Levels 1-6 do not use traditional textbooks. Shurley English places special emphasis on parent-child interaction and participation.

In Shurley English, the children have workbooks, not textbooks, to practice and test their acquired knowledge and skills.

Most student workbooks contain a Jingle Section, a Reference Section, a Practice Section, and a Test Section. The Jingle Section contains all the jingles. The Reference Section includes vocabulary words, guided practices, samples, guidelines, and charts. The Practice Section provides extra practice on the various skills taught before the skills are tested. The Test Section contains the tests for each chapter. Each test is divided into four basic areas: grammar, vocabulary, language skills, and a summary of things learned for the week.