Resources for Teachers
Cambria and Guthrie (2010) argue that the will, or motivation, are extremely important when working with students who are learning to read. Several authors (Gambrell, 2011; Ciampa, 2012; Fox, 2014; Cambria & Guthrie, 2010) suggest that will exists when certain motivational factors are present in the classroom and that skill deficits must be addressed by educators to improve motivation. We as teachers have to figure out different ways and use different resources to motivate our students and provide them engaging opportunities that support their literacy needs.
Resource #1
Name: National Center for Families Learning
Hyperlinks:
Main web page: https://www.familieslearning.org/mission
Free Resources page: https://www.familieslearning.org/resources
Description: NCFL develops and provides programming, professional development, and resources for families. Their goal is to enable teachers, parents, and caregivers to recognize that they can help affect changes in their lives, the lives of children, and their communities.
Cost: Many resources on this site are free- others, like professional development for teachers, are available for a fee.
Strengths:
Many, if not most, of the available resources are free
A variety of resources are available for both teachers and parents/families. These resources include: webinars, professional development for educators,
Materials can be reproduced, no copyright laws to contend with.
Weaknesses:
Internet connectivity is required to access this resource-not all families have access to the internet or devices with which to access the internet.
NCFL is maintained via donations, therefore these resources cannot be counted on if the non-profits funds dry up.
Many, if not most, of the available resources are free
A variety of resources are available for both teachers and parents/families. These resources include: webinars, professional development for educators,
Materials can be reproduced, no copyright laws to contend with.
Internet connectivity is required to access this resource-not all families have access to the internet or devices with which to access the internet.
NCFL is maintained via donations, therefore these resources cannot be counted on if the non-profits funds dry up.
Name: Global Family Research Project
Hyperlink: https://globalfrp.org/About-Us
Description: The Global Family Research Project is the successor to the Harvard Family Research Project (1983-2016), which separated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education Jan. 1, 2017, and it is no longer affiliated with Harvard University. This organization has a long history of helping to promote the fields of family, school, and community engagement.
Cost: N/A
Strengths:
The available resources are free
A variety of resources are available for both teachers and parents/families. These resources include: blogs, research publications, policy briefs, infographics, and videos.
Materials can be reproduced, no copyright laws to contend with.
Weaknesses:
Internet connectivity is required to access this resource-not all families have access to the internet or devices with which to access the internet.
Global Family Research Project is maintained via donations, therefore these resources cannot be counted on if the non-profits funds dry up.
The available resources are free
A variety of resources are available for both teachers and parents/families. These resources include: blogs, research publications, policy briefs, infographics, and videos.
Materials can be reproduced, no copyright laws to contend with.
Internet connectivity is required to access this resource-not all families have access to the internet or devices with which to access the internet.
Global Family Research Project is maintained via donations, therefore these resources cannot be counted on if the non-profits funds dry up.
Resource #3
Name: Barbara Bush Foundation for Early Literacy
Hyperlink: https://www.barbarabush.org/literacy-resources
Description: The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is a non-profit, public charitable organization- Site states “Improved literacy rates have the power to strengthen our economy by boosting labor productivity, cutting billions of dollars in healthcare costs, and breaking the cycle of poverty for families in need. And we need involvement from businesses, educators, philanthropists, influencers, technology experts, advocates, and policymakers to join our efforts to make literacy a reality for every American” (https://www.barbarabush.org)
Cost: most are free- you can purchase story recordings on the foundations Amazon page
Strengths:
All available resources are free
A variety of resources are available for both teachers and parents/families. These resources include: podcasts, reading resource library for teachers,
Materials can be reproduced, no copyright laws to contend with
Address both youth and adult literacy needs
Weaknesses:
Internet connectivity is required to access this resource-not all families have access to the internet or devices with which to access the internet.
This organization is maintained via donations, therefore these resources cannot be counted on if the non-profits funds dry up.
Resource #4
Name: Book Club for Kids podcast (available online or wherever you listen to podcasts)
Hyperlink: https://www.bookclubforkids.org/
Description: This is a free, 20-minute podcast devoted to middle grade books and readers. Each show features a trio of students discussing a favorite book, an interview with the author, and a celebrity reading. Kitty Felde is the host. The podcast has been “Top 10 Podcasts for Children” in the world by The Times of London. Book Club for Kids has received the California Library Association's Technology Professional Award and the DC Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Humanities.
Cost: N/A
Strengths:
- May help promote reading engagement and motivation amoung junior high and middle schoolers
- No internet connection
- No cost
- New episodes periodically
- Listeners can contribute their own questions and may be able to have them answered on the podcast.
- Parents and teachers can sign up for free reading tips via email.
- Some episodes are also available to watch for free on Youtube.
