TOP PICKS | 29 TOOLS
Best Websites for Independent Reading
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StoryWorld
ELL-friendly reading program gives students support, independence
Bottom line: This is a good specialized program for small-group instruction, especially for ELLs, with a great teacher dashboard and a pedagogical approach informed by research.
Storyline Online
Notable actors' read-alouds bring kids' storybooks to life
Bottom line: Kids can experience the magic of books; though even better when accompanied by the site's extensions for further activities and reading
Bookshare
Unique digital library gives access to those with print disabilities
Bottom line: This fantastic digital library service provides a powerful sense of independence for students.
Skybrary for School
Thorough lesson plans help teachers utilize an amazing digital library
Bottom line: Though it could use some updates, Skybrary for School has a set of top-quality resources with great value worth checking out.
Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos
Kids can "go anywhere, be anything" with vast book and video library
Bottom line: Wonderful and practical way to get kids excited about learning and reading -- the greatness of the classic TV series, updated for the 21st century.
Headsprout
Detailed, adaptive literacy program goes from basics to analysis
Bottom line: This is a comprehensive resource that's worth a look for teachers needing help getting students to actively engage with reading material.
ReadingIQ
Great looking, free library has a reasonable diversity of titles
Bottom line: This is a reading app that focuses primarily -- and successfully -- on the reading; don't expect many bells and whistles though.
Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos
Free, expansive digital library unlocks treasure trove of books
Bottom line: This large collection of books and videos on a wide variety of topics is an easy -- and free -- enhancement to any classroom library.
Learning Ally Audiobooks
Digital library offers handy supports for readers
Bottom line: This is a great option for students that need extra support, and, while the library is smaller than competitors, the human-voiced narration is a serious upgrade.
Biblionasium
Site for reviewing and sharing books makes reading a social adventure
Bottom line: This safe, simple social network lets kids share their reading success with friends, creating healthy competition and confidence.
Newsela
Great stories, just-right leveled reading; now mostly by subscription
Bottom line: Up-to-date, high-interest articles will meet students right at their level, and help teachers bolster students' nonfiction reading skills.
Harry Potter Reading Club
The fun and fantasy of Harry's world plus literary discussion
Bottom line: With activities, discussion questions, and lots of free access to the books, this site is a great place for Harry Potter fans new and old.
Accelerated Reader
Boundless, flexible tools promote instructional, independent reading
Bottom line: A stellar literacy platform for assessing student reading levels and promoting further reading.
ThinkCERCA
Structured literacy program inspires deep analysis, thoughtful writing
Bottom line: This is an expertly scaffolded and pedagogically sound resource for developing critical reading and writing skills.
Readorium
Science and reading come together in aging but effective platform
Bottom line: There's not much out there that focuses specifically on reading science texts, so if your students can get past the dated design, this could be a handy tool to turn to.
Whooo's Reading
Read, write, and share with innovative independent reading platform
Bottom line: With a few thoughtful tweaks on the part of teachers, this can be a useful tool for building a classroom culture of active independent reading.
BeeLine Reader
A surprisingly simple tool to improve reading
Bottom line: This is a unique, easy-to-implement reading fluency and comprehension aid that's gaining some evidence of effectiveness.
Actively Learn
Empowering reader invites students to read with purpose
Bottom line: Far beyond the average e-reader, this tool helps students connect with texts and each other while giving teachers useful insight into student thinking.
Folger Shakespeare Library
Teacher's resource digs deep into the Bard's work
Bottom line: As an educator resource, teachers can deepen their understanding and appreciation of both classic and lesser-known works; the activities and multimedia can help students engage with the texts.
NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program
Wildly engaging contest turns students into novelists in 30 days
Bottom line: A thoughtful adaptation of the famous and fun grown-up novel writing contest, NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is brimming with advice and encouragement as well as classroom support.
LitPick
YA review site gives students a real-world, although ad-driven, outlet
Bottom line: LitPick is a decent place for YA lovers to discover and discuss books, but the site is in need of a refresh and features a lot of promotion/ads.
Amplify Reading 6-8
Supplemental reading program puts sci-fi twist on core ELA concepts
Bottom line: This is a creative, thoughtfully built program that, while a bit contrived, could slot well into many classrooms with some scaffolding.
Literal
You've never seen literature like this (and your students might just love it)
Bottom line: A compelling twist on classic lit that could be a great tool to get students interested in reading classic literature.
Poets.org
Vast array of poets and poems; on the serious side
Bottom line: Great, if slightly serious, resource for young poetry lovers to explore and gather inspiration.
StudySync
Superb ELA resource features engaging activities, stellar support
Bottom line: An exceptional, ever-growing resource for helping your students become close readers, careful writers, and critical thinkers.
After the Storm
Engaging ELA game makes you the editor of your local newspaper
Bottom line: An excellent way to target practice with most middle schoolers.
myShakespeare
Handy supporting features help demystify popular Shakespeare plays
Bottom line: This is a thoughtfully-designed site that makes Shakespeare approachable while also encouraging students to read closely.
Goodreads
Lively community for bookworms to share their love of lit
Bottom line: Using Goodreads can enhance teens' reading experience and help them become thoughtful, enthusiastic readers.
YR Media
Dynamic site harnesses creative young talent to speak truth to power
Bottom line: This fresh and socially aware website will draw students in with catchy -- often controversial -- topics, but keep them there with quality content.
