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1 Video: Talking and writing a grocery list

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1 Video: Talking and writing a grocery list

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Phonics A- Z Mouth Shapes｜How to Say Phonics for Kids

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1 Activity: Short Vowel Practice to Print

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1 Activity: Short Vowel Practice to Print

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2 VideoA:  Letter Naming with a Letter Arc

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2 VideoA:  Letter Naming with a Letter Arc

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2 Video: Beginning Middle and Ending Sounds

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2 Video: Beginning Middle and Ending Sounds

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2 Activity: Beginning Middle and Ending Sounds Printable

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2 Activity: Beginning Middle and Ending Sounds Printable

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Say and Slide Individual Sounds in Words

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Letter–Sound Practice and Building Words

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1 Video: Talking about book while reading

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1 Video: Talking about book while reading

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1.2 Talking While You Read Stories (The Day the Crayons Quit)

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1 Video: Reading along with your child to support fluency

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1 Video: Reading along with your child to support fluency

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Video 1: Reading with Your Student at Home

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Video 1: Reading with Your Student at Home

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Spelling and Reading Words With Silent e

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3.1 Building Words With R-Controlled Vowels

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8 Activity: r controlled vowels printable

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8 Activity: r controlled vowels printable

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1 Activity: Talking about the book printable 

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1 Activity: Talking about the book printable 

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2 Video: Talking about the book as your child is reading

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2 Video: Talking about the book as your child is reading

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1.  Activity: When I Read to You, When You Read to Me Bookmark 

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1.  Activity: When I Read to You, When You Read to Me Bookmark 

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3.2 Map and Swoop Consonant -le Syllable Pattern

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9 Activity: Mapping 2 syllable words printable

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9 Activity: Mapping 2 syllable words printable

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1 Activity Spanish:  When I read to you, When you read to me Bookmark

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1 Activity Spanish:  When I read to you, When you read to me Bookmark

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2 Activity: Talking about the book printable

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2 Activity: Talking about the book printable

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10 Activity: How many words can you make printable

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10 Activity: How many words can you make printable

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11 Activity: Mapping Sounds to Spell Printable

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11 Activity: Mapping Sounds to Spell Printable

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1 Activity: Talking about words printable

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1 Activity: Talking about words printable

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2 Activity: Antonym and Synonym Printable

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2 Activity: Antonym and Synonym Printable

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2. Video: Summarize a story with your child

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2. Video: Summarize a story with your child

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3.  Video:  Making Inferences while reading

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3.  Video:  Making Inferences while reading

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Phonics & Stuff offers free reading games for pre-readers through early reading. Each game focuses on specific phonics skill and has customizable options for the student’s needs.

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13 Video: Changing sounds in words to make new words

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13 Video: Changing sounds in words to make new words

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1 Video: Parent Strategies for Improving Their Child's Reading and Writing

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1 Video: Parent Strategies for Improving Their Child's Reading and Writing

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Parent Strategies for Improving Their Child’s Reading and Writing

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Check out our list of ideas to help parents increase their child’s understanding of reading and writing skills and to develop confidence in learning.

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13 Activity: Changing Sounds in words printable

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13 Activity: Changing Sounds in words printable

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2 VideoB:  Letter Practice with Alphabet Arc

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2 VideoB:  Letter Practice with Alphabet Arc

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2.2 Letter Sound Practice Using a Letter Arc

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6 Activity:  Rhyme Game to Print and Play

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6 Activity:  Rhyme Game to Print and Play

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7 Video:  Saying the Beginning Middle and Ending Sound

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7 Video:  Saying the Beginning Middle and Ending Sound

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8 Video:  Changing Sounds to Make Silly Words

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8 Video:  Changing Sounds to Make Silly Words

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2.1 Read Aloud & Individual Sounds in Words (There’s a Wocket in My Pocket)

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3 Video: Syllables while reading a book with your child

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3 Video: Syllables while reading a book with your child

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2.1 Read Aloud & Syllable Practice (Silly Sally)

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Video 2: Talking about book while reading with your child

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Video 2: Talking about book while reading with your child

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1.1 Talking While You Read (Llama Llama and the Bully Goat)

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3 Video: Talking with your child while cooking

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3 Video: Talking with your child while cooking

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Video 3: Talking about the book while reading with your child

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Video 3: Talking about the book while reading with your child

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1.1 Talking While You Read (Bear Says Thanks)

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4 Article: Visualization while Reading to Your Child

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4 Article: Visualization while Reading to Your Child

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You are welcome to print copies or republish materials for non-commercial use as long as credit is given to Reading Rockets and the author(s). For commercial use, please contact info@readingrockets.org.