Weaknesses:
- Target audience is for middle school, not a huge range of text levels available for younger or older grade levels.
- Requires some sort of tablet, computer, etc to access
Resource #5
Name: Disrupting Poverty: Five Powerful Classroom Practices- by Kathleen M. Budge and William H. Parrett
Hyperlink: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1416625275/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WGG8Z8NR235QP9TGSY34
Description: Book aimed at educators, this text explores classroom-tested strategies and practices, plus online templates and exercises that can be used for personal reflection or ongoing collaboration with colleagues. Disrupting Poverty provides teachers, administrators, coaches, and others with the background information and the practical tools needed to help students break free from the cycle of poverty.
Cost: $23.19 on Amazon (also available on various other online retailers)
Strengths:
- Provides specific classroom strategies teachers can use in their classrooms
- Bonus online content with purchase of the book
- Both authors are experienced educators
- Contains a self-inventory for reader to identify possible misconceptions they may harbor
Weaknesses:
- Cost to obtain (although it is suggested to look at your local public library before purchasing)
- Not reproducible or shareable with colleagues/co-workers
- Targets educators only- not very parent-friendly
Resource #6
Name:
Reading is Fundamental Literacy Central
Hyperlink: https://www.rif.org/reading-rockets
Description:
RIF provides information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help. On this website it discusses topics including choosing children's books, ways to engage with your child's school, ways to involve the whole family, and helping kids with learning disabilities. Parents can look for more articles and information and to sign up for monthly tips in English and Spanish, by going to http://www.readingrockets.org/newsletters/extras. Available Podcasts: Designed for teachers, parents, caregivers, and anyone else interested in helping children learn to read. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watch-learn-reading-rockets/id253375672.
Cost:N/A
Strengths: Promotes a positive relationship with reading, and the site is overflowing with appealing graphics, books, and activities. Teachers can also project the site for the whole class so the group can follow along with the songs, or they can simply show kids the animated books as an alternative to story time. Students may visit the site on their own during free play or if you want them to have fun interacting with books and literacy topics with the use of technology.
Weaknesses:Book choice can be limited.
Resource #7
Name:
Naeyc
Hyperlink:
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/for-families
Description:
Teachers can find research-based resources, tips and ideas for families (from child development to reading), writing, music, math, and more through Naeyc.org. This website also provides articles on young children's learning and development. The NAEYC blog aims to increase general awareness and engage the public in thoughtful discussion around topics and themes related to early childhood education. Teachers can use this resource to find new ideas and become more informed on high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. Educators can also connect with professionals in their community at conferences, networking events, advocacy efforts, leadership opportunities and more through this organization.
Cost: $30
Strengths: Tips for parents, and ideas for families from child development to reading, writing, music, math, and more. Teachers can gather ideas for implementing developmentally appropriate practice, fostering strong family engagement, and many other things.
Weaknesses: Cost to join and be a member.
Resource #8
Name:
Love and Logic
Hyperlink:
https://www.loveandlogic.com/pages/articles-and-advice-for-parents
Description:
Love and Logic is a research-driven, whole-child philosophy founded in 1977 by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D. It is the approach of choice among leading educators, parents, and other professionals worldwide. The Love and Logic Institute is dedicated to making parenting and teaching fun and rewarding, instead of stressful and chaotic. This institute provides practical tools and techniques that help adults achieve respectful, healthy relationships with their children and students. Parents and teachers can read the book or log into the website to learn more about this philosophy.
Cost: book- $15.95
Audiobook- $11.95
Strengths: It gives students choices and empowers them, It provides solutions to real situations, less theory and more practical examples, it places the responsibility on the person who owns the problem. Provides ways to diffuse power struggles. It gives control to students regarding their own life and education. Teachers can develop techniques and strategies that support all learners in the classroom including learners in poverty. How we treat, react, and speak to our students matters, especially in the classroom. This book gives great tips on how to nurture our students in a welcoming classroom environment.
Weaknesses: Requires modification for younger ages. Some examples seem to simplify the real world situations.
Resource #9
Name:
Common Lit
Hyperlink: https://www.commonlit.org/en/parents_and_guardians
Description: CommonLit is a free digital tool that helps students in grades 5-12 make measurable gains in reading and writing. Parents can go to CommonLit.org, create a free account, and access our free library of high-interest, standards-aligned lessons for their children. Parents can also track student progress toward mastery of specific literacy skills. The focus of CommonLit is to help adolescents develop the higher-order reading and writing skills that are so essential for college—crafting original arguments, supporting claims with evidence, and making comparisons.
Cost: Free
Strengths: Offers teachers and students a free collection of news articles, poems, short stories, historical documents, and complex nonfiction texts-all organized by theme and Lexile level.
Weaknesses: May be hard for parents and students to navigate. Text does not adjust to student reading level automatically.
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