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Reading 101
Reading 101
Explore reading basics as well as the key role of background knowledge and motivation in becoming a lifelong reader and learner. Watch our PBS Launching Young Readers series and try our self-paced Reading 101 course to deepen your understanding.
Visit the Reading 101 Overview
In the Classroom
In the Classroom
Browse our library of evidence-based teaching strategies, learn more about using classroom texts, find out what whole-child literacy instruction looks like, and dive deeper into comprehension, content area literacy, writing, and social-emotional learning.
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Helping All Readers
Helping All Readers
Many children need extra support to become skilled readers. Learn more about why some kids struggle, what effective interventions look like, how to create inclusive classrooms so every child can thrive, and much more.
Visit the Helping All Readers Overview
Books & Authors
Books & Authors
Meet your favorite book creators, launch an author study, browse our themed booklists, get tips on how to choose and use kids’ books, find guidance on building a more diverse bookshelf, celebrate annual literacy events with us, and more!
Visit the Books & Authors Overview
Literacy at Home
Literacy at Home
Discover how to support your child’s growth as a young reader and writer — with our Reading 101 for Families guide, bilingual parent tips, ideas for building your child’s knowledge of the world, Q&A with experts, and guidance on connecting with your child’s school.
Visit the Literacy at Home Overview
Topics

Diverse group of kids learning about bees and honey in elementary classroom

Background Knowledge

Photo by Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages

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Reading Topics A-Z
Background Knowledge

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Articles

The Basics

Background Knowledge

Five Key Principles for Effective Vocabulary Instruction

Background Knowledge

Five Kinds of STEM-themed Nonfiction Books for Kids

Background Knowledge

Literacy at Home

Reading Aloud

Getting the Most Out of Nonfiction Reading Time

Ed Tech and Digital Media

Children and Digital Media: Rethinking Parent Roles

Background Knowledge

Use Summer Fun to Build Background Knowledge

In the Classroom

Vocabulary

Previewing Vocabulary Before Reading

Background Knowledge

Connect Students’ Background Knowledge to Content in the ELL Classroom

Videos

Author Christina Soontornvat: Bringing storytelling into museum education

Author Christina Soontornvat learned that whether through an exhibit, program, or story, kids — anyone! — need to feel something in order to really learn and retain something.

Comprehension: Helping ELLs Grasp the Full Picture

Dr. Cynthia Lundgren and Kristina Robertson discuss effective reading comprehension strategies for English language learners.

Reading to Learn: English Language Learners in Grades 4-6

Dr. Nonie Lesaux addresses the challenges facing English language learners—and their teachers—in grades 4-6.

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Blog Posts

Book Life

Celebrate Expression Through Art and Poetry

Book Life

Develop Your Knowledge

Expert Q&A

How can I help my early elementary students develop their reading comprehension skills?

Books About Reading, Writing, and Instruction

Browse our collection of books to help you continue to deepen your knowledge about reading, writing, and effective classroom instruction. You’ll also find books on reading motivation and reading aloud to children.

Literacy Research & Resources

Research & Reports

Concept-Oriented Reading Instruction: An Integrated Curriculum To Develop Motivations and Strategies for Reading
A Kindergarten Lottery Evaluation of Core Knowledge Charter Schools: Should Building General Knowledge Have a Central Role in Educational and Social Science Research and Policy?
A longitudinal randomized trial of a sustained content literacy intervention from first to second grade: Transfer effects on students’ reading comprehension.

More Research

Guides & Toolkits

The Learning Season: The Untapped Power of Summer to Advance Student Achievement
Public Library and School Library Collaboration Toolkit
Teaching Our Youngest: A Guide for Preschool Teachers and Child Care and Family Providers

More Guides

Web Resources

5 Essential Features of Knowledge-Rich Curriculum (opens in a new window)
Knowledge Matters Campaign
Why Knowledge Matters: Restoring Wonder and Excitement to the Classroom (opens in a new window)
Knowledge Matters Campaign
Learning to Read: A Primer (Part 2) (opens in a new window)
Amplify | Center for Early Reading

More Web Resources

Reading Rockets is a national public media literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help.

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Reading 101

In the Classroom

Helping All Readers

Books & Authors

Literacy at Home

Background Knowledge

Five Key Principles for Effective Vocabulary Instruction

Five Kinds of STEM-themed Nonfiction Books for Kids

Building Background Knowledge

Getting the Most Out of Nonfiction Reading Time

Children and Digital Media: Rethinking Parent Roles

Use Summer Fun to Build Background Knowledge

Previewing Vocabulary Before Reading

Building Background Knowledge

Connect Students’ Background Knowledge to Content in the ELL Classroom

Author Christina Soontornvat: Bringing storytelling into museum education

Comprehension: Helping ELLs Grasp the Full Picture

Reading to Learn: English Language Learners in Grades 4-6

Readiness Reading

Celebrate Expression Through Art and Poetry

Growing Weather-Ready Readers

Talking Weather