Latest in Literacy Blog
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And the winner is…
Read more: And the winner is……team Flying Minions! Check out the video below for a look behind the scenes at the Kids Read Now fulfillment center and the need that sparked creativity for first place winners Jacky Cai and Luke Duncan. You can read the full story about the engineering challenge and the engineering champions from the University of Dayton…
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Several Lessons Learned from the COVID Pandemic
Read more: Several Lessons Learned from the COVID PandemicTo put it mildly, the COVID pandemic has been a game changer, a shake-up, a reset, and a force that has made us re-examine who we are, what we can do and a reminder of what we can overcome if we work together in education. Essentially, it has been one of the greatest teachers that…
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We Need to Read
Read more: We Need to ReadIt’s no secret that we love books here at Kids Read Now. We love watching kids pick their own books. We love sending those books straight to their homes. We love seeing kids get excited to get new and exciting books in the mail. Most of all, we love how this process helps kids beat…
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The Secret Strength of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Read more: The Secret Strength of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)There’s this widgetsmith on the opening screen of my iPhone that reads, “As long as we’re creating it’s not too late to change our story.” People’s stories motivate and inspire but they also connect us, help us grow. Throughout my years of being an educator, tucking in beside my fellow professionals, really hearing their journey,…
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Teaching Critical Thinking Skills – Using Thinking Skills in Reading
Read more: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills – Using Thinking Skills in ReadingCheck out this webinar, Teaching Critical Thinking Skills – Using Thinking Skills in Reading, where Dr. Andrew Johnson examines how critical and creative thinking skills enhance learning. By the end of the webinar, you will: Understand what a thinking skill is Understand the difference between critical thinking and creative thinking Know how to teach thinking…
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Teaching Students to L.O.V.E. Literacy
Read more: Teaching Students to L.O.V.E. LiteracyOpportunities to sharpen our literacy skills are all around us. Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons (lack of support/resources at home, irrelevant curriculum, etc.) students can often be disengaged with literacy learning early in life. Once that foundation is shaken, it is tough to rebuild and instill the skills, confidence, and attitude necessary to…
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Creating A R.I.C.H. Literacy Environment
Read more: Creating A R.I.C.H. Literacy EnvironmentMost students either really love to read and find joy in growing and sharpening their literacy skills, or they feel the opposite. Their experience depends on two things- the instructional decisions made and the environment in which they learn. Educators are often told to create a “literacy rich” or “print rich” classroom setting, but what…
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PenPals: Handwritten Letters to Support the Whole Child
Read more: PenPals: Handwritten Letters to Support the Whole ChildWhen was the last time you wrote or received a handwritten letter? For thousands of years, handwritten letters have played a critical part in our lives. In this age of digital communication, handwritten letters are becoming a lost art. Emails and text messages can be sent instantly; however, the impact of a good old-fashioned handwritten…
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Finding the Hook
Read more: Finding the HookIt’s all about the hook. Find what is inspiring to the youth and you find the hook into reading. Take baby steps even if needed. Not interested in reading a book? Start with a graphic novel. Even the old school Baby Sitters Club books are coming back with a vengeance in graphic novel form! Boys!…
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Autonomy in K-3 Literacy Learning
Read more: Autonomy in K-3 Literacy LearningSomething that I’ve learned in my time as an educator is the power of providing students with choices. Choice to explore their learning, choice to figure things out on their own, choice to learn new things in a variety of ways. Literacy skills are the foundation of learning, and something that educators should get excited…