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https://www.storyboardthat.com/comic-maker

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Storyboard That: Free Comic Maker for Comics & Strips [2025]

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Storyboard That: Create comics and graphic novels with our free comic maker. Easily make comic strips and unleash your creativity today!

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The Big 5 reading skills are the perfect guide for how to teach reading. Follow this reading skills list and use these strategies for reading instruction, and your students will have a solid foundation for reading success.

The Big 5 Reading Skills

Here are 5 more blog posts that go into detail about each specific area in the Big 5!

Reading Skills Definition

Reading skills are the tools and strategies that students develop to become successful readers.

There are more components to reading than people realize. Reading is so much more than just sounding out words. There is a whole reading development continuum that needs to happen for students to build their foundation for proficient reading.

The Big 5 Reading Skills Background

In 1997, Congress asked the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the US Department of Education to research the most effective reading instruction strategies to teach children how to read.

They put together a panel (The National Reading Panel) that was made up of administrators, teachers, and research scientist that poured over hundreds of thousands of existing research reports on reading instruction. The panel studied the best quality research reports and put together a comprehensive recommendation for the top 5 evidence-based reading skills that are successful in teaching students how to read. The Big 5 Reading Skills is what they came up with. You can read more about the history of the National Reading Panel here.

What are the Big 5 in Reading?

Here's a video you can watch for a visual overview of each of these Big 5 Reading Skills.

I also have this free reading skills step ladder that shows all of the steps students need to take to develop each of the Big 5 skills.

Reading Skills

The top 5 reading skills that The National Reading Panel found to be most effective in reading instruction are listed below.

Reading Skills #1: Phonemic Awareness

Listening to, identifying, and manipulating the sounds in words

You can read more about reading intervention strategies for phonemic awareness here.

Reading Skills #2: Phonics

Connecting the sounds in words to printed letters and decoding words

You can read more about reading intervention strategies for phonics here.

Reading Skills #3: Fluency

Reading with appropriate rate, accuracy, and expression

You can read more about reading intervention strategies for fluency here.

Reading Skills #4: Reading Comprehension

Understanding and thinking about what is being read

You can read more about reading intervention strategies for comprehension here.

Reading Skills #5: Vocabulary

The ability to understand and use a wide variety of words

You can read more about reading intervention strategies for vocabulary here.

Strategies for Reading Instruction

It is important to include all of the Big 5 reading skills in your reading instruction, but it can be overwhelming and confusing trying to figure out how to do that. Here are a few tips and strategies for reading instruction that can help you make sure that your students are getting help in all areas of reading they need to succeed. Also check out this Key to Stress Free Reading Intervention to help alleviate some of that overwhelm!

For more tips on how to make the most out of the reading instruction time you have, you can read this blog post on 6 Tips to Make your Reading Interventions Actually Work.

The Big 5 Reading Instruction Strategy #1:

If possible, have mini lessons for each area.

You don't need a huge long lesson for each area, each day. In fact, The National Reading Panel even reported that extensive, long lessons could even be detrimental to reading development. The most effective lessons were brief, but focused.

These Intervention Binders have the best quick and simple activities you can do with your students that require no extra prep or extravagant planning.

The Big 5 Reading Instruction Strategy #2:

Integrate as much as possible.

When students are reading, they are using all of the reading skills from each of the Big 5 areas of reading all at once. Integrating gives you more time to teach all of the reading skills, and gives them practice putting them together. For example, while teaching reading fluency, also discuss what the story is about to include reading comprehension. Use phonemic awareness to manipulate vocabulary words.

Something to note is that even though phonemic awareness is the study of the SOUNDS of words and not written letters, phonemic awareness instruction was most effective when it included letters. It was not simply decoding and reading words, but rather using letters as a support to give students a visual as they manipulated the sounds.

The Big 5 Reading Instruction Strategy #3:

When reading a story, include all 5 Reading Skills.

Instead of having a separate lesson for each area of reading, try having a lesson that revolves around a single story. It can start as a read aloud (just read the beginning of the story) and then lead into modeling of all the different skills.

