The Hero Academy · Language Arts
The Storyteller's Craft
Speaking, drawing, and dictation develop toward clear writing, revision, research, and presentation. The sequence makes room for factual explanation and clearly identified creative work.
Proposed K–12 pathway · initial section available
Available section · ELA-K-01
Pictures, words, and spoken messages
Speech, gesture, drawing, or assisted communication can convey the learner’s ideas. Handwriting is not a prerequisite.
- ELA-K-01-L01
A message has a subject
Communicate one observable idea about a familiar object.
Companion activity: ELA-K-01-W01 - ELA-K-01-L02
Pictures and labels work together
Connect a label with the object or part it names.
Companion activity: ELA-K-01-W02 - ELA-K-01-L03
A description can be revised
Improve a message after checking it against its subject.
Companion activity: ELA-K-01-W03
A proposed path from K through 12
The learning sequence
Levels organize increasing complexity. They are not age deadlines. Detailed standards coverage, prerequisites, and topic research remain in development beyond the starter section.
Kindergarten entry
Adult-supported observation, communication, and access adaptations; no independent reading required
- ELA-K-01Pictures, words, and spoken messagesIntroductory section available; further strand coverage in development
- ELA-K-02Letter formation and early spellingPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-K-03Sentences, labels, and informational writingPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-K-04Narrative, opinion, listening, and revisionPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Communicate an observed detail through drawing, dictation, gesture, or emerging writing and connect a label to its subject.
- Form or access taught letters and represent selected speech sounds with taught letters, with appropriate motor/access support.
- Produce supported informational, narrative, and opinion messages and explain a revision after listening to feedback.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 1
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level K; placement is skill-based
- ELA-1-01Handwriting, keyboarding, and spellingPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-1-02Sentences and basic conventionsPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-1-03Narrative, informative, and opinion writingPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-1-04Conversations and short presentationsPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Write or compose a sequence of understandable sentences using taught capitalization, punctuation, and spelling patterns.
- Produce short narrative, informational, and opinion pieces that communicate a topic or event and supporting details.
- Participate in a conversation, ask a relevant question, and revise a message after feedback.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 2
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 1; placement is skill-based
- ELA-2-01Word patterns and language choicesPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-2-02Sentence expansion and punctuationPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-2-03Paragraphs and writing processPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-2-04Research questions and oral communicationPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Expand a sentence with relevant detail and apply taught punctuation and spelling patterns in a short composition.
- Organize a short text around a topic or event sequence and explain one revision that improves meaning.
- Develop a simple research question, record information from an identified source, and communicate findings orally.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 3
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 2; placement is skill-based
- ELA-3-01Grammar, spelling, and word studyPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-3-02Narratives with sequence and detailPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-3-03Explanations and supported opinionsPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-3-04Research, revision, and presentationsPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Apply taught grammar and spelling patterns while composing connected paragraphs appropriate to the task.
- Write a sequenced narrative, an explanation, and an opinion supported with relevant reasons.
- Collect notes from identified sources, revise for clarity, and present findings with an understandable order.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 4
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 3; placement is skill-based
- ELA-4-01Conventions and sentence varietyPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-4-02Narrative structure and dialoguePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-4-03Informative texts and evidencePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-4-04Research notes and collaborative discussionPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Use sentence variety and taught conventions to clarify a multi-paragraph message.
- Develop narrative scenes with dialogue or an informative text with organized supporting evidence.
- Keep research notes linked to sources and respond constructively during a discussion or revision conference.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 5
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 4; placement is skill-based
- ELA-5-01Grammar, vocabulary, and stylePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-5-02Multi-paragraph compositionPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-5-03Opinion, explanation, and narrative craftPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-5-04Source use, revision, and publicationPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Organize a multi-paragraph composition around a clear purpose with relevant development and transitions.
- Craft an opinion, explanation, or narrative using genre-appropriate support and precise language.
- Revise after comparing the draft with its sources and publish a version with clear attribution and corrected taught conventions.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 6
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 5; placement is skill-based
- ELA-6-01Sentence control and precise languagePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-6-02Arguments with reasons and evidencePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-6-03Informative and creative compositionPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-6-04Research citation and speakingPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Control sentence boundaries and use precise language while explaining a consequential revision choice.