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Picture This! Using Mental Imagery While Reading

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One way to help a child comprehend what he is reading is to encourage him to visualize parts of the story in his mind. These "mind movies" help clarify information, increase understanding, and can include any of the five senses. Try these practices below when reading with your child.

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By Sheldon H. Horowitz, EdD on Sep 24, 2018

When I was a kid, writing meant one of two things: You either wrote by hand with a pen or pencil, or you punched keys on a typewriter. That was it. Mistakes were tough to fix and revisions hard to make. If you needed to change something, you had to carefully erase (while trying not to smudge or tear the paper) or use correction fluid or tape. And it never looked quite right.

For students with language-based learning differences like dyslexia, this caused lots of frustration. The mechanics of writing got in the way of expression. It became a big source of anxiety for kids.

All this technology has led to something else, too: Less focus on handwriting. And that has an unexpected impact on language and literacy. Less handwriting practice can make it harder for kids to learn to read.

Everyone learns best when information is presented in multiple ways. That's especially true for kids with learning and thinking differences. We call this multisensory learning.

Handwriting is a multisensory activity. As you form each letter, your hand shares information with language processing areas in your brain. As your eyes track what you're writing, you engage these areas. The same goes if you say letter sounds and words when you write.

Research shows there's something special about language development and the act of handwriting. In studies, kids who practice handwriting do better at reading and spelling. The reason? Some experts believe that forming letters by hand while learning sounds activates reading circuits in the brain that promote literacy.

Keyboarding on a computer, by contrast, hasn't been shown to improve reading. Yes, keyboarding can be a lifeline and a relief for kids with writing issues. It allows them to express themselves and have more success in school. But it's not a substitute for handwriting instruction and practice, especially in the early grades.

I don't think the challenge for teachers and parents is to decide "does handwriting matter?" It does and always will. The challenge is finding the right approach for children who struggle with writing.

Lots of kids experience real physical discomfort when holding a pencil. They complain of their fingers or arm hurting, or their hand getting tired. The sensation of gripping may be distracting. And there's the emotional toll when kids are asked over and over "What does that say?" about the letters and words they've drawn. With all this, it's tempting to ditch the pens and pencils and only use keyboards or dictation.

In Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, Maryanne Wolf talks about how technology has led to more skimming rather than reading slowly and carefully. She talks about the benefits of "cognitive patience." And she reminds us that reading quickly isn't what makes someone a good reader.

I think something similar holds true for handwriting.

Just because keyboarding is faster doesn't mean it's better. Yes, students with dyslexia and other learning differences may be able to write more easily on a computer than by hand. But that doesn't mean we should abandon handwriting.

My view: Let's give our kids every opportunity to thrive as readers and writers. They can use screens and devices and all sorts of technology. But let's also keep pens and pencils handy. Doing the slow, often difficult work of practicing handwriting can help kids become better readers and writers.

Tell us what interests you

About the author

About the author

Sheldon H. Horowitz, EdD is senior director of learning resources and research at the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

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The Unexpected Connection Between Handwriting and Learning to Read

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When I was a kid, writing meant one of two things: You either wrote by hand with a pen or pencil, or you punched keys on a typewriter. That was it. Mistakes were tough to fix and revisions hard to make.

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Audiobooks can benefit ALL readers. This post shares our top five reasons to use them both in the classroom and at home!

1. Audiobooks Increase Comprehension Through Visualization

We live in a very visual world in which television and video games do the work of providing images. Both activities are passive and neither require a person to visualize (create pictures in one's mind). The ability to visualize is necessary for reading comprehension. Audiobooks read by professional narrators, and often enhanced with sound effects, can help a student improve her ability to create pictures in her mind.

All students can benefit from listening to audiobooks. One type of reader who will find listening to text advantageous are those who read fluently, but demonstrate poor comprehension. Lack of comprehension may be a result of a student's inability to create images while reading the text. By scaffolding reading with an audio component, students may increase their understanding of the text.

2. Audiobooks Help Students Access Text Above Their Current Reading Level

Even if a student is reading on grade level, listening to books can accelerate reading growth. This helps familiarize a student with vocabulary and book language beyond his independent reading level. Through listening, a student will become accustomed to more complex language including vocabulary and sentence structure. This familiarization may enable the student to read more difficult text with confidence, comprehension, and independence.

3. Audiobooks Offer Equal Access to Learning

Audiobooks should be part of independent reading time for both English language learners and students with reading disabilities. While reading at one's independent level is necessary and important for application of skills, listening to grade level texts provides vital exposure to grade level vocabulary and concepts. They can help students keep pace with the curriculum.

