transforms students from passive readers into active investigators. Learning is sequenced across lessons and the year, using meaningful, real-world questions to drive learning.
Cross-pollinating disciplinary knowledge
Inkwell’s inquiry model builds knowledge through careful sequencing of social studies standards. Unlike traditional ELA curricula that provide incidental social studies knowledge, Inkwell uses disciplinary knowledge (geography, economics, history, and civic understanding) as a framework for sequencing standards.
Texts are carefully chosen for their ability to develop specific, standards-aligned disciplinary knowledge.
.png)
Okay, they learned it, but can they use it?
In other ELA curricula, students often write simply to provethey understood a text: summarizing a story, recalling facts,or answering comprehension questions.
Inkwell’s approach goes further. We ask students to take what they’ve learned and apply it in meaningful, real-world ways. This approach:
- Emphasizes relevance and higher-order thinking
- Strengthens retention and engagement
- Expands students' ability to analyze and solve real-world problems
Better Together: A First Look at Integrated ELA and Social Studies
For decades, students have learned them in isolation; Inkwell doesn't just bring them together - it fully integrates them. In this early preview of our in-development program, you’ll see how weaving ELA and social studies together nurtures stronger readers, deeper thinkers, and richer learning experiences. Explore the vision, preview early materials, and join the conversation as we build Inkwell with pioneering districts.
Upcoming webinars
Better Together
Join us for an early look at Inkwell, a K–2 program that integrates ELA and social studies. See how this approach builds stronger readers and deeper thinkers. Discover what’s possible when core subjects truly work together.
Apply to be an early adopter
A small group of districts will be the first to use Inkwell K–2 in classrooms and help shape what comes next.
We know the best materials are shaped in real classrooms, with real teachers. That’s why we’re partnering with a small number of districts to bring Inkwell K–2 to students, support implementation from day one, and gather feedback to refine and shape integrated curriculum together.
