Reading Resources for Families

What is dyslexia? Because it affects reading, some people think dyslexia is a problem with vision. It’s not. Dyslexia is a problem with language processing.

How Kids Learn to Read Handout This resource provides some basic information about the science of reading and dyslexia. It includes definitions, indicators, and links to resources for families.

Reading 101: A Guide for Parents from Reading Rockets This website provides information on how kids learn to read, the science of reading, and what to expect as PreK-2nd grade children grow in their reading abilities. The resource is aimed directly at parents so that they can support their child’s reading journey.

Podcast: Brains On - How do we learn to read - and why is it hard?
Brains On is a podcast for kids from American Public Media, and this episode is great for the whole family to listen to in order to learn a little more about how people learn to read.

R.I.S.E Family Resources Expert Answers to family Questions about Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, and Fluency

Caregiver's Resources Hub Online Learning to help you stay informed and support your child's learning

UFLI Foundations is an explicit and systematic program that teaches students the foundational skills necessary for proficient reading. It follows a carefully developed scope and sequence designed to ensure that students systematically acquire each skill needed and learn to apply each skill with automaticity and confidence. The program is designed to be used for core instruction in the primary grades or for intervention with struggling students in any grade. All Kindergarten-2nd grade student receive UFLI instruction daily at RCW. We also use UFLI to fill in gaps for our older students to help them become more fluent readers.

UFLI Family Sheet Use this family sheet to help you work with and support your child on UFLI lessons.

This UFLI Home Support Guide (English and Spanish) will help you work on the Weekly Reading and Spelling Home Practice pages with your child.

Printable Alphabet Tiles to use with Home Practice

Decodable readers are texts that help beginning readers practice decoding words by suing letter-sound relationships they've learned.

This website has links for FREE decodable readers your child can read.

Knowing letter sounds is essential for helping children read. We have all been taught letter sounds. However, there are correct ways to make the letter sounds to help children learn to read. Make sure you’re using the same sounds as your child’s teacher. Watch this video to help.

You can do this letter-sound correspondence activity with anyone kindergarten on up who is working on their letter sounds. These printable letter cards work well for this activity.

The Importance of Reading

The Benefits of Nursery Rhymes on Preschool Development This article explains why Nursery Rhymes are so important for language development. There are many nursery rhymes available for download on streaming services or apps.

• Click here for printable nursery rhymes

25 Fun Literacy Activities for Preschoolers “Literacy is more than just learning to read,” says Mary Muhs, dean of the Rasmussen University School of Education. “It also includes how children interpret and understand what is being read, as well as writing skills and composition. Literacy skills do not just develop overnight. If we start early and build on a child’s experience as they grow, they will not only be able to read and write but also love to read and write.”

Build their vocabulary and oral language. Vocabulary and oral language are crucial for reading because they provide the foundation for understanding written words; essentially, a strong grasp of spoken language allows a reader to decode and comprehend the meaning of text, as they can connect the printed words to their known oral vocabulary, making reading comprehension possible. Oral language forms foundation of early literacy. It is one of the greatest predictors of a child’s success in school. You can begin these activities before children begin to read.

See the articles below for ideas on how to build your child's vocabulary.

• 10 Fun Ways to Build Kids’ Vocabulary

• Building Your Child’s Vocabulary

• The Role of Oral Language Development in Reading Proficiency

Vocabulary and oral language are crucial for reading because they provide the foundation for understanding written words; essentially, a strong grasp of spoken language allows a reader to decode and comprehend the meaning of text, as they can connect the printed words to their known oral vocabulary, making reading comprehension possible. Oral language forms foundation of early literacy. It is one of the greatest predictors of a child’s success in school. You can begin these activities before children begin to read.

See the articles below for ideas on how to build your child's vocabulary.

• 10 Fun Ways to Build Kids’ Vocabulary

• Building Your Child’s Vocabulary

• The Role of Oral Language Development in Reading Proficiency

Or watch this video on how to help build your child's vocabulary.

Building your child's language in ANY language is important...even if it is not English.

How Can Parents Support Learning at Home for ELLs?

Parents of English learners play a pivotal role in supporting their children’s learning at home. While the task may seem daunting at first, there are several effective strategies that teachers can offer families of ELs that are not dependent on parents’ English skills. Below are links for families of ELL students.

Beyond the Classroom: How Can Parents Support Learning at Home for ELLs?

Empowering ELL Parents & Families at Home

Colorín Colorado - A bilingual website for families and educators of English Language Learners which is a project in partnership with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). It includes information about teaching English Language Learners.