Early Literacy Resources for Educators
The best teachers are lifelong learners.
With the whirlwind of literacy resources flowing across our screens in the past few years, we’ve worked with Philly-based education leaders to curate this list of resources. We hope these help you deepen your knowledge of the Science of Reading, discover practical classroom strategies to incorporate into your practice, and uncover what works best for our children.
We're beyond thankful for everything you do in the classroom and value your expertise. Explore these resources and let us know what works, what doesn’t, and if there’s anything else we should add.
What is the Science of Reading?
Science of Reading Defining Guide
Definitions of what the Science of Reading is and is not. Also available in Spanish.
Science of Reading 101
20-minute video on SOR by Annemarie Hindman, Ph.D. and Barbara A Wasik, Ph.D. of Temple University.
Examining the Balance in Literacy Instruction
One page of talking points on the features of evidence-based literacy instruction.
Science of Reading & Phonics Glossary
Definitions of common terms about the fundamental principles of reading instruction.
Appreciating Dialect in the Classroom
Teaching Reading to African American Children: When Home and School Language Differ
Understanding the Nuances of SOR for ELL Students
The ‘Science of Reading’ and English-Language Learners: What the Research Says
Teaching Strategies
Reading Universe
Free ready-to-use teaching strategies, classroom videos, expert tips, and more!
Reading Rockets
Library of evidence-based classroom strategies to help young children become skilled readers.
AdLit
Resources to improve the teaching of reading and writing in secondary schools.
Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding
Recommendations for teaching foundational reading skills to kindergarten through 3rd grade students.
Get Free Books for Your Classroom
Philly Book Bank
Educators can get up to 400 books per school year, as well as supplemental classroom supplies.
Philly Book Wish Grant
Apply for up to $5,000 worth of brand-new, diverse books.
Even More Books!
Check out a full list of organizations giving away free children’s books in Philly.
Anti-Bias Book Checklist
A guide to making sure the books you choose are culturally relevant and anti-bias.
Free Self-Paced Professional Development Workshops
Introduction to Structured Literacy
(Standards Aligned System PD Center, Pennsylvania Department of Education)
Courses for Education: Structured Literacy K-3rd (COX Campus)
Reading 101 Self-paced Learning Modules
(Reading Rockets)
Virtual Professional Development
(Really Great Reading)
Paid Professional Development Workshops
AIM Pathways
A unique, interactive digital teacher training platform designed to deliver research and evidence-based content in the science of reading.
Lexia LETRS®
Comprehensive professional learning designed to provide early childhood and elementary educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading.
The Reading League Online Academy
Learn from an expert in a small group, intimate, online setting with others who are serious about making the Science of Reading come to life.
Wilson Language Training Programs
Drexel University School of Education is a Wilson®️ Accredited Training Partner and proud provider of Fundations®️, Wilson Just Words®️, and the Wilson Reading System®️ (WRS) curricula.
The Boon Donor-Funded Scholarship Program
Reduces – and even eliminates – tuition expenses for teacher training in structured literacy. Scholarships can range from $50 to $5000.
Communities of Practice & Associations
Literacy Community of Practice
Share, learn and problem solve virtually with other Philly literacy leaders. Participation is free and flexible. Thursdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Science of Reading-What I Should Have Learned in College Facebook Group
An educator-run Facebook group sharing resources to make sure teachers are prepared to teach reading.
The Reading League Pennsylvania
Local chapter of a national organization on a mission to advance the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-based reading instruction.
Pennsylvania Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (PBIDA)
Non-profit organization that champions individuals with dyslexia and all students learning to read.
AIM’s Annual Research to Practice Symposium
Free day-long literacy conference where educators and researchers engage with each other at the important intersection of research and practice. Recordings available.
Read by 4th’s Lunch & Learn Series
Virtual series bringing local and national literacy thought-leaders together to discuss what it takes to grow strong readers. All welcome.
Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Webinars
These webinars are designed to inform and catalyze efforts to disrupt generational poverty by advancing early school success for children in economically challenged families.
Books
Podcasts & Documentaries
Sold A Story
Scientists have known for decades how children learn to read but many schools are ignoring the research. They buy teacher training and books that are rooted in a disproven idea. Emily Hanford investigates four authors and a publishing company that have made millions selling this idea.
Science of Reading: The Podcast
This show delivers the latest insights from researchers and practitioners in early reading. Each episode takes a conversational approach and explores a timely topic related to the Science of Reading.
EDVIEW360
Hosted by Pam Austin and Greg Hullett, these discussions will feature dialogues with experienced educators, inspiring thought leaders, social media influencers, and leading education innovators.
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy
A podcast for educators interested in learning more about the science of reading, knowledge building, and high-quality instructional materials! Join fellow educators, Melissa and Lori, as they learn about new ways of thinking about how to teach reading and writing.
The Right to Read
This documentary shares the stories of an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.
The Truth About Reading
This documentary looks at the illiteracy problem in America, highlighting people who learned to read as adults, and sharing proposed solutions for working towards a future where every child learns to read proficiently.
Resources to Share With Families
Reading Promise
Messaging and tips on top 5 ways families can support young readers at home. These were created by Read by 4th partners and are used citywide.
Parent Workshop on Early Reading Skills
Want to host a family literacy night? This ready-to-use workshop helps caregivers build the confidence and skills to grow strong readers.
Anatomy of a Reader
This infographic defines the core concepts of reading instruction in ways that are easy to understand.
PhillyABCs.org
Practice alphabet knowledge with a healthy dose of Philly pride. Videos on this site can help children practice letter names, shapes, and sounds.
Reading 101: A Guide for Parents (Reading Rockets) This resource clearly explains literacy skills, presents milestones, and step-by-step activities families can do to support their children’s growth as readers, writers, and thinkers.
Resources for Prospective Educators
Applying to an education program? Ask these questions to see if it’s aligned with the Science of Reading.
Report explores the quality of teacher preparation programs across the country and their ability to prepare aspiring teachers to teach children to read.