Take words from the story and model using phonemic awareness to blend words together as you sound out a word.

Point out sight words as you read, and write them on the board.

Discuss any new and interesting vocabulary words.

Model and point out fluent reading.

Stop part way through the story and practice summarizing what has happened. Have students make predictions of what they think will happen next.

Let the students practice the reading skills as they finish reading the story on their own.

Looking for sight words or phonics patterns they have learned in the text (they can keep a running list on the side).

Practicing reading with fluency as they read the text out loud.

Add interesting or new words to their list.

Verify whether their prediction was right or wrong, and summarize the entire story when finished.

*Here are some of my favorite book recommendations if you are looking for books to read aloud or use in your lessons!

The Big 5 Reading Instruction Strategy #4:

Prioritize most needed aspect in guided reading (for each group), but still include all 5.

Sometimes our students need more help in one area than the others. For example, lower students may need more support in phonemic awareness at the beginning, while your higher students do not need much practice in it. When doing tier 2 reading interventions or small group reading, customize your reading instruction to that group's needs. Choose the biggest area of need and focus on that, but still include the other areas as much as possible.

The exception to this is students who are already proficient in the lower skills (phonemic awareness, phonics, and sometimes fluency). You do not need to back track and spend time on skills that students have already mastered.

If you need help identifying the areas your students need help in, this Comprehensive Reading Assessment can help you pinpoint exactly where they are struggling.

These 5 areas of reading have been proven through extensive research to be the most effective reading instructional strategies to use when teaching students how to read. Helping students develop The Big 5 reading skills will best prepare them for proficient reading and success. Comment below to tell me which areas of reading you have the hardest time fitting into your teaching schedule!

If you're interested in learning more about how to teach The Big 5 reading skills in your classroom, I have a whole blog post series you can read here on Reading Intervention Strategies for each of The Big 5 areas of reading, and a MEGA list of reading intervention activities that you can use to address a lot of these skills you can read here.

I also have a FREE Reading Intervention Cheat Sheet you can download HERE that covers each of The Big 5 Reading Skills and specific tips for how to help your students for each skill.

Happy teaching and reading!

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The Big 5 Reading Skills--Why You Need to Teach Them

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The Big 5 reading skills are the perfect guide for how to teach reading. Follow this reading skills list and use these strategies for reading instruction, and your students will have a solid foundation for reading success. Here are 5 more blog posts that go into detail about each specific area in the Big 5!

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Tips for making evidence based literacy insturction a schoolwide priority

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Tips for making evidence based literacy insturction a schoolwide priority

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Tips for Making Evidence-based Literacy Instruction a Schoolwide Priority

1. Understand EBPs

What is an EBP?
An evidence-based practice (EBP) is a strategy, approach, or program that is supported by rigorous research demonstrating its effectiveness.

Why should educators use EBPs?
EBPs are proven by research to improve important outcomes, like student reading achievement. In addition, EBPs are mandated by federal regulation (e.g., ESSA, IDEA). When teachers use EBPs to instruct struggling readers, they are more likely to address student skill deficits and narrow learning gaps.

2. Select EBPs

When selecting an EBP, identify the outcome you want to improve, then look for EBPs with evidence of a positive impact on that outcome.

When making your selection consider:

Available resources

Level of evidence for the EBP

Local needs

Training required

To locate EBPs, use trustworthy sources that provide objective summaries of research evidence, including the Institute of Education Sciences' What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), IRIS Center, National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII), and Evidence for ESSA.

3. Implement EBPs with fidelity

Research indicates that one of the most common reasons educators do not get the results they anticipate with an EBP is because they have not properly implemented it.

To implement with fidelity:

1. Understand how to implement the EBP as it was designed

2. Identify and secure resources necessary for implementation

3. Comply with the three components of fidelity: adherence, exposure, and quality of delivery

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Tips for Making Evidence-based Literacy Instruction a Schoolwide Priority

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What is an EBP? An evidence-based practice (EBP) is a strategy, approach, or program that is supported by rigorous research demonstrating its effectiveness. Why should educators use EBPs? EBPs are proven by research to improve important outcomes, like student reading achievement. In addition, EBPs are mandated by federal regulation (e.g., ESSA, IDEA).

