Reading in the Content Areas

TeachersFirst offers this collection of web resources well suited to teach reading in the content areas, especially in science and social studies classes, but in almost ANY subject area. See "In the classroom" ideas and strategies for teaching reading across the curriculum and find texts to use on the computer, in print, or in interactive whiteboard/projector. Sometimes using web-based texts can be more engaging, and often these are more up-to-date. Practice with these resources is certain to help student mastery of informational texts.
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Science of Reading - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): blogs (73), fluency (30), reading comprehension (152), reading strategies (97), science of reading (36), vocabulary (241), vocabulary development (96)
In the Classroom
View this collection of blog posts to learn more about the Science of Reading. Many of the blog posts offer ideas for classroom use. Share this post with colleagues who may be learning more about the Science of reading.Let's Talk About: Tech for Littles - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 2tag(s): artificial intelligence (188), digital literacy (18), podcasts (118), preK (291)
In the Classroom
After reading this blog post, implement some of the ideas from the post with your students. Use Padlet reviewed here to have students build simple sentences related to your current science, math, or social studies theme. Create an interactive Wordwall reviewed here activities like word sorts, sentence completion, or close passages using content-specific vocabulary (e.g., weather terms, number words, or community helpers). Students can manipulate language while strengthening phonics and sentence structure. Choose a short, age-appropriate podcast aligned with your lesson theme. Have students listen with a purpose (e.g., retell, draw a scene, or identify key facts), then respond with a discussion or written reflection to boost vocabulary and comprehension.Why All Secondary Teachers Need to Add Science of Reading to Their Lessons - TeachersFirst
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): blogs (73), fluency (30), reading comprehension (152), science of reading (36)
In the Classroom
Read this post and then put the ideas into action! Have students take turns reading a short passage (related to your content area) aloud for one minute. Pair them with a peer to time, track errors, and provide supportive feedback. Rotate passages weekly to build confidence, fluency, and content knowledge. After fluency practice, have students reflect in journals about what they read--summarizing key points, identifying challenging words, and noting how fluency affected their understanding. Consider writing the journals digitally using a resource like Book Creator reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here. Ask students to record themselves reading passages from your subject (e.g., a science explanation, a history speech, or a math word problem) using tools like Vocaroo reviewed here. Have them submit recordings monthly to show progress. Include self-assessment rubrics to promote ownership of growth.TLS Inquiry Writing - Yourway Learning
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (188), inquiry (30), Teacher Utilities (202), writing (323)
In the Classroom
This tool provides a short response. After the initial response, use the chat feature to ask specific questions to build a more robust and fully developed activity. Ideas to include in your chat are the names of current novels students are reading, integration of other content areas, inclusion of specific writing frameworks, and creation of an assessment rubric. Engage students in writing activities by assigning activities and games available at Groovelit reviewed here to develop vocabulary, narrative, and argumentative writing skills.Inca Civilization - Twinkl Educational Publishing
Grades
3 to 10tag(s): cultures (226), religions (113), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Assign students different roles in Inca society (ex., farmer, noble, priest, artisan, emperor, chasqui messenger), have students research their roles, and then participate in a classroom simulation where they interact based on their social status. After reviewing the resources on Inca architecture, students can work in teams to design and build a model of an Inca terrace farm, bridge, or city using clay, cardboard, or recycled materials. They can also create a digital model using Delightex (formerly CoSpaces) reviewed here or Tinkercad reviewed here. Encourage students to explain how their design reflects the Incas' use of geography and engineering skills. Using the quipu worksheets, students learn how the Incas recorded numbers using knots. Students then create their own quipu messages using string and assign numerical or symbolic meanings.Rick Riordan - Teacher's Guides - Rick Riordan
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): authors (108), critical thinking (137), greek (46), myths and legends (42), reading comprehension (152), student-centered (8)
In the Classroom