Audiobooks don't have to be just for English language learners or students with reading disabilities. Giving all students equal access to such books in the classroom can help build a community of learners. Equal access based on interest, gives English language learners and students with reading disabilities an opportunity to connect with their classmates. A listening center can help all students meet with curricular demands by offering opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions that build comprehension.

4. Audiobooks Help Level the Playing Field for Vocabulary Acquisition

Students arrive at school with varying amounts of working vocabulary. In order to increase vocabulary, volume of reading matters. The more students read, the more vocabulary they are exposed to. The chart below illustrates the powerful impact only 20 minutes of reading a day can have on vocabulary. The use of audiobooks can help students increase their word knowledge.

5. Audiobooks Allow for IEP Compliance

Students who have dyslexia or specific learning disabilities often have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that require assistive technology. Audiobooks, read by professional narrators, are one type of assistive technology. They are engaging, fun to listen to, and can instill or further a love of reading. Who could ask for more?

Not convinced yet?

For more ideas on the benefits of listening to audiobooks check out one of our favorite websites, Reading Rockets.

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The Benefits of Audiobooks for ALL Readers

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Audiobooks can benefit ALL readers. This post shares our top 5 reasons to use them to increase vocabulary, build comprehension and help students visualize.

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At a glance

Some kids with executive function challenges have trouble thinking flexibly.

The more complicated schoolwork of middle school may feel overwhelming to your child.

There are ways to help middle-schoolers improve executive function skills.

If your child has trouble with executive function, learning difficulties may become more obvious in middle school. It's a bumpy time for kids anyway. The more help and support you can offer your child, the smoother the middle school years will be.

Learning challenge #1: Trouble planning

Your child's English teacher has assigned a book report. But after an hour of working on it, your child is still stuck on the first few sentences.

The role of executive function challenges: Kids may have difficulty creating a plan for getting from the beginning to the end of the assignment.

How to help: Show your child how to use a graphic organizer, such as a concept tree or a mind map. Your child can use these tools to put thoughts on paper before beginning to write.

Learning challenge #2: Inflexibility

You try to help with long division using a different technique than the teacher. Your child gets frustrated and insists it has to be done the other way - even though both approaches seem confusing.

The role of executive function challenges: Kids who struggle with executive function can have trouble thinking flexibly and changing the way they approach a problem.

How to help: Ask if the teacher would show your child different ways to approach the same type of problem. Your child will then have a teacher-approved "bag of tricks." It might also help to learn the teacher's preferred technique and reinforce that strategy at home.

Learning challenge #3: Poor working memory

Your child reads a chapter of a book but is unable to summarize what happened.

The role of executive function challenges: Kids often have weak working memory skills, making it hard for them to keep information in mind long enough to use it.

How to help: Use active reading strategies like highlighting key words and writing notes in the margins. Encourage your child to stop after every paragraph or two to take notes. Later these notes can be compiled to summarize the chapter.

Learning challenge #4: Not monitoring their work

Your child makes the same careless math error on every homework problem, even after you checked the first one and pointed out the error.

The role of executive function challenges: Kids often have trouble self-monitoring their work and recognizing when the same mistake has been repeated.

How to help: Help your child create a checklist of what needs to be double-checked on assignments. It can be as simple as asking, Did I follow all the directions on this problem?

Learning challenge #5: Trouble with time-management

Your child has long-term projects due in three different subjects. Instead of staggering the work, your child tries to do them all a few days before they're due.

The role of executive function challenges: Kids may have trouble prioritizing tasks and estimating how much time a project will take.

How to help: Ask if your child's teacher would provide a project calendar that breaks down the project into smaller pieces due each week. A points system could encourage your child to complete these smaller steps on time. Eventually, your child can create the calendar.

Learning challenge #6: Not understanding other viewpoints

The teacher reports that your child can be rude and dismissive of other students' ideas when working in groups.

The role of executive function challenges: Kids who struggle with executive function can have a hard time understanding other people's points of view and opinions different from their own.

How to help: Role-play scenarios in which you pretend to be a classmate. Use active listening skills, such as making eye contact and asking your child to clarify things when necessary. Also, let your child practice "I" statements: "I have trouble understanding people when they talk fast."

Middle school involves a lot of juggling that your child may not have encountered before. It can be tricky for a child with executive function challenges to adapt. But there are strategies you can try at home to help with organization, flexible thinking, and other skills.

Key takeaways

Your child's teacher may be able to help come up with strategies for homework.

Calendars, checklists, and note-taking can all help students stay organized.

Role-playing can help kids learn how to successfully interact with others.

About the author

About the author

Amanda Morin is the author of "The Everything Parent's Guide to Special Education" and the former director of thought leadership at Understood. As an expert and writer, she helped build Understood from its earliest days.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Jenn Osen-Foss, MAT is an instructional coach, supporting teachers in using differentiated instruction, interventions, and co-planning.

