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Reading 101
Reading 101
Explore reading basics as well as the key role of background knowledge and motivation in becoming a lifelong reader and learner. Watch our PBS Launching Young Readers series and try our self-paced Reading 101 course to deepen your understanding.
Visit the Reading 101 Overview
In the Classroom
In the Classroom
Browse our library of evidence-based teaching strategies, learn more about using classroom texts, find out what whole-child literacy instruction looks like, and dive deeper into comprehension, content area literacy, writing, and social-emotional learning.
Visit the In the Classroom Overview
Helping All Readers
Helping All Readers
Many children need extra support to become skilled readers. Learn more about why some kids struggle, what effective interventions look like, how to create inclusive classrooms so every child can thrive, and much more.
Visit the Helping All Readers Overview
Books & Authors
Books & Authors
Meet your favorite book creators, launch an author study, browse our themed booklists, get tips on how to choose and use kids’ books, find guidance on building a more diverse bookshelf, celebrate annual literacy events with us, and more!
Visit the Books & Authors Overview
Literacy at Home
Literacy at Home
Discover how to support your child’s growth as a young reader and writer — with our Reading 101 for Families guide, bilingual parent tips, ideas for building your child’s knowledge of the world, Q&A with experts, and guidance on connecting with your child’s school.
Visit the Literacy at Home Overview
Topics

PreK boy playing with magnetic letters

Alphabet Knowledge

Learning the alphabet is a foundational skill in reading. Alphabet knowledge is the ability to name letters, identify the sounds they make and their printed shapes.

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Articles

Literacy at Home

Simple Yet Powerful Things to Do While Reading Aloud

Print Awareness

Simple Yet Powerful Things to Do While Reading Aloud

Beginning Readers: Look! I Can Read This!

Early Literacy Development

Beginning Readers: Look! I Can Read This!

Emergent Readers: Look! That’s My Letter!

Early Literacy Development

Emergent Readers: Look! That’s My Letter!

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Videos

Sound-Letter Dictation with Monica Peevyhouse

At Prather-Brown Center in Frederick, Oklahoma, teacher Monica Peevyhouse helps her students practice writing letters through sound-letter dictation.

Vivica Fox: Reading Rocks!

Actress Vivica A. Fox discusses some of the oddities of the English language.

Everyday Moments You Can Use to Teach Your Child the Alphabet

Learn about everyday moments you can use to teach your child the alphabet.

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Our Shows

Portrait of Fred Rogers wearing a tan zip-up cardigan

Launching Young Readers

Roots of Reading

Share a love of reading with infants and toddlers. Hosted by Fred Rogers, this episode examines how parents, childcare providers, and kindergarten teachers can get children started on the road to literacy.

Photo: Mister Rogers Neighborhood

Portrait of Annette Bening

Launching Young Readers

Sounds and Symbols

Letter Names with Reese, Kindergartener

Looking at Reading Interventions

Letter Names with Reese, Kindergartener

Blog Posts

PreK boy playing with magnetic letters

Shanahan on Literacy

The Role of Letter Names in Learning to Read Is Still Curious

First grader at board reading 3-letter words for teacher

Shanahan on Literacy

Why Instructional Sequence Doesn’t Always Matter

PreK boy playing with magnetic letters

Shanahan on Literacy

Should We Teach Letter Names?

More blog posts

Develop Your Knowledge

young teacher reading a professional book in library and taking notes

Books About Reading, Writing, and Instruction

Browse our collection of books to help you continue to deepen your knowledge about reading, writing, and effective classroom instruction. You’ll also find books on reading motivation and reading aloud to children.

Reading Rockets is a national public media literacy initiative offering free, research-based information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help.

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