Reading Readiness Resources
Sara Salome, ELAR Instructional Coach
Welcome to the Reading Readiness Resources Section!
At Manara Academy, we recognize that reading is not just a skill; it is a vital gateway to learning and discovery. This section is designed to equip parents and guardians with the knowledge and tools they need to support their children's literacy development at home. We believe that when parents are actively involved in their child's reading journey, it fosters confidence and enthusiasm, setting the foundation for academic success. Here, you will find valuable resources, research insights, and practical strategies to help cultivate a lifelong love for reading.
Together, let’s inspire our children to become confident and enthusiastic readers!
What is the Science of Teaching Reading?
At Manara Academy, we use a curriculum backed by the science of teaching reading, specifically the Amplify curriculum. This evidence-based approach focuses on key components such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded and effective reading education. The recent changes in Texas education standards reflect a statewide commitment to improving literacy rates among students. The shift towards science-based reading instruction is designed to provide all children with the foundational skills necessary for success in reading and beyond. By implementing the Amplify curriculum, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to become proficient, confident readers, preparing them for future academic challenges.
Explore Our Reading Curriculum and Tools
Understanding the Amplify ELAR Pacing Guides
Accessing Amplify Reading Resources: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
At Manara Academy, we are dedicated to providing tools that enhance your child's reading skills. Amplify Reading is a fun and interactive platform that supports literacy development. Follow the steps below to log in and access the resources:
On the learning.amplify.com page, enter the username and password your child’s ELAR teacher gave you.
Click Log In to proceed.
If your student has a school issued Chromebook have them go to CLEVER and then click on the Orange Amplify button to login.
Once logged in, click on the Hub — represented by the Robot Icon.
This will take your child to their personalized reading dashboard.
From here, all students will have access to the Library of Readers assigned for the year.
K-2 Students will have access to engaging sounds and phonics activities by unit.
Your child will have access to grade-specific resources tailored to their literacy needs.
For Kindergarten through 2nd Grade: They will explore both the Sounds program and the Library, focusing on building early reading and phonics skills.
For 3rd through 5th Grade: Students will engage with the Library and Vocabulary resources, which are designed to enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary development.
Each resource is carefully designed to support your child's literacy growth at their appropriate grade level.
IXL Learning Platform - Reading and Math
mCLASS Intervention Practice App
mCLASS Intervention: Helping Your Child Succeed in Reading
What is mCLASS Intervention?
mCLASS Intervention is a powerful tool used by our teachers to help your child improve their reading skills. This app supports students who need extra help with reading, offering targeted lessons to build essential skills.
How Does It Work?
Personalized Instruction: The app identifies your child's specific reading needs and provides lessons that focus on those areas.
Engaging Practice: Students engage in fun and interactive activities that build reading fluency, phonics, comprehension, and more.
Progress Monitoring: Teachers regularly check how your child is progressing and adjust lessons to ensure they're improving in the right areas.
How Can You Support Your Child?
Talk with Your Child's Teacher: Stay in touch with the teacher to understand how your child is doing and ask questions about their reading progress.
Encourage Practice at Home: Encourage your child to read daily and practice their reading skills in a fun and relaxed environment.
Stay Positive: Celebrate your child's reading successes, no matter how small. This builds their confidence and motivation to keep learning.
Why is mCLASS Important?
Early reading skills are the foundation for all future learning. The mCLASS Intervention app ensures that your child receives the extra support they need to become confident, successful readers. By working together, we can help every child reach their full potential.
Follow the instructions below to get started (only available on Apple devices):
**If Apple devices aren’t available, please use the Home Connect Resources and log into Amplify to access the book library as well as the sound or vocabulary resources.
1. Get students' QR code from their Teacher
2. Download the app
3. Scan QR code
4. Start Practicing!
Learning Dynamics: Building Strong Readers
mCLASS DIBELS Benchmarking
What is mCLASS DIBELS Benchmarking?
mCLASS DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a research-based assessment that helps teachers understand how well your child is developing key reading skills. These short, one-on-one tests are given at the beginning, middle, and end of the year to monitor progress in areas such as:
Letter Naming: Knowing letter names and sounds.
