Literacy

The suggested times outlined above are guidelines for extending literacy instruction. As we strive throughout the state to increase the literacy skills and habits of all students, the power of reading and writing cannot be underestimated.

"Literacy is...the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential." - Kofi Annan

Pre-K & Kindergarten Resources

Brightly - Book recommendations, activities, and read alouds are provided for three to five year olds.

Khan Academy Kids - This site includes reading activities, exercises, and lessons for kids two and up.

Elementary and Secondary Level Resources

Coronavirus Teaching Resource from Kelly Gallagher - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic-related school closures and the challenge of teaching students remotely, Kelly Gallagher, along with several of his colleagues, have created an extended lesson plan designed to encourage students to capture this moment in history. The goal of this unit is to support authentic learning through reading and writing about what's happening to our world as a result of this pandemic. The unit plan is subject to change as news unfolds.

John Spencer's Writing Prompts - 100 writing prompts have been compiled to motivate middle-school writers.

Teaching YA Lit Through Differentiated Instruction - This introductory chapter helps educators to consider ways to teach young adult literature through differentiated instruction.

Resources for All Levels

IXL - From phonics and reading comprehension to writing strategies and more, IXL helps learners at all levels, including Pre-K, develop the communication skills needed for success in school, college, and career.

Newsela ELA - Using a wide variety of sources, Newela engages students with topics they care about, while building the background knowledge and vocabulary they need to become active, engaged readers.

Scholastic Learn At Home - Day-by-day projects will keep kids from Pre-K to 9th grade reading, thinking, and growing.

Pre-K & Kindergarten Resources

PebbleGo - PebbleGo Animals and Science modules are always free to Michigan residents through the Michigan eLibrary (MeL). Modules: States, Science, American Indian History, Social Studies and Biographies are available free of charge through May 2020.

Sesame Street Podcasts - Songs and stories with all of our favorite Muppets will stimulate the listening skills of young learners.

Elementary and Secondary Level Resources

Listenwise - ELA lessons, listening comprehension quizzes, podcasts, and online discussion prompts are offered for students in grades 2-12; free of charge through May 2020.

StoryCorps - This site collects, shares and preserves people's stories; it provides educators with lesson plans and resources.

Resources for All Levels

Capstone Interactive - Thousands of K-6 eBooks with audio, music and sound effects are available. Free of charge through May 2020; Login: continue / Password: reading

Kate Messner's Collection of Stories - This collection of stories read-aloud by authors includes writing prompts/activities for elementary and secondary level readers.

Khan Academy To support school closures, Khan Academy has daily (weekdays 9 am PST/12 EST) livestreams on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for students, parents, and teachers navigating school closures. Daily schedules for students ages 4-18 are included to keep learning during school closures.

Libby App - Digital books and audio books can be accessed by anyone with a library card (in cities/states that use Overdrive).

Mackin Books - Free access to over 1,500 Mackin Classics in audio and digital format is provided from now until the end of the school year.

PBS Learning Media - Users can choose the literacy skill, grade level, and type of activity for these standards-aligned ELA resources for students in all grades, including Pre-K.

StoryBoardThat - Students can use this visual storytelling/communication tool free of charge for five weeks upon registration.

The Five Demands to Make of Your ELA Content - Created by Newsela, this list itemizes 5 things you should be demanding from your ELA content in order to give teachers and students the best chance for sustained literacy success.

Free Online Support for AP Students Affected by School Closure - College Board has created a playlist of videos for each AP course in an effort to help students prepare for the online testing in May.