A collection of tools, apps, and websites families can use to support literacy practice at home. **** ## ***Reading & Phonics Practice*** **Starfall (starfall.com)** A free website with interactive phonics games, decodable books, and read-aloud activities for early readers. Best for Pre-K through 2nd grade. **Bob Books (bobbooks.com)** A series of decodable readers designed for beginning readers. Available as physical books or a companion app. Great for practicing phonics patterns learned in school. **Hooked on Phonics** An app-based phonics program with structured lessons, games, and books. Follows a systematic sequence from letter sounds through early reading. --- ### ***Fluency & Read-Alouds*** **Epic! (getepic.com)** A digital library of thousands of children's books, audiobooks, and read-alongs. Free for educators; low-cost for families. Great for building reading volume and exposure to new vocabulary. **Storyline Online (storylineonline.net)** Free videos of celebrity actors reading picture books aloud with professional production. Wonderful for modeling fluent, expressive reading. **Libby / OverDrive** A free app that connects to your local public library card for access to ebooks and audiobooks. No cost to families with a library card. --- ### ***Vocabulary & Comprehension*** **Vocabulary.com** An adaptive vocabulary practice site and app that uses context-based questions to teach and reinforce word meanings. Works well for elementary through middle school students. **ReadWorks (readworks.org)** Free nonfiction and fiction passages with comprehension questions at multiple grade levels. Parents can use these for at-home reading practice and discussion. **Newsela (newsela.com)** Current events articles written at multiple reading levels. Helps build background knowledge and academic vocabulary alongside reading skills. --- ### ***General Tips for Families*** - **Read aloud together daily** — even after children can read independently, being read to builds vocabulary and comprehension. - **Visit your local library regularly** — let your child choose books based on their own interests. - **Talk about books** — ask your child to retell what happened, predict what comes next, or explain why a character made a choice. - **Make it low-pressure** — short, consistent practice (10–15 minutes a day) is more effective than occasional long sessions.