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Blackbird & Co. at-a-glance

Welcome to Blackbird and Company!

Where Literacy Takes Flight!

FROM OUR BEGINNING In 2000, Blackbird & Company has been creating language arts materials that inspire delight in the art of learning. Our products have been developed to provide the support for you, and the intellectual scaffolding that will enable your students to move beyond mere reading and writing, toward reading for purpose and writing for real.

True learning entails much more than the gathering of knowledge. We believe all children are endowed with their own creative genius and we are dedicated to providing materials that empower you to discover, protect and promote that unique potential in each child.

Grade Level Collections: Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

Welcome to Blackbird & Company! If you're looking for a fun and inspirational language arts program, we have everything you need. Whether you are in a classroom, a homeschool, or an independent study program, we want to empower you, encourage you, and give you confidence to Take Flight and begin the adventurous journey of literacy.
The first destination on your journey is our Hatchling: Reading, Writing, and Phonics program for Kindergarten and 1st Grade students. From there you will move into our Earlybird: Integrated Literature and Writing materials for 2nd grade students.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to our Grade Level Collections!

Grade Level Collections: 3rd through 5th Grade

Welcome to Blackbird & Company! If you're looking for a fun and inspirational language arts program, we have everything you need. Whether you are in a classroom, a homeschool, or an independent study program, we want to empower you, encourage you, and give you confidence to Take Flight and continue the adventurous journey of literacy.
This stage of the journey is anchored with our Integrated Literature and Writing Discovery guides.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to our Grade Level Collections!

Grade Level Collections: 6th through 8th Grade

Welcome to Blackbird & Company! If you're looking for a fun and inspirational language arts program, we have everything you need. Whether you are in a classroom, a homeschool, or an independent study program, we want to empower you, encourage you, and give you confidence to Take Flight and continue the adventurous journey of literacy.
This stage of the journey is anchored with our Integrated Literature and Writing Discovery guides.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to our Grade Level Collections!

Grade Level Collections: 9th through 12th Grade

Welcome to Blackbird & Company! If you're looking for a fun and inspirational language arts program, we have everything you need. Whether you are in a classroom, a homeschool, or an independent study program, we want to empower you, encourage you, and give you confidence to Take Flight and continue the adventurous journey of literacy.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to our Grade Level Collections!

Writing with Blackbird and Company: Elementary, Middle School, and High School

Learn all about our range of writing materials for elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Writing with Blackbird and Company: Storymaker - Early Elementary

Storymaker is a fun, creative teaching tool that will help your early elementary aged students enter the world of writing with joy rather than fear.

UnBoxing - Kindergarten

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 1st Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 2nd Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 3rd Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 4th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 5th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 6th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 7th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

UnBoxing - 8th Grade

Each collection is a complete language arts program consisting of carefully chosen elements that give students the tools, training, practice, and inspiration needed at each level.

Our pre-selected collections make shopping simple by providing all the language arts materials you need for the year in one click.

NOTE: We use grade level merely as a common reference point. Every student will fall across a range of levels in different subjects, and even within the same subject. Our materials are designed to be flexible for students, parents, and teachers, allowing for complete differentiation as needed.

The BIG Word: Because

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "because"?


The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.



When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Kindness

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "kindness"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Mysterious

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "mysterious"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Octopus

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "octopus"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Picture

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "picture"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Quadrilateral

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "quadrilateral"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Sentence

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "sentence"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Special

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "special"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Squirrel

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "squirrel"?


The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Trustworthy

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "trustworthy"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

The BIG Word: Understand

How many words are hidden inside the BIG word "understand"?

The BIG Word is a free spelling program from Blackbird and Company.

When we learn to read and write, we are learning to use and make patterns with the 26 letters of the alphabet that represent the sounds we speak. Phonics breaks spoken language into its component sounds. The best way to master phonics for reading and phonics for writing is to first be introduced to the rules that make print work, and then, to actually practice using those rules!

Elementary Writing

Middle & High School Writing

Primary Writing

Section 5 Project

Lets Talk Literacy

Learn to inspire your students to become competent readers, writers, and thinkers, over time, with our exceptional ELA curriculum.

Write Away: Empowering Student Ideas

The reluctant writer is not a rarity, it’s what happens to all of us when we're faced with the daunting task of writing perfect words. Join us to discover simple strategies to inspire your students to courageously stare down the blank page, lift the pencil, and write away.

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #1: Phonics Terminology - Workbook 1C

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #2: Heavy Sounds and Vowels - Workbook 1A & 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #3: Light Sounds - Workbook 1A & 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #4: Sound Strategies Pt. 1 - Workbook 1A & 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #5: Sound Strategies Pt. 2 - Workbook 1A & 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #6: Digraphs - Workbook 1G

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #7: The "Qu" Rule - Workbook 1B

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #8: Consonant Blends - Workbooks 1D, 1E & 1F

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #9: Sight Words - Practice and Review

Hatchling Vol. 1 - Tip #10: Painless Interactive Journaling

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #1: Introduction

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #2: Long "A" Vowel Pattern - Workbook 2A

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #3: Long "E" Vowel Pattern - Workbook 2A

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #4: Long "I" Vowel Pattern - Workbook 2A & 2B

Hatchling Vol. 2 - Tip #5: Long "O" Vowel Pattern - Workbook 2B

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 1 Warm Up - Dot-Dot-Line

This week we will be practicing drawing short, straight lines. Normally, when writing with a pencil, we use our fingers to make the small lines and curves needed for letters, but for art drawing we want to use larger motions. This exercise will begin to help us use our arm motion to create clean lines like the masters of drawing.
Draw two dots an inch or two apart from each other. Connect them with a straight line. Make sure to move your arm when drawing this line and to move at a medium fast speed.

Leonardo da Vinci Observation Journal - Week 1 Copy Work - Basilica with a many-domed tribune

The goal this week is to draw connected to your observations. Begin by using a sheet of tracing paper to study and trace the sections of the drawing you choose. Then, use the space below to sketch a thumbnail of your observation to get a feel for how it will lay out in your drawing journal.
Once comfortable with what you will draw, move to a clean sheet in your drawing journal. Start by drawing a single line and move on by carefully following connections to that line. How does the line connect to neighboring lines? Try to slowly mimic what you see. Be sure to hold your pencil lightly and to engage your arm in the drawing process.

Songs with Shirean: 5 Green Speckled Frogs

Sing and subtract along with Mrs. Williams this fun nursery rhyme as five speckled frogs hop off the speckled log and into the cool, cool pool!

Songs with Shirean: Take Me Home, Country Roads

Sing along with Mrs. Williams to John Denver’s classic folk song and learn about the beauty of the world around us.

Songs with Shirean: Grandma's Feather Bed

Sing along with Mrs. Williams to a heartwarming classic folk song about family, made famous by John Denver.

Songs with Shirean: Puff the Magic Dragon

Sing along with Mrs. Williams to this classic American folk song by Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton, made famous by Peter, Paul, and Mary.

Songs with Shirean: What a Wonderful World

Sing along with Mrs. Williams to a wonderful, wonderful song by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele made famous by Louis Armstrong.