Teaching Reading & Reading Comprehension
Explore our curated selection of top-notch homeschool literacy resources and materials! We understand how crucial and challenging it is to find the right tools for Teaching Reading. That’s why we’ve carefully chosen our favourites based on content accuracy, expert authorship, and research-backed educational methods. This collection is designed to give you a solid starting point for finding the best Reading resources for your family.
Teaching Reading & Reading Comprehension
The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI)
The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) stands as an authoritative and comprehensive source for literacy educators and researchers. With its wealth of free research-based resources, professional development opportunities, and practical tools, the website offers a well-rounded approach to advancing literacy education. The institute's commitment to evidence-based practices and the Science of Reading, its dedication to supporting educators make it an invaluable resource for anyone striving to enhance their understanding and implementation of effective literacy instruction. This would be our first choice if we were teaching reading! We highly recommend purchasing the UFLI Teacher's Manual. (Note: Customers in Canada may be able to avoid International shipping costs by ordering the ISBN number through a local bookstore).
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The UFLI Resource Hub serves as an exceptional repository of free educational materials catering to diverse learning needs. Its extensive collection of resources, ranging from lesson plans to multimedia content, covers a wide array of subjects and grade levels. With its user-friendly interface and commitment to quality, the Resource Hub is an indispensable asset for educators seeking well-curated materials to enhance their teaching strategies and engage students effectively.
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The UFLI Foundations Toolbox provides highly valuable free lesson plans and resources for early literacy instruction. This site includes meticulously crafted lesson plans, teaching materials, and decodable text passages and booklets which utilize a systematic approach to teaching foundational reading skills supported by science. The clear alignment with research-based practices and the user-friendly format make it an indispensable tool for educators and parents working to lay a strong literacy foundation for young learners.
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The Rooted in Language curriculum and program offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to language development. Written by a Speech Language Pathologist, it provides a strong emphasis on foundational skills and effectively addresses reading and writing skills. The integration of interactive activities and real-life applications keeps learners actively involved and motivated. The curriculum's structured progression allows for personalized learning, catering to diverse needs and learning styles. Overall, Rooted in Language provides a solid framework for nurturing language proficiency and fostering a deep understanding of linguistic concepts. They also have excellent professional development resources and classes for parents, as well as fantastic customer-service and support. Follow them on Social Media for great language tips!
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Word Connections (Dr. Jessica Toste)
Word Connections, created by Dr. Jessica Toste, is a supplemental reading intervention program designed for upper elementary students struggling with word reading. The program focuses on multisyllabic word reading through engaging activities that promote automaticity and comprehension. It includes 40 lessons divided into four units, integrating various instructional activities such as word play, affix banks, and text reading to enhance students' decoding skills. The program is based on evidence from empirical studies showing its effectiveness in improving reading outcomes for at-risk students.
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Words Their Way is a highly effective teaching program that emphasizes a student-centered approach to phonics and word study. Its strength lies in its adaptability, as it tailors instruction to each learner's developmental level. By focusing on word patterns and sorting activities, the program engages students in active exploration of language, promoting a deeper understanding of spelling and vocabulary that extends beyond rote memorization. This individualized and hands-on methodology makes Words Their Way a powerful tool for educators aiming to foster enduring literacy skills.
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This site is a valuable resource for homeschool parents seeking comprehensive phonics instruction. It offers an extensive collection of open-source phonics materials, including printable worksheets, lesson plans, and interactive activities. With its free accessibility and a wide range of resources, homeschooling parents can confidently use Open Source Phonics to provide effective and engaging phonics education tailored to their children's needs.
Explode the Code
Explode the Code is a reading program for parents seeking a structured and engaging approach to phonics and early literacy. Through its comprehensive series of workbooks, it systematically guides students through phonetic concepts, building a strong foundation for reading and spelling using the Orton-Gillingham approach. With its user-friendly format, clear instructions, and emphasis on incremental progress, Explode the Code offers a reliable and effective resource to ensure successful language development within a homeschooling environment.​
All About Reading / All About Spelling
The All About Reading and All About Spelling programs offer open-and-go literacy education for busy families. Their structured and multi-sensory approach caters to a wide range of students, ensuring both reading and spelling skills are developed with depth and precision. The clear lesson plans and engaging activities make these programs desirable for parents and educators seeking effective tools to support students in building strong foundational reading and spelling skills.
The Logic of English program delivers a comprehensive and well-designed curriculum that brings clarity to the intricacies of language. Through its systematic approach to phonics, grammar, and vocabulary, it empowers learners with a deep understanding of English. With a focus on logical rules and clear explanations, the program offers an excellent resource for individuals of all ages aiming to enhance their language skills in a structured and effective manner. ​
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Free Online Literacy Assessment
These diagnostic tests may be able to help parents determine areas of strength and weakness in their child’s reading ability. Keep in mind that online assessments may provide initial insights but are not a substitute for expert guidance in determining the scope of a child's learning needs. We strongly feel that by utilizing any online self-diagnostic reading assessment tests, parents must acknowledge the potential for varying results and understand the importance of consulting with a qualified professional and pursuing a comprehensive psychoeducational assessment for accurate evaluation.
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Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
"Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" by Siegfried Engelmann empowers parents to teach through a straightforward and systematic method. Its well-structured lessons take only a short time each day, making it manageable for busy schedules. With its proven approach and clear instructions, this book is an invaluable tool for fostering early literacy skills and nurturing a love for reading in young learners.​​
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This is an educational platform that provides free, high-quality reading comprehension resources for students and teachers. It offers a vast library of curated texts, along with vocabulary and question sets designed to improve reading skills. The platform also includes tools for tracking student progress, making it an invaluable resource for enhancing literacy in classrooms and homeschool settings.
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ReadTheory.org is an adaptive online reading comprehension platform designed to improve students’ reading skills through personalized practice. It offers leveled passages and quizzes that adjust to each student’s ability, providing instant feedback and progress tracking. Ideal for homeschooling, ReadTheory aims to build critical reading skills for students of all ages and levels.
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"This Reading Mama" offers free printable resources to complement the BOB Books series, designed to help children develop early reading skills. The printables include activities and worksheets that reinforce phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. These resources are ideal for parents and educators looking to support beginning readers with engaging and educational materials.​​
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​Sound City Reading is a free comprehensive phonics-based reading program designed to build strong foundational reading skills through systematic instruction. The program aligns well with current science of reading research, emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics, and structured literacy, which are crucial for effective reading instruction. It provides a step-by-step approach that reinforces the relationship between sounds and letters, aiding in the development of decoding skills. This makes Sound City Reading an effective resource for parents and educators seeking evidence-based reading instruction methods.
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Reading Apps & Online Practice
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​"Teach Your Monster to Read" is an educational game designed to help children aged 3-6 develop their reading skills through engaging and interactive activities. It uses synthetic phonics to teach letter recognition, sound blending, and word formation, aligning with school curricula. The game’s fun narrative and bright graphics keep children motivated as they guide their custom monster through various learning levels.
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​Prodigy English is an engaging educational game focused on developing children's reading skills through interactive gameplay. Players embark on adventures and complete quests while improving their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. The game adapts to individual learning levels, providing personalized challenges to support overall English Language Arts (ELA) development.
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Reading Eggs is an interactive online platform designed to help children develop essential reading skills through fun and engaging activities. It offers a variety of lessons, games, and exercises focused on phonics, sight words, and comprehension to support early literacy development. The program adapts to each child's progress, ensuring a personalized learning experience that builds confidence and a love for reading. Parents can choose from either the Canadian website, or the American website when selecting a program.
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