Literacy Resources​

It can be next to impossible to figure out how to cross the street these days, let alone how to help your child learn how to read if he or she struggles.  On this page we'll explain some basics and connect you with a wide range of resources that may help your child begin to learn to read more successfully.

Tar Heel
Reader

Emergent Literacy Teaching Resources
Tar Heel Reader is a free online library of easy-to-read books for beginning readers of all ages.  Created in 2007 by Gary Bishop, a computer scientist at UNC-Chapel Hill, with guidance from Karen Erickson, the director of the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies, this site enables users to read and/or write books for struggling readers. One way people learn to read is by immersing themselves in piles interesting, easy reading. Children, adolescents, and adults, who are beginning readers, will love the digital piles of books found here.
When clicking the website link, look for three free online modules labeled, Shared Reading, Predictable Charts and Emergent Writing. Shared reading is a non-quiz-based way to interact with children that helps develop an interest in reading and interaction with text. Predictable chart writing is a way to teach literacy skills without any drill and practice. In this approach, one creates short, simple texts which revolve around the reader’s interests. Emergent writing is a method that helps you understand the changes you will see in form in a child’s writing before conventional writing. Once you choose a module, you will see links labeled Online Self-Directed Module and Facilitated Module Materials for Groups. The left link, Online Self-Directed Module, is the most efficient way to learn the material. The right link, Facilitated Module Materials for Groups, makes information and videos easily downloadable, accessed, and shared. This module is recommended for groups or anyone wanting to explore the additional materials. ​

Comprehensive Literacy Instructional Resources

Below are resources that are available on how to implement a comprehensive model of literacy instruction. This model provides students with equal amounts of guided reading, writing, words, and self-directed reading instruction and experience. Elaborated descriptions and links to resources for each of these can be found by clicking on the component headings to the right. 
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Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write by Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver presents a comprehensive model of instruction along with specific applications for students with disabilities. ($ 39. 95 at https://brookespublishing.com/).
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The Teacher's Guide to the Four Blocks by Patricia Cunningham, Dorothy Hall, and Cheryl Sigmon is the easiest-to-read, plain English explanation of the Four-Block Model of comprehensive instruction.  It is also available for $.01 used at Amazon (+$3.99 postage). 
(Note:  Prices are those found in recent Amazon searches and may vary on the day you search.  We have attempted to provide you with the most inexpensive options.)