Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children is a seminal consensus document that you can purchase or read online that presents a comprehensive picture of how and why children learn to read, why they sometimes struggle, and what we can do about it.
In 2000, the National Reading Panel issued a widely-influential report on early reading development and instruction that formed the basis of the Reading First legislation of the No Child Left Behind Act. Ask for a free copy of the report.
The most recent national consensus document on literacy focuses on early literacy research. Particular attention is given to which children's characteristics predict later literacy outcomes. Download the free executive summary or the entire report here or order a free hard copy.
We've often heard--and perhaps even taught--the phonics rule, "when two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking." But how often is this rule realized? Read an article housed at the Core Knowledge website to hear one author's take on the limitations of some phonics traditions. His argument aligns with the sound-basedpresentation we recommend and will reinforce why the Green level strategies are effective.
The Florida Center for Reading Research is a treasure-trove of reading research and reviews of reading programs. Additionally, look under the Curriculum & Instruction section for a PDF of Student Center Activities.
If you keep finding yourself doing too much instruction with the whole group of your students, you might enjoy this article.
Enjoy a multi-media presentation of a pre-school teacher on the Doing What Works website considering all the elements that she focuses on for an effective interactive reading aloud. Once you're at the Doing What Works site, click on "Play" next to the "Preparing an Interactive Reading Lesson." Notice how many of the elements she discusses align with the TRI reading model
Consider these common word-learning myths and their rebuttals courtesy of Word Generation, an intervention to build middle-school students' academic vocabulary.
An excellent list of 9 proven principles for strong vocabulary instruction with video descriptions of each by a widely influential social scientist, Catherine Snow (click here).
Choice Literacy is a fee-based membership organization for literacy leaders with an abundance of video and written support for professional learning. Even if you can't become a member, you can consider receiving their free, fresh e-newsletter (The Big Fresh) that is rich with diverse, worthwhile links to literacy-related sites.