As you know, a student's reading level can be described in a variety of different ways. Please familiarize yourself with this chart so that as you navigate various websites and assign reading passages, you are aware of the level and how it corresponds with the system used in your school.
Students should also be aware of their reading level and able to identify a goal for reading as well. Showing them where they are will help them identify how to get where they would like to be and help them select text more appropriately.
NOTE: **This chart is an approximation **
free
digial or printed passages - you choose
library contains a wide variety of genres, lengths and types
lexile level 420 up to college level texts (grades 2 and up).
responses are easily viewed by the teacher in a detailed data-filled user interface.
Common Lit has a variety of experiences for students to gain and monitor comprehension while reading. It is one of the few sites that helps students with paired texts to generate one response (like the last question on the NYS ELA). The videos below will get you started.
Why this site is fantastic:
Literature! High quality works to read! Poetry! The user interface for this site is fantastic and easy to navigate.
Features that make it like the CBT ELA:
Annotation, highlighting, digital multiple choice, open ended response, paired texts
Syncing your Google Classroom sends PII (personally identifiable information) to the company. Instead, create a class, send the sign up link to students and have them create a fake username and password. The next time they log in using Classlink, put that username and password in and it will remember them automatically.
Create your Common Lit Educator Account
Everything you need to know about Common Lit
The Student view - how they find assignments
This slide deck shows how to best find content to suit the needs of your lesson.
free
digital or printed passages - you choose
grades K-12
all content areas
Why this site is fantastic:
Readworks has a wide variety of articles, making it easy to find content for all subject areas and abilities. These articles also make the best sub plans since you can easily print back up copies for the sub!
Features that make it like the CBT ELA:
Annotation, highlighting, digital multiple choice, open ended response, paired texts
To get started, go to this link and select the Sign Up button. Remember your username and password so you can enter it the next time you log in with Classlink.
Syncing your Google Classroom sends PII (personally identifiable information) to the company. Instead, create a class, add students using a fake username. See the video below to see how.
freemium (mostly free with paid upgrades)
digital or print
grades 2-12
all content areas and a wide variety of subjects, with a focus on current events from reputable sources.
unique ability to change the lexile level of any article to fit the reader
Teachers have the ability to write their own prompts
Why this site is fantastic:
The flexible lexile level band for all articles AND the massive content library are wonderful, but above all, students LOVE current events. It helps them understand the world around them. They absorb more than we think. Using current events in the classroom allows for us to teach much more than ELA!
Features that make it like the CBT ELA:
Annotation, highlighting, digital multiple choice, open ended response
Who doesn't like fun made up stories? This simple tool puts a series of emojis on the board or on their screens and then students write based on what they see. Put a timer up and see who can construct the piece of writing in that set time.