Literacy and Reading The research is clear - the more reading skills, the more reading. The more literate, the more successful. And the good news is there are many ways to encourage the desire to be literate and the requisite skills.

(Also see Art, Music and Drama for ideas about storytelling and drama.)

Best Practice Guide - Advice from RIFs Best Program Coordinators (Reading is Fundamental).

National Institute on Literacy  Links to fact sheets and studies.

Writing Technology and Teens. "Teens write a lot, but they do not think of their emails, instant and text messages as writing. This disconnect matters because teens believe good writing is an essential skill for success and that more writing instruction at school would help them." Pew Internet and American Life Project. April, 2008.

International Reading Association  Professional membership organization dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy for all by improving the quality of reading instruction, disseminating research and information about reading, and encouraging the lifetime reading habit.

American Library Association and American Library Services for Children. Book lists, ideas and more

Reading is Fundamental  RIF is the oldest and largest children's and family nonprofit literacy organization in the United States. RIF’s highest priority is reaching under served children from birth to age 8. The Educators page includes guides, ideas, lesson plans and more.

Reading Matters Reading Matters is composed of five main sections: Reading News, Classroom Activities, Home Activities, Expert Advice, and Reading Resources. The site also provides useful research- and practice-based tips and techniques for teaching reading in the classroom and in the home.

The Poetry Foundation  Includes searchable directory for involving youth in creating poetry and poems by subject, and an article on "Ten Poems to Read When You Get Stuffed in Your Locker."

 

Learning Beyond the Classroom Brought to you by ReadWriteThink.org, this site offers out-of-school activities, podcasts and videos, and other resources for use with children ages 4 to 18.

Booklists - Prepared by Reading is Fundamental

The Comic Book Project ... arts-based literacy and learning initiative. The goal of the project is to help children forge an alternative pathway to literacy by writing, designing, and publishing original comic books.

The Comic Book Project puts children in the role of creators, rather than merely receivers of information. Children write and draw about their personal experiences and interests, thereby engaging them in the learning process and motivating them to succeed in school, after school, and in life.

No cost

ReadWriteThink.org - Offered by grade group and title. Easily searchable. Standards indicated. Offered as a service of ReadWriteThink.

Lesson Plans - From Reading is Fundamental. Select ideas for K-8 that work in informal learning settings.

Reading Rockets - A service of WETA TV/FM, the public broadcasting station in Washington, D.C., Reading Rockets offers a wealth of information for teaching kids to read and suggestions for working with struggling readers.

Commercial

AfterSchoolPRO's Searchable Vendor Directory - Select "Literacy and Language" from the pull-down subject menu