IRA Newsletter Project: Effective Literacy Website #2 - by Leilani Tenorio

            Reading Rockets (http://www.readingrockets.org)  is a free literacy website that provides resources of tips and best practices in teaching children how to read and being able to help kids who struggle. The website is updated frequently, so this would be a great one to frequently visit. There are focus tabs that are available on the website such as Teaching Reading, Helping Struggling Readers, Reading Topics and Children’s Books and Authors.

            The “Teaching Reading” tab has a variety of classroom strategies that can be used for teachers and can be shared with parents as well. These are effective and research based to help strengthen students’ skills in reading. The skills that are focused on may be decoding, fluency, comprehension, phonemic awareness, and writing. Videos and articles are provided to choose from. There are also writing samples from real kids in grades K-3, that can be used as a reference in to support children in writing. There is also a self-paced reading course for K-3 teachers that gives important information that teachers may use to help their struggling students in reading and writing.       

            In the classroom strategies tab, you’re able to filter a strategy focus, when is the strategy best used for (before, after, or during reading), and what is the strategy best helpful for. You also can share the articles on social media platforms, email, or print them. The Inclusive Classrooms tab is especially important for teachers which offers strategies in support of an inclusive and diverse classroom for all students.

            Reading Rockets also produces shows on PBS television. You can choose from a variety of episodes online that focus on early literacy, reading interventions, and a young readers series. The website also offers professional development for teachers and produces free webcasts by national experts such as, Steven Graham, Diane August, Robert Pianta, and many others.

            There is also a “Helping Struggling Readers” tab, that focuses on why some kids struggle in reading and offers some strategies that can be used to help them in a focused area. You can also choose to look at a list of Reading topics that are listed in alphabetical order. These topics are available to choose from that focus on an area in reading that you may have questions about.

            On Reading Rockets, you would also be able to find a tab with children’s books and authors. There are themed or seasonal booklists to choose from. You can also see video interviews of the authors of children’s books. There are also articles on choosing the right books for kids, how to use the books you choose, and even starting a book club. 

            Overall, Reading Rockets is a great literacy website to find resources surrounding helping children become stronger readers. The look of the site is appealing for both adults and children. It is also easy to navigate and there are so many useful resources to explore.