Phonemic Awareness: Recognizing and manipulating sounds in words.
Nonsense Word Fluency: Identifying and blending sounds in made-up words.
Oral Reading Fluency: Reading sentences accurately and quickly.
Why is it important?
The results from mCLASS DIBELS give teachers a clear picture of your child’s reading progress throughout the year. This information helps us provide personalized instruction to support your child in areas they need the most, ensuring they build strong reading skills early on.
mCLASS Home Connect Report
After each testing period, you’ll receive the mCLASS Home Connect Report, which provides a summary of your child's performance and helpful tips on how you can support their reading at home. Click below for the Home Connect Resources.
Discover myON: Your Child’s Digital Library
What is myON?
myON is a digital library that gives students access to thousands of eBooks across a wide range of genres and reading levels. It’s a personalized reading platform designed to help students grow their reading skills and foster a love for reading.
Key Features of myON:
Thousands of Books: With access to over 6,000 eBooks, your child can explore fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and more, all from their tablet, laptop, or computer.
Personalized Reading Experience: myON recommends books based on your child's interests and reading level, ensuring they find engaging and appropriate content.
24/7 Access: Students can read anytime, anywhere, whether at home, school, or on the go.
Reading Progress: myON tracks your child’s reading activity, including time spent reading and the number of books completed, giving parents and teachers valuable insight into their progress.
Interactive Tools: The platform includes features like read-aloud support, text highlighting, and built-in dictionaries to assist with vocabulary and comprehension.
How to Access:
Students can log into myON using their school credentials provided by their ELAR Teacher through our Manara myON Link . Encourage your child to explore books, enjoy stories, and improve their reading skills with this exciting online resource.
For even more convenience, you can download the myON app:
With the app, your child can read on their mobile device anytime, even without an internet connection.
Amplify Grades 6-8 Literacy Program
Welcome to the Amplify 6-8 Literacy Program section! This section is designed to give you an overview of how the Amplify curriculum is shaping your child’s literacy skills in grades 6 through 8. With engaging content and interactive tools, Amplify encourages students to think critically, write effectively, and explore a wide range of texts that challenge and inspire them.
Middle school is a critical time for student development, both cognitively and socially, and engaging them in ELA is key for their academic success. However, research shows that middle-schoolers spend only about 20% of class time actively engaging with texts. To address this, Amplify suggests four actionable principles to enhance engagement:
Enable All Students to Work Up: Provide multiple entry points and scaffolding (like multimedia, vocabulary work, and text previews) to make complex texts accessible. Offer feedback that is actionable and encouraging to foster growth.
Engage Multiple Modalities: Use varied modalities—such as debates, dramatic readings, and discussions—that tap into different learning styles and encourage collaboration.
Promote Critical Thinking: Make the curriculum relevant and student-driven by encouraging open-ended questions, fostering inquiry, and allowing multiple interpretations grounded in the text.
Foster a Positive Feedback Culture: Encourage peer feedback and focus on specific, constructive comments to create a supportive learning environment.
These principles help not only in improving literacy skills but also in building confidence and deeper engagement in learning.
Program Overview
The Amplify 6-8 Literacy Program provides a rich, diverse selection of texts and writing activities that help students build the literacy skills needed for academic success. From classic literature to modern essays and scientific articles, the curriculum is designed to develop strong reading comprehension, critical thinking, and evidence-based writing abilities.
Key areas of focus:
Close Reading to deepen comprehension.
Analytical Writing to support opinions with evidence from texts.
Interactive Learning Tools to engage students in both digital and print formats.
Grade-Level Curriculum
6th Grade
Explore genres such as historical fiction, science fiction, and narrative non-fiction.
Key texts may include The Lightning Thief and short stories like "Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros.
7th Grade
Focus on analyzing arguments and reading persuasive texts. Key texts may include speeches by famous leaders and excerpts from foundational historical documents.