Create a mythology-themed trivia game where students answer questions about Greek, Roman, Norse, or Egyptian myths featured in Riordan's books. Make an online quiz using Blooket, reviewed here or Quizizz, reviewed here. Have students design a demigod character, including a parent from mythology. They can write a short character profile, including strengths, weaknesses, and a unique quest. Transform the classroom into Camp Half-Blood for a day! Create stations where students complete challenges (ex, solving riddles, crafting "weapons," or navigating a "labyrinth"). Using the hero's journey structure (as seen in Percy Jackson), have students outline and write a short adventure story. Encourage them to incorporate mythological elements and share their stories with the class.Teach Your Monster - The Usborne Foundation
Grades
K to 2tag(s): game based learning (206), literacy (122), phonics (52)
In the Classroom
Assign each student a notebook where they write down new words they encounter in the game. They could also make a digital notebook using WriteReader reviewed here. Create a small reading corner or station where partners can practice blending sounds and decoding words. Pair students and have them take turns reading words or sentences aloud that they learn through the game.Groundhog Day Activities - Jennifer Findley
Grades
3 to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): critical thinking (137), holidays (194), puzzles (149), reading comprehension (152), writing prompts (60)
In the Classroom
Have students write a story or journal entry from the perspective of the groundhog. Have your students use a tool such as WriteReader to create and record books reviewed here. Students can sort statements about Groundhog Day into fact or opinion categories. The class can predict whether the groundhog will see its shadow and discuss the implications. There are also math puzzles and a themed reading passage with questions to gauge understanding and encourage critical thinking skills.A-Maze-ing Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss Enterprises
Grades
K to 2tag(s): characterization (19), dr seuss (12), plot (15), read across america (9), setting (5), themes (16)
In the Classroom
After reading Green Eggs and Ham, students can play the game to reinforce key story elements like the characters, setting, and plot. Use the game as a group activity where students work together to navigate the maze. This encourages teamwork and helps develop problem-solving skills as students discuss strategies for overcoming obstacles and completing the maze. Teachers can extend the lesson by asking students to write or share what they would do if they were in Sam-I-Am's shoes.Wartburg Castle - Wartburg Foundation
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): architecture (84), europe (84), germany (27)
In the Classroom
For German language students, create a vocabulary scavenger hunt using the website's German version. Students can find keywords related to castle features and translate them into English. Challenge students to build a small model of Wartburg Castle using materials like clay, cardboard, or Lego. Assign students to choose another European castle and compare it to Wartburg. Students could use a digital comparison tool like Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can research age, architectural style, historical events, and cultural influence. Have students analyze Wartburg Castle's architectural features, then design their own "modern" version of a castle, keeping some medieval elements.Gruvy Education - William Grube
Grades
K to 5tag(s): artificial intelligence (188), differentiation (86), personalized learning (10)
In the Classroom
Use Gruvy's AI-driven reading comprehension activities to assign students personalized passages at their reading levels. Group students with similar reading abilities or comprehension skills and have them work through the exercises together. After students have practiced various concepts on Gruvy, have them design their own math or reading games based on what they've learned. Students can create questions or scenarios, incorporating Gruvy's topics, and then swap with classmates to play each other's games. Use Gruvy's math games to create a "Math Challenge Day" where students rotate through various stations, each focusing on a different skill (like addition, subtraction, or multiplication).OK2Ask: Proven Techniques to Improve Reading and Writing - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12This engaging interactive...more
This engaging interactive workshop will teach you how to leverage practical strategies and powerful free tools from Microsoft like Reading Coach, Edge/Word Online, and Forms to support your students' literacy development. Whether you're looking to boost reading comprehension, improve writing proficiency, or integrate technology seamlessly into your lessons, this workshop has something for everyone. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore strategies for using technology to enhance reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. 2. Discuss approaches for collaborative writing, feedback, and improving writing skills. 3. Develop strategies for creating assessments aligned with literacy standards to gain insights into student learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (393), reading comprehension (152), reading strategies (97), writing (323)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Literacy Chops - Literacy Geeks, Inc.
