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young people's book creators Katherine Paterson, Rita Williams-Garcia, Jeannine Atkins, Heather Lang, and Ekua Holmes in a panel discussion

Celebrating Heroines

Acclaimed authors and illustrators for young people — Jeannine Atkins, Ekua Holmes, Rita Williams-Garcia, Heather Lang, and Katherine Paterson got together to talk about women and girls in fiction and nonfiction books — and what makes a heroine.  

Molly Ringwald

A Chance to Read

Have you ever heard of “assumicide”? For generations, too many people assumed that children with disabilities couldn’t learn to read — so they never gave them a chance. Hosted by Molly Ringwald, A Chance to Read looks at the reading challenges facing kids with disabilities, and what schools across the country are doing to help them find success. 

Children’s Authors: On Writing

Watch video clips from well-known children’s authors, talking about their journey to becoming writers, describing their writing process, and offering advice for young writers.

child with striped shirt and knit cap reading books at the library

Children’s Books

Parent tips about finding books, creating a home library, and more. Part of our Growing Readers series.

Young boy fascinated by models of a space rocket, astronaut and the planets

Children on the Autism Spectrum

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) influences how a child sees and experiences the world. Children on the autism spectrum bring many strengths to the classroom, yet they may also have challenges with social skills, language, and behaviors that require additional classroom supports for learning to read.Reading Rockets (11992)

elementary school girl holding spinner fidget in focus

Children with ADHD

Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often have trouble paying attention, sitting still, or finishing tasks. Although it is not considered a learning disability, students with ADHD may have a harder time learning how to read. With the right supports, kids can thrive.

Elementary boy using tablet in class

Children with Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects a child’s ability to read, spell, and write at the word level. It is a language problem — kids with dyslexia have trouble hearing the sounds in spoken words. With explicit, systematic instruction and targeted support, children with dyslexia can become skilled, confident readers!

Young boy with backpack holding a ball of confusion over his head

Children with Executive Function Challenges

Executive function is a set of thinking skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Trouble with executive function can make it harder for kids to focus, follow directions, get organized, plan, and handle big emotions. All of these challenges can make reading and learning more difficult.

Elementary student reading book at her desk

Choosing and Using Classroom Texts

Find guidance on determining text readability, the importance of using grade-level texts, scaffolding complex texts, and when to use predictable, decodable, and controlled vocabulary texts. You’ll also get tips on how to set up a diverse, welcoming classroom library to support independent reading and learning.

Elementary teacher doing a lively read aloud for class

Choosing and Using Kids’ Books

When it comes to deciding what books to share with the young readers in your life, there is so much to choose from! Get pointed in the right direction with our themed booklists and articles on choosing and using children’s books at home and in the classroom.

two elementary kids looking at a picture book in front of classroom library

Classroom Libraries

A diverse, welcoming classroom library is a magnet for kids. Get tips on how to set up your classroom library to encourage book choice and support student learning.

two elementary students working on tablet together in class

Classroom Strategy Library

Our library provides effective, research-based classroom strategies to help strengthen your students’ skills in phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.

First grader reading a beginning chapter book at home

Comprehension: Activities for Your First Grader

First graders are learning to think actively as they read. They use their experiences and knowledge of the world, vocabulary, a growing understanding how language works, and reading strategies to make sense of what they’re reading. 

Comprehension: Activities for Your Kindergartener

Comprehension: Activities for Your Kindergartener

Kindergartners are just beginning their journey as readers, yet they are actively absorbing language and experiences to make sense of the world around them. Encourage your child to think and talk about shared oral stories and books that are read aloud. You can also help by exposing your child to lots of interesting words — vocabulary is key to comprehension.

Comprehension: Activities for Your Second Grader

Comprehension: Activities for Your Second Grader

Second graders are learning to think actively as they read. They use their experiences and knowledge of the world, vocabulary, a growing understanding how language works, and reading strategies to make sense of what they’re reading. 

Southeast Asian family on a bike ride

Connecting with ELL Families

Multilingual families can be powerful partners on behalf of their children. Yet what these partnerships look like will be unique to each school setting and community — and may require some thinking outside of the box. This section includes some key tips and recommended resources from our sister site, Colorín Colorado.

Parent with elementary child talking to teacher at school

Connecting with Your Child’s School

Strong home-to-school connections are one of the best ways to support your child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Get some tips on how to build and maintain meaningful communication and involvement with your child’s school.

Diverse group of elementary students working collaboratively on a project in class

Content Area Literacy

In one school day, an elementary school teacher will instruct children in reading, math, science, social studies, and more. Children should be reading and writing across all these disciplines, using specific techniques and knowledge to help them navigate different types of texts.

Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages

Elementary teacher helping three students with reading in class

Course Modules

Try our self-paced learning modules to strengthen your skills as a teacher of reading.

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