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Parents guide to evidence based instruction

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Parents guide to evidence based instruction

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References

Click the "References" link above to hide these references.

Beghetto, R. (2003). Scientifically Based Research. ERIC Digest. Accessed online February 9, 2011 at: http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED474304.pdf.

Cook, B.G., Tankersley, M., & Landrum, T.J. (2009). Determining evidence-based practices in special education. Council for Exceptional Children, 75(3), 365-383.

Gersten, R. (2009). Types of research and their roles in improvement of practice. National Center for Learning Disabilities. Accessed online February 9, 2011 at: http://www.ncld.org/at-school/especially-for-teachers/effective-teaching-practices/types-of-research-and-their-roles-in-improvement-of-practice.

Turnbull, A., et al. (2010). Knowledge to action guides: Preparing families to be partners in making educational decisions. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.

U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. (2003). Prepared by the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy. Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported by Rigorous Evidence: A User-Friendly Guide. Accessed online February 9, 2011 at: http://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/rigorousevid/index.html.

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Evidence-Based Practices at School: A Guide for Parents

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All parents want their children to receive the best education possible. One way to help your child succeed is to know if the school is using effective teaching and intervention practices. But how can schools and parents know if a practice is effective?

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As an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) was created in 2002 to be a central and trusted source of scientific evidence for what works in education.

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academic achievement in reading; k-12 education; digitally based assessment; diverse student groups; naep results; assessment in reading comprehension; the nation's report card

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Explore the NAEP reading assessment, sample questions for literary and informational texts, and academic achievement results from The Nation's Report Card.

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Writing and grammar curriculum designed for today's classrooms

NoRedInk simplifies the process of building strong writers and critical thinkers in Grades 3-12. Our writing platform facilitates effective instruction by helping teachers engage students through modeling, scaffolding, practice, and feedback.

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Unlock Every Writer's Potential | NoRedInk

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NoRedInk offers authentic assessments, adaptive practice, personalized content, and actionable data to improve your students' writing and grammar skills!

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Finding Center: How Learning Centers Evolved in a Secondary, Student-Centered Classroom (Movitz) | Read Write Think

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Links to a long list of strategies for various literacy skills

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Fourth and Fifth Grade | Florida Center for Reading Research

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Fourth Grade and Fifth Grade Student Center Activities Advanced Phonics | Fluency | Vocabulary | Comprehension

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Includes literacy insturction for ELLs

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English Language Learners (ELLs) can have a wide variety of needs in their reading and writing instruction. Some students may read and write fluently in their native language while others will enter the classroom with little or no prior literacy instruction. This resource section covers many topics, including grade-level strategies and ideas for teaching more advanced reading and writing skills such as those required by the Common Core State Standards. With the right supports and opportunities for engagement, ELLs can become successful, life-long readers as seen in this section.

What You'll Find in This Section

For English language learners (ELLs) in upper grades, reading needs may vary greatly. Some students will read fluently in their native language, while others may come in with very limited literacy skills and will require creative approaches for teachers and literacy coaches. These resources include ideas for creating a safe, comfortable setting where adolescent ELLs can begin to catch up and increase confidence over time. For additional ideas, visit our sister site about adolescent literacy, AdLit.org.

What does it take to help English language learners (ELLs) become successful writers? This section offers a number of ideas and resources from veteran educators and researchers for students of all ages and proficiency levels. For examples of student writing projects, see our Student Voices section.

For English language learners (ELLs) in upper grades, reading needs may vary greatly. Some students will read fluently in their native language, while others may come in with very limited literacy skills and will require creative approaches for teachers and literacy coaches. These resources include ideas for creating a safe, comfortable setting where adolescent ELLs can begin to catch up and increase confidence over time. For additional ideas, visit our sister site about adolescent literacy, AdLit.org.

What does it take to help English language learners (ELLs) become successful writers? This section offers a number of ideas and resources from veteran educators and researchers for students of all ages and proficiency levels. For examples of student writing projects, see our Student Voices section.

