I know the internet is overflowing with reading resources. These are just a few of the free resources I’ve found and regularly recommend to teachers and parents. If you feel I’m missing a valuable resource, please contact me, and I’d be happy to review it and possibly add it to this list.
free reading lists
Don’t know where to start with helping kids read. Start with Daniel Bernstrom’s simple progressive approach to reading where he had found and organized a list of helpful phonics based readers, decodable books, and chapter books to help kids fall in love with reading.
The Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC), based out of the School of Education at the illustrious University of Wisconsin-Madison, compiles a list of great children's books for early, middle, and young adult readers every year. Use their easy-to-use database and find books based on your preferences.
According to Banks Street College of Education: “The list includes more than 600 titles chosen by reviewers for literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers.”
Reading Rockets is one of the most comprehensive literacy websites I have come across to date. It is filled with everything a teacher and parent could need about literacy—while still feeling digestible and not overwhelming. Check it out!
the reading framework
a progressive plan toward Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)
Weeks 1-2 (Child reads 3-5 minutes every day)
Read aloud to an adult (Focus on Reading Mastery):
The child reads the same book/chapter/section with 90% "word accuracy." Don't move to another book until it’s mastered.
Weeks 3-4 (Child reads 10 minutes every day)
Read aloud to an adult. (Focus on Reading Consistency):
The goal isn't the number or the level of books, but the amount of time spent with books.Keep repeating the same material until the reading feels easy to the child. Slowly introduce harder books.
Weeks 5-6 (Child reads 15-20 minutes every day)
Read aloud near an adult. (Focus on Reading Independence):
The child reads aloud while the adult works, cooks, cleans, or folds laundry. You’re listening, but not hovering. Correct the reader gently if they mispronounce the word. At times, you may need to sit with the child as they read.
Week 7+ (Child reads 20-50 minutes every day):
Sustained Silent Focus On Reading.Habit):
Set a timer. The child reads in your presence (at the kitchen table/counter/classroom/library). This is an important time. Make Sustained, Silent Reading part of every day (up to 50 minutes). When the time is done, they're done for the day!
consider adding in reading challenges and rewards to make habit formation fun
Habit formation is the ultimate goal for any reading regimen. And building a reading habit takes building, training, and aligning the child’s brain-muscle.
It also requires consistent repetitions and checkups (and a little bit of "fuel") to help the child keep going when the work feels heavy and exhausting.
Using a mix of immediate "micro-rewards" and long-term "big wins" can help a child see the value of their labor while they are still developing their skills.