Best Reading Programs
Vetted and Reviewed by Classroom teachers!
We have identified 5 of the very best reading programs in education today. The programs listed here are engaging and easy to use. They are classroom tested and standards aligned. Most importantly, students don't burn out on these programs, nor do they hit a proficiency ceiling. Students remain motivated as they continuously learn and grow.
Researchers like Marzano and Hattie point to a handful of effective reading practices that include...
- teacher efficacy (the ability to deliver desired results)
- skill-based practice that transfers
- evaluation and reflection (feedback loop)
- rehearsal (distributive practice)
- targeted scaffolds and support
- response to intervention
These and other research-based practices are central to the best reading programs listed here. Take a look and you will see why we have ranked these as the top 5 reading programs.
#1 Quindew
Quindew is free online reading program. The platform is adaptive, so it supports all levels of readers. This isn't your ordinary reading program. Quindew teaches a reading process while teaching transferable reading skills. It doesn't use multiple choice questions, so the reading lessons are as authentic as a lesson delivered by a classroom teacher. Students are motivated by the high-interest articles and challenging questions. It's a free program with optional premium add-ons.
Resource: Online
Delivery: Automated/differentiated
Classroom Materials: Included w/ premium
Teacher Accounts: Yes
Student Accounts: Yes
Reading Data: Yes
Resource: Online/Downloadable PDFs
Delivery: Classroom teacher
Classroom Materials: Permission to copy
Teacher Accounts: Yes
Student Accounts: No
Reading Data: Assessment Rubrics
#2 LiteracyTA
This reading program is for teachers and schools serious about teaching skill-based instruction. The LTA Toolkit is a comprehensive reading, speaking, and writing curriculum without the reading passages. Teachers use the skills in the Toolkit to teach the texts they love to teach. The reading, speaking, and writing skills are organized by standards, Webb's Depth of Knowledge, and skill sets like analyzing arguments or summarizing a source. There is a free and premium version of the LTA Toolkit.
#3 XTRAWeekly
XTRAWeekly delivers high interest news articles every month. This is a great reading resource to help keep your reading curriculum fresh, current, and engaging. XTRAWeekly provides classroom ready lessons with easy to use lesson plans. This program comes with comprehension checks and ideas for writing about texts. XTRAWeekly is a great fit after school programs, too.
Resource: Online/Downloadable PDFs
Delivery: Classroom teacher
Classroom Materials: Permission to copy
Teacher Accounts: Yes
Student Accounts: No
Reading Data: Comprehension quizzes
Resource: Online
Delivery: Classroom teacher/automated
Classroom Materials: No
Teacher Accounts: Yes
Student Accounts: Yes
Reading Data: Yes
#4 Actively Learn
Actively Learn can be used to supplement reading curriculum or become the central focus of your class. Actively Learn provides high interest texts with embedded question checks and writing prompts. Teachers can edit reading questions, add their own questions, add margin comments to support the reading and so much more. Actively Learn has a free and premium version.
#5 Scholastic Magazine
Scholastic is a well known publisher in education. Did you know they have student magazines? Of all the student magazine available, we like Scholastic Magazine the best! They have student-friendly magazines for the three core content areas: English, science, and social studies. The magazines come in class sets and are available online. The writers for these magazines are very talented and write high-interest articles and stories. This is a great supplemental resource to use to teach various reading and writing skills and standards.
Resource: Print and Online
Delivery: Classroom teacher
Classroom Materials: Yes
Teacher Accounts: Yes
Student Accounts: Yes
Reading Data: Comprehension Quizzes