- Construct an argument with a clear claim, relevant reasons, and evidence distinguishable from unsupported assertions.
- Compose an informative or creative piece and present researched information with consistent source attribution.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 7
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 6; placement is skill-based
- ELA-7-01Syntax, conventions, and effective stylePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-7-02Claims, counterclaims, and evidencePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-7-03Narrative techniques and expositionPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-7-04Inquiry, revision, and multimedia communicationPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Use varied syntax and appropriate conventions to support a stated audience and purpose.
- Develop a claim, address a relevant counterclaim, and explain how evidence supports the reasoning.
- Produce an inquiry-based written or multimedia composition, revise for clarity, and attribute borrowed material.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 8
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 7; placement is skill-based
- ELA-8-01Language registers and rhetorical choicesPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-8-02Argument and source evaluationPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-8-03Research writing and plagiarism preventionPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-8-04Publication and formal presentationPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Adapt register and rhetorical choices to an identified audience and explain their effect on the message.
- Evaluate research sources and build a sustained argument with relevant evidence and attribution.
- Revise, edit, and present a research composition while distinguishing quotation, paraphrase, and original analysis.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 9
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 8; placement is skill-based
- ELA-9-01Grammar, rhetoric, and stylePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-9-02Analytical and explanatory essaysPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-9-03Narrative, poetry, and dramatic writingPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-9-04Research process and speakingPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Analyze and revise rhetorical and stylistic choices using the audience, purpose, and intended meaning.
- Write an analytical or explanatory essay with a defensible focus, organized evidence, and accurate attribution.
- Create a narrative, poem, or drama scene and present a researched explanation of selected craft decisions.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 10
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 9; placement is skill-based
- ELA-10-01Argument, counterargument, and synthesisPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-10-02Extended research and citation systemsPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-10-03Revision for audience and purposePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-10-04Debate, listening, and multimedia compositionPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Synthesize sources into an argument that addresses a substantive counterargument and qualifies unsupported conclusions.
- Complete an extended research composition using a consistent citation system and a traceable source record.
- Revise for audience and purpose and participate in a structured debate or multimedia presentation with accurate evidence.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 11
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 10; placement is skill-based
- ELA-11-01Advanced composition and rhetorical analysisPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-11-02Technical, civic, and workplace writingPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-11-03Creative writing and editorial practicePlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-11-04Research publication and oral defensePlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Compose an extended analysis whose claims and rhetorical choices are supported by appropriate evidence.
- Produce a technical, civic, or workplace document that meets a defined audience’s information needs.
- Edit creative or research writing for publication and defend significant decisions in an oral discussion.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Level 12
Demonstrated prerequisite skills from level 11; placement is skill-based
- ELA-12-01Independent research and sustained argumentPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-12-02Professional and academic communicationPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-12-03Writing portfolio and publication ethicsPlanned · research and writing pending
- ELA-12-04Capstone composition and presentationPlanned · research and writing pending
Proposed demonstrations
- Complete an independent research project with a sustained argument, qualified conclusions, and a documented source trail.
- Adapt one body of information into academic and professional formats without altering the supported facts.
- Present and defend a writing portfolio, explain revisions, and apply attribution and publication-ethics practices.
These are proposed targets, not a complete assessment or verified standards checklist.
Subject strands inside this book
- Handwriting and Keyboarding
- Spelling and Word Study
- Grammar and Usage
- Punctuation and Mechanics
- Sentence and Paragraph Writing
- Narrative and Creative Writing
- Informative and Explanatory Writing
- Opinion and Argument Writing
- Research and Source Citation
- Revision, Editing, and Publishing
- Speaking and Presentation
- Listening and Discussion
Evidence and scope
Introductory supported work toward W.K.2, W.K.5, and SL.K.5, with adult conversation practice related to SL.K.1. Peer feedback, a range of discussion partners, and full discussion routines remain to be taught; this section does not assess those elements. A three-lesson section is not full standards coverage.