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English Language Learners (ELLs) can have a wide variety of needs in their reading and writing instruction. Some students may read and write fluently in their native language while others will enter the classroom with little or no prior literacy instruction.

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Through fun monster characters and colour, Monster Phonics creates a love of learning. Here is a sample of our multisensory resources. Why not take a free 15-day trial of our complete systematic synthetic phonics programme?

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Through fun monster characters and colour, Monster Phonics creates a love of learning. Here is a sample of our multisensory resources. Why not take a free 15-day trial of our complete systematic synthetic phonics programme?

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https://www.hmhco.com/blog/notice-and-note-signposts-in-reading

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So, you've heard about the Notice & Note signposts and are curious. Maybe you've seen the books written by Kylene Beers and Robert Probst, like Notice & Note: Strategies for Close Reading and Reading Nonfiction: Notice & Note Stances, Signposts, and Strategies. Maybe a colleague has mentioned how much richer discussions have been since she introduced Notice & Note strategies in her class. Maybe your team is considering adopting them.

The popularity of the Notice & Note strategies for close reading continues to grow among teachers across the country. That's because so many teachers find that their students read more closely and have better discussions when they use these strategies.

At the heart of Notice & Note are the signposts. Beers and Probst, the Notice & Note originators, spent years studying the common features of fiction and nonfiction texts that help students understand and engage with their reading. Then Beers and Probst worked with students and teachers in the classrooms to refine the list of features to include only the most helpful, as shown below.

Each of the Notice & Note signposts for fiction and nonfiction has an associated anchor question. When students learn to identify the signposts as they read and ask themselves the question, they think more deeply about the author's choices and the meaning of the text.

What Are the 6 Signposts in Reading Fiction?

Contrasts and Contradictions

Aha Moment

Tough Questions

Words of the Wiser

Again and Again

Memory Moment

What Are the 5 Signposts in Reading Nonfiction?

Contrasts and Contradictions

Extreme or Absolute Language

Numbers and Stats

Quoted Words

Word Gaps

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Introducing Notice & Note Signposts in Your Classroom

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Incorporate Notice & Note Signposts into your reading or ELA curriculum with these strategies and tips for teachers.

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https://www.popplet.com/

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Important — Popplet.com service is ending July 1, 2026. Please read the official announcement here,and visit our new site Superstructures.io.

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https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-topics/fluency

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Fluency is the ability to read a text correctly and quickly. Find out what strategies are recommended to improve students' fluency and how to incorporate those strategies at home and at school. Refresh your fluency instruction! Try the Fluency module in our free, self-paced online course, Reading 101: A Guide to Teaching Reading and Writing.

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http://www.kellygallagher.org/article-of-the-week

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I teach, I write, I travel, I talk—to help students become better readers and writers.

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Reading and Scaffolding Expository Texts

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Reading and Scaffolding Expository Texts

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References

Click the "References" link above to hide these references.

Armbruster, B., Anderson, T.H., & Ostertag, J. (1989). Teaching text structure to improve reading and writing. The Reading Teacher, 43(2), 130-137.
Biancarosa, G. & Snow, C. (2004). Reading Next - A vision for action and research in middle school and high school literacy. Washington, DC: Alliance for Excellent Education.
Buehl, D. (2001). Classroom strategies for interactive learning. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.
Burke, J. (2000). Reading reminders: Tools, tips and techniques. Portsmouth, NH: Boynton/Cook.
Fisher, D. & Frey, D. (2008). Improving adolescent literacy: content area strategies at work.Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Garber-Miller, K. (2007). Playful textbook previews: Letting go of familiar mustache monologues. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy 50(4), 284-288.
Readance, J.E., Bean, T.W. & Baldwin, R.S. (2004). Content area literacy: An integrated approach. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.
Smith, P. & Tompkins, G. (1998). Structured notetaking: A new strategy for content areas. Journal of Reading 32(1), 46-53.

