Literacy and reading coaches, sometimes referred to as literary coordinators or instructional coordinators, are a vital part of the education system in the United States and across the world. They work with educators and students to enhance classroom learning by helping to develop curriculum-based lesson plans, conducting lesson demonstrations and evaluations, and analyzing student literacy… Read More

The state of literacy in the U.S. is undoubtedly alarming with over 36 million adults unable to read, write, or do math above a third-grade level. But with the advent and expansion of technology, literacy instruction is certainly evolving. Literacy expert Jennifer Serravallo is the author of such bestsellers as The Reading Strategies Book and she helps educators navigate this… Read More

When novels burst onto the literary scene in the 18th century with Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, they presented something truly new: the idea that a common person and his pursuits could matter. This concept shattered the notion that books needed to focus on high-minded ideals and individuals of high social value. Nearly a quarter of… Read More

We know there are many benefits to teaching STEAM lessons and activities, but sometimes it’s hard to know which STEM- or STEAM-related book to check out for lesson planning when there are hundreds to choose from. So we scoured the market for the best STEM and STEAM books to help streamline the process, and we’ve… Read More

The advent and expansion of STEAM doesn’t mean a movement away from language arts. On the contrary, scientists, engineers, technologists, artists, and mathematicians all need literacy skills, an appreciation and understanding of the human experience, and strong writing abilities. English language arts doesn’t sit apart from STEAM. In fact, the two fit nicely together, building… Read More

Literacy deeply and persistently impacts access to education, economic development, and life outcomes. Even in our modern world, the numbers are startling. Millions — around the world and in our own country — remain functionally illiterate, reading below the basic level. The International Literacy Association views “literacy as the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create,… Read More

The skill of determining importance in a nonfiction text is an area in which students of all ages often struggle. For emerging readers, it can require so much attention to merely get through reading a nonfiction text, that it’s easy not to process what the text actually says, much less pull out the important details… Read More

Think back to your middle or high school English class and the books you read. Great Gatsby? Lord of the Flies? Maybe 1984 or Les Misérables? While those are all important works, the literary canon has long been dominated by white authors, white perspectives, white characters — and those voices are often male. There are so… Read More

Updated January 6, 2021 Right now an unprecedented situation has griped the country. Teachers are forced to teach online amongst school closures. Budgets everywhere are strained and conferences have likely been cancelled. While seminars and in-person courses are the normal ways for educators to gain professional development, there are tons of alternative online opportunities —… Read More

The United States is facing a literacy crisis. According to ProLiteracy, more than 36 million adults in the United States cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third grade level. The One World Literacy Foundation has found that two thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will… Read More

The United States is facing a literacy crisis. Yes, crisis. It isn’t new, but its impacts upon our kids, our economy, and our society are far-reaching and expanding. How bad is it? Take a look at some numbers. More than 30 million adults in the United States cannot read, write, or do basic math above a… Read More

It’s seems obvious, right? If students have increased access to a diverse and abundant selection of books, they’ll be more likely to discover something they like and read more. And yet, many of our nation’s children lack access to books at home and have lackluster classroom libraries. Providing a bounty of books for students is… Read More

The holiday season is truly magical when we set aside time to focus on the joy and wonder of the world. Families and friends gather, spread the cheer, and and indulge in traditions. It’s a time when adults have an easier time viewing the world through the eyes of the children that we have been… Read More

Students who avoid reading or seem disinterested can often be reached when different strategies are used to connect with them. First we have to find out why they are reluctant to read. Then we need to tap into their interests and strengths to motivate them. Here are a few common problems reluctant readers face and… Read More