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Literacy & Reading

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Literacy & Reading

  1. Associations, Reading & Language
    Both local and international groups have been included.
    2.
  2. Flesch-Kincaid Readability Score
    Looks at what this is, how it should be used and its level of usefulness.
    • Flesch-Kincaid
      Search results providing links to information on Flesch-Kincaid and related readability formats.
    • Flesch-Kincaid Readability Score
      ‘The Flesch-Kincaid readability score is part of the best-known readability scores, amongst other indicators measuring how easily an adult can read and understand a text.’ Provides explanation and examples as well as links to other information.
    • Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test
      Information on Flesch-Kincaid Ease, Grade levels, references and links to further information. From wikipedia.
  3. Literacy
    Covers background information, statistics, the Australian scene, innovations and more.
    • Australian Sites :
      • A Focus on Being Literate
        ‘Focuses on learning and teaching about what it means to be literate. It describes the importance of literacy learning for all students.’ From the Tasmanian Education Department.
      • An Even Start
        ‘An Even Start - National Tuition Program is one of a range of strategies to assist students who are not making satisfactory progress in literacy and numeracy. The program will run for a 12 month period in 2008 to assist students who did not meet 2007 national benchmarks in reading, writing or numeracy in years 3, 5 and 7.’ There is also a Private Tuition Website which has further information about this aspect of the scheme.
      • Australian Literacy Educators’ Association
        ‘Provides support and professional development to educators and others interested in literacy through international, national, state and regional conferences, workshops and seminars, journals, position papers and other publications.’
      • Clearinghouse
        Presently based at the Department of Education, Science & Training. It ‘provides public access to the products of research funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training [DEST] under the National Projects element of the Literacy, Numeracy and Special Learning Needs [LNSLN] Programme.’ Most information accessible online.
      • Critical Reading
        From Education Tasmania. Covers what it is and why it is important, finding ideas, using it in the classroom and more.
      • Lexia Australia
        ‘Dedicated to the creation of unique software which facilitates the learning process for those in need.’ The Tasmanian Education Department even has a page detailing their usage.
      • Integrating Reading and Computers
        One Queensland school’s practical ideas on how to go about this.
      • Links To Research and Special Projects
        A selection of links from MCEETYA.
      • Literacy In The New Millennium
        A downloadable .pdf report looking at this topic. A summary is available in HTML format and you can purchase a hard copy.
      • Literacy, Numeracy and …
        [Special Learning Needs Programme : National Projects Element, Research Projects]
        From the Department of Education, Science & Training. Includes access to a range of literacy projects and research at state & national level. In HTML or .pdf format.
      • Literacy Pages [Innovations]
        An Australian site that provides information and a range of links to literacy ideas, innovations and resources.
      • Literacy Standards in Australia
        From the Department of Education, Science & Training. Both online and downloadable as a .pdf document. Covers standards, frameworks, survey, findings and more.
      • Literacy Links - StudentNet
        A small selection relate specifically to the organisation, but there is quite a good collection for K-12 and for Teaching & Learning. All are clearly annotated.
      • Literacy Strategies Handbook
        A dwonloadable .pdf format book that ‘contains a number effective strategies that can be used to develop classroom literacy activities.’. Nearly 7mb in size, but could prove worthwhile.
      • Multilit
        A structured reading program based on phonics, sight word recognition and supported book reading.
        • Multilit
          ‘MULTILIT® [Making Up Lost Time In Literacy] is directed by Professor Kevin Wheldall from Macquarie University Special Education Centre. Information for parents and teachers. Links to research.
        • An Evaluation of Multilit
          [Making Up Lost Time In Literacy]
          Available in .pdf or .RTF formats from the Department of Education, Science & Training.
      • National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy
        A national Report was issued in the latter part of 2005. This site provides all relevant details, including the report itself.
      • Stella
        [Standards for Teachers of English Language and Literacy in Australia]
        ‘Provides a detailed picture of accomplished English/Literacy teaching. The Standards have been developed by teacher members of AATE and ALEA around Australia and are supported by national and state ETA Councils in all states and territories. STELLA attempts to capture the depth and range of accomplished English/Literacy teaching. The STELLA materials identify current best principles and practice for English Literacy teaching but they are not intended to be definitive statements that sign off on behalf of future members of the profession. They encourage continuing reflection, review and dialogue about what ‘good’ English Literacy teachers believe, know and are able to do.’
