Latest in Literacy Blog
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Literacy Acceleration Playbook
Read more: Literacy Acceleration PlaybookWin. Excel. Beat a personal best. These are the mindsets of athletes. Even those who are not athletes know that in order to meet goals such as winning or surpassing a personal record one must practice, put in hard work, train, learn technique, and take feedback to help refine performance. In addition to the aforementioned…
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Addressing the Summer Slide
Read more: Addressing the Summer SlideIn 2012, my wife Barb and I were commiserating about the state of reading in the country—specifically what she, a 4th grade teacher, called ‘the dreaded summer slide’. Far too many kids, particularly from families that struggle, head back into class every fall, with less opportunity than their peers. They are not as engaged. They…
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Still SO Much to Do: Fixing the Literacy Issue in America’s Schools
Read more: Still SO Much to Do: Fixing the Literacy Issue in America’s SchoolsThe Current Situation Did you know that more than 65% of kids across the country are not reading at grade level, and the number jumps to 80% for low income students? Kids Read Now’s mission of eliminating learning loss and building home libraries for every PreK-5 student in the country is more important and pressing…
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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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My Resolution is Booked
Read more: My Resolution is BookedRejoice! We have made it to a new year. Many of us educators were itching for 2020 to come to a rapid close only to find ourselves wishing 2021 away just as quickly. Despite the recent challenges we have encountered, many of us still had the pleasure of ending the year with some sort of…
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Embracing Nonfiction
Read more: Embracing NonfictionAt first glance nonfiction books can seem intimidating – facts, numbers, research, real-world stuff, EEK! – but nonfiction doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. In fact, it can be quite fun with several benefits that kids may not even realize they’re gaining! Embracing nonfiction is one of the best things any kid can do.…
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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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Kids Read Now projects 7 million books delivered by 2024
Read more: Kids Read Now projects 7 million books delivered by 2024Kids Read Now started as a small, local nonprofit organization and has rapidly grown into an impressive leader in the fight against K-5 learning loss. Most students, particularly those from lower-income families, experience steep reading skill loss over the summer break. Creating home libraries and engaging parents are key ways to accelerate summer learning and…
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Books, Bricks, and Politics
Read more: Books, Bricks, and PoliticsI recently caught up with a dear colleague. When I asked her what she saw as she worked closely with our teachers and teacher leaders, her immediate answer was “politics”. The concept that everything is political started with Aristotle and is consistently restated today. Although I avoid them, I cannot deny that what I eat,…