resources
Letter Sounds
Watch: How to Correctly Pronounce Sounds of the Alphabet.
Download the Phonogram Sounds App. This app features clear pronunciation of the sounds of letters and letter combinations.
High Frequency Words
High-frequency words can be divided into two categories: those that are phonetically decodable and those with irregular spellings.
Have your child watch these fun videos to learn to read and spell high-frequency words, particularly those that aren’t very decodable.
Read "Every Word Wants to Be a Sight Word When It Grows Up" by Stephanie Stoller. All words become sight words once they are othographically mapped.
Click on the image to read, "How Do We Learn New Words? Orthographic Mapping."
the value of Decodable texts
Decodable books focus on spelling patterns that the reader can decode given his or her existing knowledge of letter and sound correspondences. This provides an opportunity for the reader to practice the phonics skills they have been taught using connected text.
Our team highly recommends the following free, online decodable books:
Flyleaf Publishing (beautifully illustrated books and includes homework pages)
Clarkness.com (aligned to the Read Well curriculum)
Half Pint Kids Decodable Library and Half-Pint Kids (books, games, and activity pages)
Additional decodable text sources
Reading and dyslexia online resources
A website containing information for parents and educators on teaching kids to read and helping those who struggle.
A new site dedicated to helping parents and caregivers raise children who are ready to learn.
A parent guide for parents of children in preschool through grade 3. Published by The Partnership for Reading, a collaborative effort of the National Institute for Literacy, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the US Department of Education.
This webpage is a central location for Washington’s dyslexia policies and resources.
International Dyslexia Association
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is the oldest organization dedicated to the study and treatment of dyslexia. It is also committed to providing complete information and services to address the full scope of dyslexia and related reading and writing challenges.
National Center for Families Learning
The National Center for Families Learning promotes family education solutions by engaging families, educators, administrators, and advocates to drive results and ultimately reduce education inequities. Its work supports multigenerational learning for families from early childhood through adult education.
National Center on Improving Literacy
The National Center on Improving Literacy is a partnership among literacy experts, university researchers, and technical assistance providers, with funding from the United States Department of Education. Its mission is to increase access to, and use of, evidence-based approaches to screen, identify, and teach students with literacy-related disabilities, including dyslexia.
Reading Rockets - Launching Young Readers
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 children succeed. Reading Rockets creates and disseminates free, evidence-based information about reading through PBS television programs, online services, and professional development opportunities. Read “Reading 101: A Guide for Parents” for a better understanding of what it takes to learn to read.
Supporting Your Child’s Reading at Home
Family activities developed by the Regional Educational Laboratory at Florida State University include easy-to-follow plans to help parents support children's foundational reading skills at home. Family Literacy Videos show families engaging their child in the Family Activities.
Understood works with educators, health care professionals, researchers, and human resource professionals to provide proven, vetted information and accessible resources that empower people who learn and think differently.