      • What is Literacy ?
        Part of the Literacy Web Australia group. Covers case studies, other literacy sites, articles, and more.
      • Whole-School Literacy Planning
        From the Queensland Department of the Education and Arts. Well annotated links covering this topic and also the Teaching of Reading.
    • Other Sites :
      • 2008 Kids and Family Reading Report
        ‘Kids age 5-17 believe technology will supplement - not replace - book reading and say they will always want to read books printed on paper.’
      • 21st Century Literacies
        Reviews a range of literacies from Basic Language through to Mathematical, Cultural and Information. Each has a range of information in various forms - .pdf, extracts, Power Point, web page, etc.
      • Literacy.org
        ‘A gateway to electronic resources and tools for the national and international youth and adult literacy communities.’ Searchable database of literacy materials accessible by several different methods. One other section related to this site is the International Literacy Explorer which is ‘designed to give you an overview of literacy and basic education issues and practices in an international context.’
      • Literacy Resources on The Internet
        Created by the International Association of School Librarianship this contains well annotated links to resources and information.
      • Literacy Web, The
        Created by the University of Connecticut. ‘Classroom literacy resources are now just a click away. Keep up-to-date with monthly articles and special features, Locate ideas for integrating literacy strategies into your classroom, Access current research and professional development resources.’
      • Solutions for America’s Literacy Problems
        From America’s Choice. It concentrates essentially on two major programs - ‘Ramp Up’ and ‘Writers Advantage’. There are links to significant detail about each.
  4. Phonics
    Many do not advocate use of the phonics format in reading. Some children gain benefit, especially when used in conjunction with other methods. The old story is, “if it works - use it !”.
    • A Systematic Review of the Research …
      [Literature on the Use of Phonics in the Teaching of Reading and Spelling]
      ‘A systematic review of experimental research on the use of phonics instruction in the teaching of reading and spelling. This review is based on evidence from randomized controlled trials [RCTs].’ Done for the Department for Children, Schools & Families in the UK.
    • Phonics
      ‘This site is intended to offer schools and early years settings support in choosing an effective phonics teaching programme. Please look at our myth busters and FAQs for further information.’ Done for the Department for Children, Schools & Families in the UK.
    • NRRF - Phonics
      ‘The National Right to Read Foundation - Phonics - It Works !’
    • Perfect Poems for Teaching Phonics
    • Phonics Resources @Web English Teacher
    • Phonics Room, The
    • Phonics Tool Kit
    • Review of Early Reading
      [The Rose Review]
      ‘The review report provided clear recommendations on what constitutes ‘high quality phonics work’. These recommendations were also summarised in the Core Position Paper.’ Both report and position paper are available as .pdf downloads. Done for the Department for Children, Schools & Families in the UK.
  5. Phonics or Whole Language ?
    Over recent years there has been heated discussion about which is best. If people thought about it, both can be of value. The approach selected Must take into account the needs and capacities of the individual student. These sites give input to this discussion.
  6. Premier’s Reading Challenge
    ‘Each Challenge aims to encourage in students a love of reading for leisure and pleasure, and to enable students to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.’
  7. Reading Development :
    • Letters and Sounds
      ‘These notes form an introduction to Letters and Sounds and are intended to help practitioners and teachers use the programme effectively. Guidance on the principles of the Six-phase Teaching Programme is included, together with some frequently asked questions.’ Done for the Department for Children, Schools & Families in the UK.
    • Longitudinal Twin Study …
      [Of Early Reading Development]
    • Stage Models of Reading Development
      ‘How Might Stage Models of Reading Development be Helpful in the Classroom ?’
    • Stages of Reading Development
      A very simple presentation from a US school district. It also includes suggestions for parents on how to support their development.
    • Three Stages of Reading
      ‘The Three Stages Of Reading strategy involves teaching students to delve into text.’ Covers the Before, During and After periods related to reading.
  8. Reading Journals & Magazines
    Links to reading journals and magazines.
  9. Reading List : Recommendations
    A range of lists from schools and libraries, both in Australia and overseas.