8th Grade
Delve deeper into analytical essays, debates, and discussions around complex topics such as ethics, history, and culture. Key texts may include The Outsiders and The Call of the Wild.
Key Features of Amplify 6-8
Engaging Texts: Amplify offers a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts that align with state standards while promoting literacy growth.
Evidence-Based Writing: Students practice writing essays that are grounded in textual evidence, helping them strengthen their argumentation and analytical skills.
Interactive Assessments: Amplify includes regular formative assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction. These assessments ensure that students are on track to meet their learning goals.
Collaborative Learning: Students engage in discussions and collaborative activities that help them articulate their thoughts and learn from others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What type of assignments can my child expect?
A: Students will work on a variety of assignments, including essays, projects, and presentations that reflect their understanding of the readings.
Q: How does Amplify help prepare my child for high school?
A: Amplify’s focus on critical thinking, argumentation, and text analysis equips students with the skills needed to tackle the more rigorous literacy demands of high school.
Q: How can I access Amplify resources?
A: Parents can access a suite of Amplify’s digital tools via our school portal, where they can explore the texts and assignments their children are working on.
ODELL Reading and Writing for Grades 9-12
Welcome to the ODELL Reading and Writing Curriculum section for high school students. This curriculum empowers students to engage deeply with complex texts, fostering the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for academic and real-world success.
Program Overview
The ODELL Reading and Writing Curriculum for grades 9-12 is designed to develop students' ability to analyze and interpret texts across various genres. It emphasizes deep reading and structured writing, encouraging students to think critically and craft coherent arguments.
Key Objectives:
Build analytical reading skills with a focus on evidence-based interpretation.
Enhance writing proficiency, particularly in persuasive, narrative, and research-based formats.
Foster discussions that lead to deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Grade-Level Breakdown
9th Grade
Students begin with foundational texts that introduce them to critical reading strategies and structured writing assignments. They will explore literary works and non-fiction texts to develop their argumentation and analytical skills.
10th Grade
Sophomores engage in more complex texts that encourage them to question and analyze the world around them. Writing assignments focus on constructing coherent essays with strong theses, grounded in textual evidence.
11th Grade
In this year, students refine their reading and writing abilities, working with American literature and global texts that require a nuanced understanding of historical and cultural contexts. Research-based assignments take on greater importance.
12th Grade
Seniors dive into advanced texts, ranging from classic literature to modern thought-provoking essays. They will be asked to produce research papers, literary critiques, and persuasive essays that reflect their growth as critical thinkers and writers.
Core Features of ODELL Reading
Close Reading and Analysis: Students learn to engage with texts on a deeper level, identifying themes, analyzing arguments, and interpreting complex ideas.
Writing Across Genres: From literary essays to research papers, the curriculum emphasizes writing as a process. Students learn how to structure arguments, use evidence effectively, and refine their ideas through drafts and feedback.
Discussion-Based Learning: Classroom discussions are a key feature of the ODELL curriculum, promoting an environment where students can share diverse interpretations and build on each other’s ideas.
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: ODELL helps students develop the skills needed to cite evidence from texts in both their oral and written responses, laying a foundation for college and career readiness.
Parent Resources
Support your high schooler by encouraging regular reading habits and thoughtful discussions about what they’re learning in class. The ODELL curriculum offers multiple opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world contexts.
Encouraging Critical Reading: Ask your child questions that help them think critically about the text. For example, "What argument is the author making?" or "How does the setting influence the characters' decisions?"
Supporting Writing Assignments: Help your child brainstorm ideas for writing projects and review drafts together. Encourage them to seek feedback from their peers and teachers to strengthen their writing.
For more information, check out the ODELL Parent Guide
ELAR STAAR Re-Design Grades 3-12
ELAR STAAR Prep Resources
1. Texas Education Agency (TEA) Resources
The official TEA STAAR Resources page offers practice tests, guides, and released test questions from previous years. This is a great place to start, as it gives parents a clear idea of the types of reading passages and writing prompts students will encounter on the STAAR.