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Executive function challenges and learning: 6 ways to help your middle-schooler

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Learn about executive function challenges in middle schoolers. Find out how to help kids in grades 6 to 8 with executive function skills like working memory.

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Latin and Greek roots and affixes | Reading | Khan Academy

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3 Video: Latin and Greek roots to determine word meaning

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3 Video: Latin and Greek roots to determine word meaning

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Latin and Greek roots and affixes | Reading | Khan Academy

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4 Activity: Grocery Store Talk Printable

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4 Activity: Grocery Store Talk Printable

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 4 Resource Parent Reading Comprehension Questions

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 4 Resource Parent Reading Comprehension Questions

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Teaching children how to write the alphabet plays a crucial role in preparing them for kindergarten in several ways.

Fine Motor Skills Development: Learning to write the alphabet involves using small muscles in the hands and fingers. This practice helps children improve their fine motor skills, which are essential for activities such as holding a pencil, using scissors, and manipulating small objects, all of which are important in kindergarten.

Pre-Writing Skills: Writing the alphabet lays the foundation for more complex writing tasks. Children begin by forming simple shapes and lines, which gradually progress into letters and numbers. These pre-writing skills help them gain control over their writing utensils and build confidence in their ability to create recognizable shapes and characters.

Letter Recognition: Writing the alphabet reinforces letter recognition. As children practice writing each letter, they become more familiar with its shape, name, and associated sounds. This familiarity with letters is valuable for early literacy development, as it aids in recognizing and sounding out words.

Phonemic Awareness: Writing the alphabet can also support the development of phonemic awareness--the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds in words. As children learn to associate letters with sounds, they become better prepared to understand the fundamentals of reading and spelling.

Cognitive Skills: The process of learning to write involves cognitive skills such as memory, sequencing, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for academic tasks in kindergarten, where students are expected to follow instructions, remember information, and complete assignments.

Self-Expression: Writing allows children to express themselves creatively. Even before they can write words or sentences, they can draw pictures and create stories using the letters they know. This self-expression fosters creativity and confidence in their ability to communicate through written language.

Readiness for Classroom Activities: Kindergarten often involves activities that require writing, such as tracing letters, writing their names, and completing worksheets. Children who already have experience with the alphabet are more likely to engage actively in these activities and feel comfortable participating in classroom tasks.

Boosted Confidence: Successfully learning to write the alphabet boosts a child's confidence. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and readiness for more advanced writing tasks in kindergarten. This confidence can positively impact their overall attitude toward learning.

Preparation for Reading: Writing is closely linked to reading readiness. The skills developed through writing, including letter recognition and phonemic awareness, support the development of reading skills, making children more prepared to tackle early reading assignments.

Transition to School: Learning to write the alphabet helps children make a smoother transition to the structured environment of kindergarten. It provides them with a basic understanding of academic expectations and classroom routines.

Teaching kids how to write the alphabet serves as an important foundation for their overall readiness for kindergarten. It promotes fine motor skills, cognitive development, letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and self-expression, all of which are crucial for success in the early years of school. Let us help you make your young scholar "kindergarten ready"!

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ABC Alphabet Workbook for Kids | Student Handouts

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This free printable ABC workbook gives each letter of the alphabet its own page. Children read and trace each letter in large and small fonts. Then, children are asked to find and write a name or word which starts with each letter.

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3A Activity: High Frequency Heart Words Printable

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3A Activity: High Frequency Heart Words Printable

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Heart Word Magic - Read and Spell High Frequency Words | Really Great Reading

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Heart Word Magic - Help Students Learn to Read and Spell High-Frequency and Sight WordsHeart Word Magic is a complimentary teaching tool designed to help students learn to read and spell high-frequency words and sight words, particularly those that aren’t very decodable. Show your students the animations, then try these fun, hands-on free Student Practice

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7 Resource:  Midcontinent Library Read Alongs

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7 Resource:  Midcontinent Library Read Alongs

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This is a fantastic free workbook for kindergarten mathematics.

Students learn to write not only the numbers/numerals, but to spell them.

There is also an introduction to learning number and operations in base ten, where the students examine the number within a ten-row framework.

Tip: Have the students use the white space on each sheet to draw the given number of objects (nine circles, and so on).

Click here to print.

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Numbers Writing Workbook for Kids | Student Handouts

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This is a fantastic free workbook for kindergarten mathematics. Students learn to write not only the numbers/ numerals, but to spell them. There is also an introduction to learning number and operations in base ten, where the students examine the number within a ten-row framework.

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Prefix and Suffix Fluency Practice

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Fry Sight Words List | Sight Words: Teach Your Child to Read