What Is a Domain?

In general, domains:

• are areas of knowledge, consisting of topically similar content with a set of related vocabulary;
• are groupings of units and lessons that may cross traditional borders of subject and grade level;
• stay on topic for 2–3 weeks;
• includes a variety of reading material (for read-alouds in younger grades, and independent reading in older grades);
• builds upon the language and concepts presented in prior domains; and 
• includes texts that increase in complexity as the unit progresses.

In the Core Knowledge curriculum, domain units build upon one another within and across grades. Using domains that stay on topic over time (whether over years or throughout a given day) can provide context and repetition that foster vocabulary acquisition.