Literacy has always been a foundational skill. Not only does it influence how we interact with the world but it is still the medium by which many students learn. And yet, statistics show that between 46 and 51% of American adults have an income well below the poverty level because of their inability to read. This is a scary fact, and with reading becoming more digital, it is important that educators start looking into how they can teach this important skill in a new digital age.
One way that educators can approach teaching literacy is by using analytical tools to monitor the way in which students read. By having an understanding of students’ reading habits, speed, and comprehension, educators can gain a better understanding of where the problems lie and tailor their teaching to best suit the needs of their students. This was previously very difficult to judge, and educators had no other assessment tools than making the student read out loud. The digital age is giving students control over their own literacy while at the same time, allowing teachers to follow and jump in where needed.
To help reading teachers move into the digital age, we decided to write an article that profiles 24 of the best literacy apps, tools, and resources. These tools can be used by teachers to assist students in gaining reading fluency, comprehension, phonemic awareness, etc.
- Duck’s Alphabet– Engaging, simple phonics games that teach students to read
- Starfall.com– Fun and engaging learn-to-read site.
- Ready to Learn Reading– Games and activities that help kids develop reading skills. This resource is offered free of charge.
- BiblioNasium– A website that makes reading a social adventure.
- Raz-Kids– On this site, teachers can find leveled readings and track their students’ progress.
- Rainy Days: A Stella and Sam Adventure– This amazing app includes reading activities that teach students a host of literacy skills.
- Speed Reading Academy – Wonderful app that helps to build student’s fluency skills
- Lemon Lumberjack’s Letter Mill– Is a reading app that is designed for students under the age of eight.
- Learn With Homer– Teachers reading through the use of phonics and phonemic awareness.
- Kindoma Storytime– Allows students from all over the world to read stories together.
- Reading Rainbow– Resource that has a huge collection of outstanding books for kids.
- ReadWorks– An ELA teacher’s superstore for reading-comprehension resources.
- ReadWorks Digital– This site makes it easy to for teachers to assign and differentiate readings.
- The Sounding Out Machine– This app helps students who having problems decoding words.
- Accelerated Reader 360– On this site, teachers can find resources that support independent reading.
- Scan and Read Pro– Assistive technology that makes reading easy for students with visual disabilities.
- Learn With Homer– Uses a systematic phonics lessons approach to teach kids to read.
- Montessori Letter Sounds HD– Teaches kids to learn to read using the Montessori way of teaching — simple, quiet, and self-directed.
- Duck Duck Moose Reading– Uses exciting games to reinforce valuable early reading skills.
- Kids’ Vocab – MindSnacks – This app teaches kids valuable vocabulary words, which form the foundation of literacy and fluency.
- Brush of Truth– Uses a variety of alternative endings to keep kids excited about reading. Yes, it’s true. Kids choose their own story endings.
- Natural Reader– Organic text-to-speech tool that helps students with reading disabilities.
- Highlighter– Allows students to organize things that they have read.
- Reading is Fundamental: Leading to Reading– Educators and students explore the wonderful world of reading together.
Did we miss any?