    • 100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know
      From the New York Public Library. Obviously you cannot reserve them as indicated, but they provide title, author and a brief summary of the story.
    • Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories for Children
      ‘A Select List of Legends from the Dreamtime’. The links only attach to those held by that particular library group.
    • Booklists [for Young Australians]
      An extensive collection of lists from ‘20 Most Borrowed Books’ to ‘100 Best Books for Children’. Covers both Australian and International lists.
      Extensive and well worthwhile visiting !
    • Book Reviews
      Done for children. Find an index of present and previous reviews done on ABC Radio Canberra.
    • Books for Young Adults
      From ‘The Compulsive Reader’ comes these reviews of books for people no longer children but not yet adults.
    • Carol Hurst’s Children’s Literature Site
      ‘This is a collection of reviews of great books for kids, ideas of ways to use them in the classroom and collections of books and activities about particular subjects, curriculum areas, themes and professional topics.’
    • Children’s Book Council of Australia …
      [Notable Australian Children’s Book Award List 1995 - 2000]
      ‘Recognises books which the judges for the Children’s Book of the Year Awards consider to have reached a commendable standard and [celebrates] the considerable range and quality of Australian children’s literature.’ These are by South Australian authors/illustrators.
      • Children’s Classic Literature : Treasure Island
      Listed by author, with relevant titles listed for each. Links go to resources, often being etexts of the books themselves.
    • Choices Booklists : Children’s Choices
      ‘This is a booklist with a twist : Children themselves evaluate the books, and provide reviews of their favorites. Since 1974, Children’s Choices have been a trusted source of book recommendations used by teachers, librarians, parents - and children themselves.’ Listed by the International Reading Association. From 1998 to today.
    • Choose the Right Books for Kids
      ‘There are so many children’s books on the shelves today that it is difficult to know which ones are right for your children at their many stages of life. To make the selection process a little easier, I have compiled a list of the best books for children at certain age levels.’ US based listing including US award winners.
    • Classics for Kids
      Only the author and title are provided. The links only attach to those held by that particular library group.
    • Database of Award Winning Children’s Literature
      ‘The purpose of this database is to create a tailored reading list of quality children’s literature or to find out if a book has won one of the indexed awards. DAWCL has almost 7 000 records from 78 awards across six English-speaking countries [United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Ireland].’ Clear instructions are provided for its usage.
    • Focus on Fiction
      Created by a NSW high school, this lists suggested fiction titles for students in the first four years of high school to read and enjoy.
    • One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century
      A listing from the US with author, title and brief summary of the story or content.
    • Oprah’s Books : Kids Reading List
      Yes, there is even a list for children, US oriented of course. Done in 5 age groupings and Oprah’s favourites.
    • Picture Books for Older Readers
      A bibliographical listing of books with title and author. From the Australian School Library Association [NSW].
    • Read Hot
      A New Zealand site, which looks at books for young adult ages. Provides listings for girls and boys. A related site for younger readers can be found at Reader’s Cafe.
    • Reading List - Years 3 & 4
      Created by a NSW primary school, it provides a listing giving author, title and brief summary of the story.
    • Reading List - Years 5 & 6
      Created by a NSW primary school, it provides a listing giving author, title and brief summary of the story.
    • Summer Reading Club
      With sections for both ‘Kids’ and Librarians and links to authors, you can’t go wrong by visiting the site.
      Check back with this site as we get closer to summer next year.
    • Top 10 Books
      ‘The staff of Hedgehog Books has compiled the Top Ten Read Aloud [Books] and the [Top 10 Read] Alone Books. These are books we feel should be in every child’s library.’
    • Yabba
      ‘The aims of YABBA are : to encourage and promote children's reading; to give children the opportunity to vote for their favourite books each year; to develop children into discerning readers, who will express their opinions about books, and to promote an awareness of Australian children’s fiction.’
  10. Reading Recovery
    ‘An early literacy intervention program providing intensive, individual help for children having difficulties in learning to read and write.’ State & Territory links are provided.
  11. Reading Resources :
    • An Internet Hotlist on Teaching Reading
      Links to specific resources grouped under headings of theories, strategies, assessment, practice, task-based reading and reading fluency.
    • CloZure
      ‘CloZure is a Free web tool written by Peter Shanks that generates cloze tests from wikipedia articles.’ Multiple levels of tests are p ossible.