Grades
3 to 10tag(s): literacy (122), reading comprehension (152)
In the Classroom
Assign individualized reading passages to each student, followed by comprehension quizzes. Have students use their written assignments from Literacy Chops and engage in a peer review session. Introduce weekly writing prompts that align with the writing practice offered by Literacy Chops.Once Upon a Picture - Sam Daunt
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): critical thinking (137), thinking skills (17), visual literacy (4), visual thinking (8), writing prompts (60)
In the Classroom
Incorporating Once Upon A Picture into classroom activities can amplify any lesson! Utilize Quizlet, reviewed here for vocabulary-building exercises. Teachers can create vocabulary sets based on themes or elements in the Once Upon A Picture images. Try Book Creator, reviewed here for digital storybook creation. Students can draw inspiration from Once Upon A Picture's visuals to craft engaging narratives combining text, images, audio, and video to share with the broader classroom community!Reading Treks: Charles Darwin's Around-the-World Adventure - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 3tag(s): animals (293), continents (33), darwin (13), ecosystems (85), plants (148), preK (291)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many lesson ideas in the Teachers' Guide to bring this story to life and provide activities that correlate with the book's theme of adventure and exploration. Help students understand the timeline of Darwin's adventure using MyLens, reviewed here to create a timeline that includes the dates of his voyage created using AI or build a timeline as you read the book using ReadWriteThink's Timeline builder tool, reviewed here. Work together as a class to create an adventure story using Book Creator, reviewed here. Add student drawings, voice recordings, and maps to your digital book, then create a link on classroom computers for students to read over and over again!Speechify - Speechify Inc.
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (188), listening (92), text to speech (20)
In the Classroom
Use Speechify as a helpful tool to increase reading comprehension, support English language learners, and help students with dyslexia and other special needs. Upload tests, worksheets, and other assessment documents to support students who have materials read to them. Share Speechify with parents and students for use at home. When sharing Speechify, consider making a short tutorial video using Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here to demonstrate how to create a free account, where to find the dashboard, and how to upload and view reading materials.Whodunnit? - Bringing a Little Mystery Into the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 8tag(s): book lists (168), mysteries (24)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the book suggestions and lists to find mystery books to include in your classroom library and as a designated mystery reading center. Integrate reading mystery books and stories with other content areas to discover mysteries waiting to be solved. For example, ask upper elementary students to investigate primary sources by completing activities provided on H.S.I. - Historical Scene Investigation, reviewed here. Create mystery stories on any subject to share with students using one of the many artificial intelligence (AI) tools available to educators. ReadTheory Passage Generator, reviewed here generates reading passages for all grade levels based on your prompt. When teaching about the Civil War, try a prompt asking for text about the mysteries of the Civil War and select a grade level. After generating a story that "looks good," ReadTheory generates editable comprehension questions to accompany the text delivered to your email inbox.OK2Ask: 5 Strategies for Building Content Area Literacy - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Content area literacy...more
Content area literacy is the ability to use reading and writing to acquire information in a subject area. It involves general literacy skills, content-specific literacy skills, and prior knowledge of content. This interactive workshop will explore five technology-integrated strategies that will enhance content-area literacy across the curriculum, focusing on supporting the needs of diverse learners to ensure an inclusive and equitable learning environment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explain the definition and benefits of content area literacy; 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the five strategies presented for their students' learning needs and goals; and 3. Plan hands-on, engaging activities that will help students develop content area literacy skills. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): literacy (122), professional development (393), reading strategies (97), teaching strategies (52)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - Twinkl
Grades
K to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (56), creative writing (126), game based learning (206), interactive stories (22), writing (323), writing prompts (60)
In the Classroom
Engage students by introducing your Spider-Man and Spider-Gwen tasks with the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse official trailer at the bottom of the page. Discover activities for learners aged 5-16 years. Fuel your student's interest with these entertaining, curriculum-aligned, Spider-Man activities! Use one of the writing prompts for a creative warm-up activity. Play interactive games on computers as a part of daily station rotations. Free downloadable activities include occupational therapy, fine motor skills, writing prompts, reading comprehension passages, interactive games, and math activities.Supporting Language Learners with Book Creator - Book Creator
Grades
K to 12tag(s): multimedia (55), writing (323)