Skip To Main Content

Tools for Parents

 
 

Tools For Parents

When schools and families work together to support student learning, children are more likely to succeed—not only in school, but throughout their lives. Strong partnerships are built through ongoing communication and a shared commitment to helping every child grow as a reader and writer.

This page offers resources and ideas for families to explore together at home to encourage literacy development. We invite you to browse the activities and tools, try a few with your child, and share your experiences or favorite strategies with us by email.

 

Supporting Your Child’s Reading at Home

Amira  

AMIRA is a Reading Tutor for intervention that our RCSD students have access to, focusing on fluency for Kindergarten through Grade 6 students. Amira listens as a child reads aloud, providing interactive tutoring and building literacy skills. Amira uses more than 20 different tutoring techniques to catch mistakes or mispronunciations, assist, and give “just-in-time” encouragement. AMIRA at HOME

 

A Resource for Parents and Caring Adults of Children in Grades K-3: 

The resource provides simple, practical ways families can support reading development at home for children in kindergarten through third grade. It explains the four foundational reading skills children develop as they learn to read and offers easy activities, examples, and tips parents and caregivers can use during everyday interactions to help children become confident, successful readers.  

Authors: The Regional Education Laboratory (REL) Program

More Detailed Resources for Grades K-3

 

The Science of Reading, for Parents 

Learn more about the findings from decades of scientific research on reading and issues related to reading and writing through a series of videos from the Reading League.

 

Reading 101: A Guide for Parents  

We hope this guide will give you a better understanding of what it takes to learn to read (and write) and how you can help your children grow as readers, writers, and learners from pre-k through grade 3 from Reading Rockets.

More for Parents From Reading Rockets: Literacy at Home

 

Parent Strategies for Improving their Child’s Reading and Writing 

Practical at-home strategies for younger elementary grades and grades 3 and above.

 

Free Digital Reading Libraries

  • Unite for Literacy: Free digital picture books in multiple languages with narration—ideal for early and multilingual readers. 
  • Storyline Online: Children’s books aloud with engaging visuals- great for listening comprehension and vocabulary.