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Reading (and Scaffolding) Expository Texts

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The five most common structures utilized in informational text are cause-effect, comparison-contrast, definition-example, problem-solution, and proposition support or sequential listing. To help students recognize and identify these structures, teachers can acquaint them with the signal or cue words authors utilize in writing each of the structures.

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https://textproject.org/

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TextProject is the only website with student texts and teacher guides based on the science of reading-available for free download. Download our research-based, open-access resources for teachers, teacher educators, parents, tutors, and students.

TextProject is the only website with high-quality student texts and teacher guides that are all available for free download.

download-student-texts-banner

Leveled | Research-based | Open access

Vocabulary instruction through networks of words

Vocabulary instruction through networks of words

A blog and video series based on evidence from reading research

A blog and video series based on evidence from reading research

Free Classroom Materials for Teaching Reading

Classroom-proven resources including favorite books, reading passages, vocabulary lessons, word pictures, literacy lists & forms.

Free Student Texts

Free texts for reading instruction! TextProject is the sole website with free texts based on the science of reading.

For programs such as BeginningReaders and FYI for Kids, world-renowned researcher and teacher educator, Patricia Cunningham, has written lessons to accompany the texts.

Vocabulary Instruction

Vocabulary is the strongest predictor of reading comprehension. TextProject provides free resources for the four kinds of vocabulary words that contribute to reading comprehension: core, academic, content-area, and literary.

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Strategies, tools, and texts to bring beginning and struggling readers to proficient levels of literacy

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Adolescent literacy, adolescent literacy research, reading and writing strategies, MG and YA text, adolescent literacy videos

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https://www.teachervision.com/lesson-planning/graphic-organizer

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Graphic Organizers & Choice Boards

This collection of ready-to-use graphic organizers will help children classify ideas and communicate more effectively. All of our printable graphic organizers are designed to facilitate understanding of key concepts by allowing students to visually identify key points and ideas. By using graphic organizers across all subject areas, you will be empowering your students to master subject-matter faster and more efficiently. We have graphic organizers for reading, science, writing, math, and for general classroom use. You'll also find blank printable templates like graph paper, dot arrays, and other useful tools.

Popular Graphic Organizer Collections

Self-assessment Graphic Organizers

Growth Mindset Graphic Organizers

Graphic Organizers (PreK-2)

Help students, grades pre-K-2, with their reading comprehension, main idea organization, and more using our graphic organizers.

Graphic Organizers (Grades 3-5)

Help your grade 3-5 students with their organization by using our graphic organizers and reading webs.

Graphic Organizers (Grades 9-12)

These graphic organizers for grades 9-12 will aid students in reading comprehension, writing abilities, and sequencing.

Writing Graphic Organizers

Help students organize their writing with these sequence charts, reading organizers, outlines, webs, and more!

Research Graphic Organizers

Support students to practice and develop essential research skills.

Science Graphic Organizers

Use our venn diagrams, graphic organizer worksheets, and instructions to help your students organize their scientific thought.

Timelines and Sequence Charts

Sequence stories and picture orders with these timeline and sequence charts.

Reading Comprehension

Enhance your student's reading comprehension with these webs, main idea charts, plot summaries and more with our reading comprehension graphic organizers!

Concept Maps and Idea Webs

These concept maps and idea webs will help students organize their thoughts, whether they are history, science, or language arts related.

Math Graphic Organizers

Help your students enhance their math skills and stay on track with these homework checklists, KWL charts, column charts and more.

Galleries

These galleries provide you the best graphic organizers for every occasion. Whether it be writing, science, literature, or animal related, we have a slideshow for it all!

Customizable Graphic Organizers

Use our customizable graphic organizers to tailor each one to the specific lesson of the day.

KWL Charts

Help students organize what they know, what they want to know, and what they have learned with these KWL charts relating to all subjects.

Venn Diagrams

Venn Diagrams are a great way for students to compare and contrast two (or three) concepts. Use our venn diagrams to accompany your lesson for any subject.

Cause and Effect

Each effect has a cause. Help students identify the two in their readings, writing, and more with our cause and effect printable worksheets.

