Educator Resources
"There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book." —Frank Serafini
Chatham Community Library's Reading Roadshow program-- A librarian or trained volunteer comes to a childcare facility once per week to read books out loud and sing simple songs, similar to a library story time. Contact the Outreach Coordinator at outreach@chathamlibraries.org or call 919-545-8086.
Raising A Reader is a national nonprofit organization offering local agencies an evidence based early literacy and parent engagement program that can improve the reading readiness skills of children birth to age five. Raising A Reader rotates bright red bags filled with award winning books into children’s homes on a weekly basis. Local implementers and parents are trained in interactive “read aloud” techniques that stimulate early brain development. The training helps parents and caregivers engage with their child by sharing a book. Through the program, families are also connected to their local public library. At the culmination of the program, children receive a blue library bag to keep and continue the practice of borrowing books. Contact Imani Sie-Duke at imani@chathamkids.org or 919-542-7449 ext. 27
Tumble Books and Tumble Cloud Tumble Books is an online platform that allows students in K-5th grades to access hundreds of books from any internet connected device. No usernames or passwords required. Tutorial Video
Chatham Education Foundation (CEF) - Literacy and Professional Development Grants
CEF offers literacy and professional development grant opportunities to teachers in Chatham County schools. These grants enhance the effectiveness of teachers and reading specialists so they are well equipped to teach even the most struggling readers. Click HERE for more information
My On Reader My On provides students the opportunity to access and read over 5,000 books using any internet connected device. Usernames and passwords were sent home with students. Tutorial Video
FUNBRAIN.COM offers a lot of fun, interactive learning games for kids in grades K-8, plus tools for parents and teachers. Kids can search by grade level or topic. Kids can also read web book versions of popular books, such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and comics on the site.
Starfall- http://www.starfall.com/
This phonics-based site offers a fantastic (and free) learn-to-read method based on numerous studies and educational research. Kids practice letter sounds, word recognition, and reading comprehension through online books, songs, rhymes, and other games. When they read a storybook online, Starfall.com reads it back to them, sounding it out like new readers do.
Articles & Research
Open a World of Possible- a Collection of stories about the joy of reading from Scholastic.
See the NAEYC position statement Where we Stand on Learning to Read and Write and the article Bridging the Gap: What the Research Tells Us About Vocabulary Instruction in Early Childhood.
To learn more about the importance of talk and vocabulary, read the articles: Language Gap Between Rich and Poor Children Begins in Infancy, Talking With Young Children:How Teachers Encourage Learning and Talking Directly to Toddlers Strengthens Their Language Skills.
Use the downloadable materials from this website to create letter books.
See NC Early Childhood Foundation for resources and tools supporting children birth to age 8.
Scholastic: Teachers Resources & Tools
Reading is Fundamental Literacy Resources
Great resource for readers – SAS Curriculum Pathways
See the Mind in the Making article Neuroscience Improves Early Childhood Education Quality.
For tips and resources to support educators, parents and young children see Get Ready to Read! which is a service of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
To learn about Early English Language and Early Spanish Language Development Standards see WIDA.
For effective solutions for educators and practitioners working with prekindergarten-grade 12 English Language Learners see CAL (Center for Applied Linguistics).
For information about child development and literacy and learning see the SERVE Center at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro: About Stepping Stones to Literacy.