Plory, Yoop, and Snargg. I’m in! Phonological awareness and high-frequency words are important building blocks for young students as they develop their reading skills. To support these early learners, Curriculum Associates recently added more than 75 new lessons addressing these skills to its award-winning i-Ready program, which is used by nearly 5 million students across the country. The new online lessons—focused on phonological awareness for Grades K-1 and high-frequency words for Grades K-2—are built in HTML5 and accessible on iPads, Chromebooks, and desktops. Students complete an activity, and the lesson responds dynamically to the results. Incorrect answers prompt targeted instruction to improve understanding, and correct answers bypass instruction and prompt deeper practice of that skill. By quickly assessing students’ needs and guiding them to remedial instruction or practice when needed, the lessons ensure efficient use of students’ time. The lessons, which were extensively tested by students and designed to maximize engagement, feature two curious aliens, Plory and Yoop, and their pet Snargg, who lead students on a learning expedition. These interactive, animated characters reinforce concepts in a fun, participatory way and guide students through research-based instruction that meets the rigor of the K-2 ELA standards. Learn more.