Main Idea and Supporting Details

It is important for students to distinguish main ideas and supporting details in order to comprehend their readings. We have provided printable graphic organizers, such as a stair step organizer, to help students organize the main idea from the supporting details.

Choice Boards

Choice Boards are similar to graphic organizers because they can be downloaded, printed, and given to students. What sets Choice Boards apart is that they provide students with the opportunity for choice. Rather than a graphic organizer that has one assignment, a choice board provides multiple ways that students can explore a topic or skill and demonstrate their learning. Choice boards also help you differentiate your instruction, as you can support students to make a choice that best aligns with their learning needs and learning preferences. Access our library of choice boards below.

Holiday Choice Boards

Math Choice Boards

English Language Arts Choice Boards

Social Studies Choice Boards

Science Choice Boards

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Graphic organizers for teachers grades K-12.

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ESL tools and resources

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A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners

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https://www.eslcafe.com/

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Welcome to Dave's ESL Cafe, the leading destination for all things ESL. From job opportunities and teaching resources to grammar guides and community forums, we're here to help you navigate the world of ESL. Whether you're a teacher, learner, or employer, explore a universe of possibilities with us.

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https://www.writeguy.net/

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Jeff has been sharing writing strategies with teachers and students for over 30 years. Whether presenting at national conferences like NCTE, ASCD, or in classrooms or writing his books for teachers or middle grade readers, Jeff's passion for writing and grammar inspires teachers and young writers to soar. When he's not writing with his "revising" dogs at home near downtown San Antonio, Texas, he's walking, talking, or doing staff development around the US (and sometimes New Zealand).

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Listen to POPcast: A Patterns of Power Podcast Spotify Apple Audible Jeff has been sharing writing strategies with teachers and students for over 30 years. Whether [...]

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Alice Walker in the Classroom: "Living by the Word"

Carol Jago offers readers a handy guide for bringing this celebrated author's work into the classroom, including biographical information, ideas for literature circles using Walker's short stories, sample writing lessons using Walker's poems, suggestions for teaching The Color Purple, and a wealth of resources for further investigation of Alice Walker and her work.

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Alice Walker in the Classroom: "Living by the Word" Carol Jago offers readers a handy guide for bringing this celebrated author's work into the classroom, including biographical information, ideas for literature circles using Walker's short stories, sample writing lessons using Walker's poems, suggestions for teaching The Color Purple, and a wealth of resources for further investigation of Alice Walker and her work.

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http://ftp.everythingesl.net/

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Seven Teaching Strategies for Classroom Teachers of ELLs
Learn 7 key strategies classroom teachers must know to provide an effective learning environment for ELLs.

Quick tip! Your ELLs may interact well with classmates but be floundering academically. BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication skills) may be learned quickly. However, CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiencies) may take 5 to 10 years to acquire. If your students are unable to understand your language arts or social studies lessons, they have acquired BIC skills but lack CALP.

Soaring High with Kites
Help your ESL students obtain new heights in English language learning through this dynamic unit on kites. Through this topic your students can study the importance of kites in cultures around the world and investigate the role that kites have played in scientific discovery,

Memoirs and Personal Essays
When your middle school class is reading and writing memoirs, how can you include your English language learners in the lesson? What do you do if you have ELLs at many different levels?

How long does it take to learn English?
The most frequently asked question of ESL professionals by mainstream teachers, administrators, and even politicians concerns how long it should take English language learners to acquire English.

St. Patrick's Day Shamrocks
Use St. Patricks's Day to give your students an opportunity to learn and use figurative language in English.

Challenges for ELLs in Content Area Learning
Do you want to help classroom teachers in your school with their English language learners? Begin by understanding the challenges ELLs face in their content area learning.

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everythingESL: The K-12 ESL Resource from Judie Haynes

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Seven Teaching Strategies for Classroom Teachers of ELLs
Learn 7 key strategies classroom teachers must know to provide an effective learning environment for ELLs.

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https://www.region10.org/programs/dyslexia-statewide/techplan/techplan-technology-available-for-mobile-devices/

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SECTION TWO: Technology Available for Mobile Devices

The following is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any specific product.
It is intended to provide examples of instructional resources.