      [‘A cloze test (also cloze deletion test) is an exercise, test, or assessment consisting of a portion of text with certain words removed, where the participant is asked to replace the missing words.’]
    • Critical Reading Skills
      For students of all ages. How to improve critical reading skills, leading to better writing and language use.
    • Diving for Bananas
      ‘Diving for Bananas is a new collection of nonsense poems by Alastair Chisholm, with illustrations by Nadia Roden. With delightful lyrics and humorous nonsense accompanied by beautiful illustrations, this book is a joy to read for both children and parents. You can see the illustrations in our interactive slideshow.’
      Must register to access this site.
    • Literacy Fundamentals
      Develop your reading and writing skills online.
    • Literacy Project, The
      From Google. ‘A resource for teachers, literacy organisations and anyone interested in reading and education, created in collaboration with LitCam, Google, and UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning. Find books, articles and videos about literacy, or start your own literacy or reading group !’
    • Reading A-Z. A complete online reading program
      Download books and all.
    • Reading, from Research to Reality
      Slide frame presentation, from an American consultant, covering major areas of reading, with links contained on several frames leading to further resources. Could prove of value as a starting point for discussion and follow-up.
    • Reading is Fundamental
      Stories, games, printable parent guides, booklists and guides for educators and parents.
    • Reading Zone
      Part of the Kidspace section of the Internet Library. Annotated links to reading resources of all kinds.
    • Starfall Learn to Read
      A range of activities, journals, writing books and more all Free, to help children develop reading skills.
      Highly Recommended !
    • Story Scramble
      Unscramble the jumbled stories to get the final product. A selection to work with.
    • StudyDog Early Reading Program
      ‘Is a complete Early Reading [pre-K thru 2nd grade] computer-based program aligned … . StudyDog Reading provides all of the components of a complete, evidence-based, comprehensive, and effective early-childhood reading program’. Just as importantly, it is Free to download and use.
    • Teacher Workshops
      [Session Materials - Literacy]
      A considerable listing of Workshop topics covering reading [and writing]. Each has a descriptor for the topic, plus downloadable files for the presentation and the various handouts that were used. These are distributed by the the US Department of Education. Worth considering. [There are also links to other Teacher Workshops in different academic areas.]
    • new !Teaching Tools
      ‘Linked here are IRA online resources perfect for use in the home or the classroom. They’ve been put together by experienced educators [or, in the case of Choices booklists, by experienced kids], and they’re designed to make your teaching task a little easier and a lot more effective.’ International Reading Association.
    • new !Welcome to Wikireadia
      ‘The first online good practice guide for anyone supporting readers; Develop and share good practice in reading; Learn from the experience of others and search the site for inspiration. Wikireadia is your encyclopedia of expertise.’ Sections for various users from teachers to parents. Nearly 800 pages at time of listing.
  12. Scaffolding Literacy :
    • Creating a Literate School Community
      [Curriculum Leadership]
      ‘Aquinas College, Gold Coast, has consolidated a range of literacy initiatives within a Whole School Literacy Plan and an Action Plan. The plan involves scaffolding and modelling written assignments across the key curriculum areas,’ and much more. An example of practical application.
    • Improving outcomes in Literacy
      [Deadly Writin’, Readin’ and Talkin’ at Salisbury North R-7 School, Scaffolded Approaches]
      ‘Example of its application in a primary level school. ’
    • Pointing Their Brains in The Right Direction
      ‘A practical demonstration using PowerPoint on the benefits and pedagogy behind the Scaffolding Literacy program.’ Done by the Armidale District of the Department of Education & Training in NSW.
    • Scaffolding Literacy
      .PDF report developed for the Department of Education, Science & Training in the areas of literacy and numeracy.
    • Scaffolding Literacy in the Middle Years
      Downloadable .pdf report aimed at helping to improve literacy outcomes for educationally disadvantaged children at this level.
    • What is Scaffolding Literacy ?
      [From the University of Canberra]
      ‘Scaffolding Literacy is a pedagogy designed to accelerate the literacy skills of learners. While this pedagogy is suitable for all learners, it is especially appropriate for those who have failed to make the appropriate literacy gains in school and those who are in danger of falling behind.’ Literacy research.

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