IEW Primary Arts of Language (PAL) Review: Early Reading & Writing Curriculum

Are you looking for a comprehensive, hands-on, and child-friendly language arts curriculum for your early learner? The Primary Arts of Language (PAL) program from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) may be exactly what you need. This K–2 homeschool curriculum combines phonics, reading, and writing instruction into a delightful, well-organized package.

We’ve used PAL in our homeschool, and I can confidently say it made a huge difference—especially for my struggling reader. It brought joy and confidence back to our lessons, and I’m excited to share how it works and why we love it.

What Is IEW’s Primary Arts of Language?

PAL is a two-part language arts program designed for early elementary students (typically grades K–2 or beginning readers). It includes:

• Primary Arts of Reading

• Primary Arts of Writing

You can use the two parts independently, but they’re designed to work together. The curriculum combines a phonics-based approach with whole-word recognition and multi-sensory learning. It’s flexible, fun, and full of engaging activities that make learning stick.

Primary Arts of Reading Overview

What You Get:

• Teacher’s Manual

• Instructional DVD (with training, student workbooks, and MP3 audio tips)

• Phonetic Farm Folder and Sticker Set

• Phonics Games Book (print-and-play file folder games)

Why It Works:

• Clear and easy-to-follow lessons for parents

• Multi-sensory instruction (reading, writing, games, hands-on activities)

• PDF student pages (reprintable for multiple children)

• Engaging file folder games that match the concepts being taught

My daughter especially loved feeding review word cards to the “word monster” game and adding stickers to her Phonetic Farm as she mastered each sound. These interactive elements are what make PAL so fun—and so effective.

Primary Arts of Writing Overview

What You Get:

• Teacher’s Manual

• Instructional DVD (with PDF student materials)

• All About Spelling Level 1 (integrated spelling instruction)

This portion begins with letter formation and gradually builds writing skills. Each letter is introduced with a story and picture to help with recognition and proper handwriting technique. Later lessons incorporate journaling, storytelling, and writing structure—all in small, age-appropriate steps.

We hadn’t used All About Spelling before PAL, but it’s now a favorite resource in our homeschool! It’s a strong, phonics-based spelling program that complements PAL beautifully.

Why We Love PAL

PAL transformed our homeschool. My daughter went from feeling frustrated with reading to asking to start her lessons each morning—even before breakfast! She loved the variety, the hands-on games, and the clear structure. Watching her open and read Brown Bear, Brown Bear on her own was one of those magical homeschool moments I’ll never forget.

As a homeschool parent, I especially appreciate:

• The clear teacher guidance

• The reusability of the PDFs

• The balance of structure and play

• The gentle and encouraging approach to early literacy

The investment pays off in confidence, joy, and a solid foundation in reading and writing.

If you’re homeschooling a kindergartner, first grader, or early reader and feeling overwhelmed about teaching reading and writing—IEW’s Primary Arts of Language is a fantastic choice. It’s gentle, playful, and academically sound. Best of all, it works.

Our homeschool is better because of it, and I know yours can be too.