The price, capacity, and flexibility of handheld devices make them attractive complements to laptop and desktop computing for students with dyslexia. In addition, tablets and other touch devices make text more accessible. The following apps are a sampling of what is available for free or at a low cost; however, students must have access to a mobile device in order to use them:

Classroom Uses of a Handheld Device, and/or Tablet

The following is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any specific product.
It is intended to provide examples of instructional resources.

Handheld technology has the ability to offer quick access for students. This technology is usually readily available, mobile, flexible, and convenient. When budgetary constraints limit the purchase of permanent technology, mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, may be a more plausible purchase. The following are examples of classroom uses of mobile devices:

Language Development - Students use the voice recording feature to podcast their work. After reading a book, a student develops a book report that includes a brief summary of his or her story and then records the report using a handheld device. The teacher posts the podcast to the class website where it can be accessed from home or the classroom.

Lesson Review - Students use the video feature to capture lesson examples in the form of short video clips. The students then review the lessons at a later date and share ideas with each other.

Organizational Skills - Students organize their daily class work and homework assignments using the calendar application.

Reading Fluency - Using the voice recording feature, students record themselves reading to improve their accuracy, rate, and prosody. Students then listen to each other's recordings and follow along with the books.

Reminders Feature - Students set appointments and are sent reminders based on the time of day or their location as indicated by the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Video Conferencing - Students use "Facetime" or other video conferencing software that works with Wi-Fi to collaborate on homework assignments.

Additional Sources for Educational Apps
The following websites provide collections of apps that may be helpful to individuals with dyslexia, parents of students with dyslexia, and education professionals.
Dyslexia Help Success Starts Here: http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps

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Techplan - Technology Available for Mobile Devices

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The following is not an exhaustive list nor is it a recommendation of any specific product. It is intended to provide examples of instructional resources. The price, capacity, and flexibility of handheld devices make them attractive complements to laptop and desktop computing for students with dyslexia.

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WWC Improving adolescent literacy report

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WWC Improving adolescent literacy report

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https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Docs/PracticeGuide/adlit_pg_082608.pdf

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WWC Teaching Secondary Students to Write Effectively

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WWC Teaching Secondary Students to Write Effectively

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https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Docs/PracticeGuide/508_WWCPG_SecondaryWriting_122719.pdf

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Providing Reading Intervention for Grades 4-9

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Providing Reading Intervention for Grades 4-9

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https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuide/29

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Routinely use a set of comprehension-building practices to help students make sense of the text

Part 3A. Build students' world and word knowledge so they can make sense of the text

Part 3B. Consistently provide students with opportunities to ask and answer questions to better understand the text they read

Part 3C. Teach students a routine for determining the gist of a short section of text

Part 3D. Teach students to monitor their comprehension as they read

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reading intervention; reading instruction; literacy; reading difficulties; reading disabilities; comprehension; fluency; decoding; comprehension monitoring; world knowledge; word knowledge; vocabulary; stretch text; grade 4; grade 5; grade 6; grade 7; grade 8; grade 9

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WWC | Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4-9

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Routinely use a set of comprehension-building practices to help students make sense of the text Part 3A. Build students' world and word knowledge so they can make sense of the text Part 3B. Consistently provide students with opportunities to ask and answer questions to better understand the text they read Part 3C.

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Very helpful research and commentary on comprehension strategies

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Teacher question: Our reading program has us evaluating students on several strategies and reading skills (e.g., orienting, predicting, monitoring, story elements, identifying point of view, word solving, retelling, inferring character traits, determining theme). It provides grade level rubrics so that we can tell the difference between whether students are doing 4th grade or 5th grade work. We are also encouraged to have the students themselves self-assess their progress on these elements. The idea is that we are to use these evaluations to help students see where they are. Is this kind of t...

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Literacy Education | Shanahan on Literacy

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Tim Shanahan is a premier literacy educator in reading instruction and comprehension. He is a Public Speaker and Advocate for Literacy Education. Contact us for more information!