Most teachers in many Western countries make use curriculum materials such as textbooks, workbooks and related teacher's guides in their teaching. In this study, 29 First language and literature lessons are analysed to discover different ways in which texts that are part of curriculum materials are used in the curriculum. The findings indicate that the identification of the pedagogical potential of the texts demands a profound understanding of the subject matter. Moreover, the realization of this potential always involves creativity and improvisation. Thus, we suggest that preparedness to read curriculum materials analytically and critically is a core component of teachers' expertise.