ReadWorks Review for Teachers

With ReadWorks, you are able to differentiate reading instruction with high-quality texts and lessons. Well, at this time, we are going to talk about some information about ReadWorks. Please read the text below until the end.

What is ReadWorks?

ReadWorks is a free site that offers research-based strategies and resources for differentiated reading instruction, mainly comprehension. There is a range of fiction and nonfiction texts, activities, assessments and an online platform that the teachers can use to track student progress. As a teacher, you are able to add students manually or through Google Classroom by sharing a class code or importing their students. The teachers are going to discover class demo videos, classroom protocols, current research, tips, and suggestions that aid to implement or improve reading instruction.

ReadWorks Review for Teachers

After classes are made, the teachers are able to begin curating reading assignments by using various filters, such as topic, content type and grade level. Easily, the teachers are able to assign passages, vocabulary activities, and full question sets to an entire class, small groups, or individual students. An easy-to-use Assignments and Progress dashboard makes it simple to grade the student responses, track progress, and give direct feedback. Automatically, multiple-choice questions are graded, but the teachers will have to grade short-answer questions and, if they want, give written feedback.

The students have access to reading tools such as annotation tools, vocabulary aids, and accessibility features, including read-aloud if their teacher has enabled it. Also, the students are able to curate their own reading library based on topics of interest. This will let them strengthen their own knowledge and comprehension as well as keep track of what they have already read and their reactions to each text.

How Can I Teach with ReadWorks?

One of ReadWorks’ most interesting features is its support for different classroom setups. Any lesson will be able to be printed out, projected in front of the class, and also assigned digitally to be completed on- or offline. It means that any teacher who wants to increase students’ reading comprehension, give extra support, or differentiate by interest or text complexity will find something useful.

As a teacher, you are able to use the Article-A-Day sets to establish a 10- to 15-minute daily reading routine which increases students’ background knowledge and improves vocabulary skills. Also, add Boost, Challenge, or ELL-friendly texts to these to customize instruction. Assign Paired Texts, selected for different perspectives on the same topic to encourage more analysis, compare perspectives, or check for bias. You have to use a wide range of resources to make engaging lessons which lend themselves to literature circles, differentiated group work, or independent work. Because the students are able to change the text size, see passages and questions side by side, and even curate their own reading lists, they are able to interact with text in ways which help them make sense of and enjoy what they are reading.

Also, the teachers should check out and assign articles which include the audio narration feature. This will allow the students to listen to texts on their devices, and can be helpful in supporting ELLs and struggling readers. Eventually, assess students and give feedback by assigning multiple-choice, short-answer, and open-ended questions.

Is It Good for Learning?

The ReadWorks platform easily lends itself to differentiation and supports students’ development of the vocabulary skills and background knowledge. The great features such as the ability to view assignments over time, curate lists, and assign to individuals and groups make it easy to target instruction and monitor student progress.

The Article-A-Day feature will let the teachers in almost any content area support student literacy, and many filters help the teachers discover right content for their students. Also, different types of activities allow for several customization in terms of how teachers assess student comprehension. Partnerships with organizations like the History Channel, the Museum of Modern Art, and The National Wildlife Foundation make for regularly updated, quality content.

Besides its regular content, the website includes access to ebooks and StepReads passages, which give struggling readers more access. The teachers are able to use StepReads to make lessons and support students’ needs without sacrificing quality. Some special Collections include texts on holidays, SEL topics, and events and content from featured partners, and lots of passages also include an audio option for those who struggle with written text or prefer to supplement their reading with audio.

Reading passages will offer vocabulary lists, examples, definitions, and topics which are particularly relevant to ELLs, while flexible viewing choices, accessibility features, and annotation tools on the student side will make a more inclusive reading experience. Aside from that, because the students are able to curate their own library of content, then they have chances to engage with content that is meaningful to them. Overall, ReadWorks is a great way for teachers to promote development of students’ reading skills across content areas.

Some Ways to Use ReadWorks in The Classroom (For Teachers)

Here are some ways to use ReadWorks in the Classroom:

    • Discover high-quality nonfiction and fiction articles for all students to practice every day with the Article A Day series.
    • Please engage hesitant readers with high-interest texts. For note: ReadWorks encourages the teachers to have students read the original article before or after reading a StepRead article.
    • Make personalized reading goals for the students.
    • You are able to offer extra-credit for the students when they complete reading assignments
    • Allow the students to access ReadWorks at home to work on reading with their parents or family members.
    • Please monitor student reading comprehension over time.
    • Make reading groups based on interest, ability, fiction or nonfiction, etc.
    • You are able to use Paired Texts to promote higher-level thinking
    • You need to integrate ReadWorks with Google Classroom by importing classes from Google Classroom, publishing assignments directly to your Google Classroom Stream or allowing the students access and complete assignments directly from their Google Classroom Stream.
    • Allow the students to make their own reading list per semester based on self-created reading interests and goals.

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