A chorus of praise is rising from classrooms and literacy programs across the country, and the source? Storyshares decodable chapter books. Educators are finding these innovative resources to be a game-changer in their efforts to cultivate a love of reading among all students, especially those facing reading challenges.‍ Here's a closer look at how Storyshares is transforming literacy experiences for older, striving readers.

This week's Tuesday Tidbit dives into the world of phonics terminology! While younger learners might struggle with these concepts, older students striving for fluency can benefit greatly from understanding them. Equipping them with terms like welded sounds, digraphs, and blends empowers them to tackle new words with confidence.

Summer break is just beginning for most students, and while it is a fun time of rest from school, good weather, and new opportunities, it can also eat away at the important skills gained over the school year. Without deliberate efforts to keep up reading over break, students of all ages can experience reading loss, which is the decline in reading development over periods without formal literacy instruction. Luckily, reading over the summer doesn’t have to be a chore. These tips can help set students up for success for the next school year without compromising their fun over the summers. 

The pendulum of reading instruction has swung between phonics-heavy and whole-language approaches, but the Science of Reading offers a more nuanced understanding. Explicit phonics instruction is crucial, but it must be combined with opportunities to build fluency, comprehension, and a love of reading through access to engaging and age-appropriate materials for all students, even those struggling beyond elementary school.

To help celebrate Pride Month, Storyshares is thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our talented authors, Julian Simiński. Julian’s book, Math = Silence, is a popular and compelling title in the Storyshares library.

We all know the struggle to get teens engaged with reading. But what if the key lies not just in compelling stories, but in stories that reflect their own lives? Studies show that relatable characters and familiar experiences make reading more meaningful and engaging. This is especially true for LGBTQ+ teens, who are often underrepresented in Young Adult literature.

The field of education loves buzzwords and the arena of small group instruction is no different. Centers, stations, Tier 2 intervention… they all provide ways for teachers to meet students where they are and support them in getting to where they need to be. The one thing that all these instructional methods have in common is that they happen in small groups. Why is small group instruction important for accelerating literacy skills for older students? Let’s discuss!

Many middle school students struggle with reading due to a lack of foundational skills and access to high-quality decodable texts. Decodable chapter books, with engaging content and age-appropriate themes, can bridge the gap between skill development and genuine interest for these striving readers.

Teens who struggle with reading can thrive with the right approach. This guide explores ways to assess their needs and offers practical strategies for decoding, fluency, comprehension, and choosing engaging, diverse texts.