Pathways consists of five levels that use prepared scripts to teach story-based lessons. Beginning levels rely heavily on object use throughout the story to make learning more concrete. Objects are then paired with pictures and gradually faded. Students must meet mastery criteria to move through the levels. A student who is successful at Level Five can participate in typical story-based lessons, like those in the Building with Stories Curriculum.
Pathways content aligns to state and national standards, including the common core.
Pathways to Literacy includes:
- Three Teacher’s Guides: EarthDance Teacher's Guide, Jamaica's Find Teacher's Guide, and Tar Beach Teacher's Guide
- An Implementation Guide
- Three storybooks (EarthDance, Jamaica’s Find, and Tar Beach) adapted to a spiralbound format with laminated pages, raised titles, large page numbers, and repeated storylines
- Hands-on materials including a collection of story-connected objects, materials for tactile adaptations, plus photo and picture vocabulary cards, and materials to adapt cards for readers with low vision.
- A Big Button to encourage students to communicate during lessons.