Released Tests: Provide insight into the format and complexity of STAAR questions.
Student Tutorials: Interactive guides on how to navigate the STAAR platform.
Visit: TEA STAAR Resources
2. ReadTheory
ReadTheory is a free online platform that offers personalized reading comprehension practice. It adapts to the student's reading level and provides questions similar to those on the STAAR test, focusing on inferencing, main ideas, and textual evidence. This tool is excellent for developing the critical reading skills needed for STAAR.
Visit: ReadTheory
3. Education Galaxy
This website offers STAAR-specific test prep for grades K-8. It includes reading and writing exercises, quizzes, and video lessons that target STAAR objectives. Education Galaxy also has a "Galaxy Star" rewards system to keep students engaged as they work through STAAR-aligned practice questions.
Visit: Education Galaxy
4. IXL Learning
IXL offers comprehensive, STAAR-aligned practice for both reading and writing skills. Parents can select activities by grade level and ELA standard, ensuring students are practicing the exact skills they need to master for the STAAR test. The platform provides immediate feedback and explanations to help students understand mistakes.
Visit: IXL STAAR Prep
5. STAAR Master® Student Practice Books
These books are designed specifically for STAAR test prep and cover both the Reading and Writing sections. They offer multiple-choice questions, writing prompts, and short reading passages aligned with the STAAR format. Parents can purchase these books for targeted practice at home.
Available for purchase on: Amazon or Mentoring Minds
6. Lead4Ward
Lead4Ward offers resources that include STAAR-aligned "snapshots" which break down the key areas students need to focus on for the ELA test. The site also provides vocabulary tools, writing strategies, and STAAR question stems to help students practice.
Visit: Lead4Ward STAAR Resources
7. Khan Academy
Although not STAAR-specific, Khan Academy offers excellent free resources for reading comprehension and writing skills. The practice is aligned with national standards, making it highly useful for STAAR preparation, particularly for building foundational ELA skills such as analyzing texts, writing essays, and understanding grammar rules.
Visit: Khan Academy
Parent Resources for STAAR Success
Other Helpful Resources
Reading Strategies & Tips for Parents 📝
How to Read Aloud Effectively
Reading aloud is one of the most powerful ways to engage young readers and spark a lifelong love of reading. Here are some tips to make storytime both fun and educational:
Use Different Voices
Bring characters to life by giving each one a distinct voice. Exaggerate accents, pitch, or tone to make the dialogue more engaging. For example, a big, gruff bear might have a deep, slow voice, while a tiny mouse might speak in a high-pitched squeak. Your kids will love the variety and stay more attentive.Incorporate Sound Effects
Add sound effects for actions like doors creaking, animals growling, or wind howling to make the story more immersive. These little touches help children visualize the scene and keep them excited to hear what comes next.Pause for Questions
Ask open-ended questions as you read to keep your child engaged in the story. For example: “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character feels this way?” This encourages critical thinking and builds comprehension skills.Point Out Illustrations
Take time to point out interesting details in the illustrations, and ask your child what they see. It’s a great way to build visual literacy, which is especially important for younger children who are still learning how to interpret pictures as part of a story.Vary Your Pacing
Slow down during tense or important moments, and speed up during exciting or action-packed scenes. The shift in pacing builds suspense and keeps the reading dynamic.Repetition & Predictable Text
Choose books with repetitive phrases or predictable patterns, like "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" Repetition helps children anticipate and participate in the story, building their confidence and enjoyment.
Encouraging Reluctant Readers
If your child is not naturally drawn to reading, here are some strategies to inspire a love for books:
Let Them Choose
Allow your child to pick books that genuinely interest them, even if it’s comics, magazines, or picture books. When they feel they have control over their reading material, they are more likely to enjoy the experience.Start Small
For reluctant readers, short stories, graphic novels, or books with lots of pictures can be less intimidating than lengthy novels. Slowly increase the complexity of the material as they grow more comfortable.Incorporate Reading Into Daily Life
Find opportunities to read in everyday situations, such as reading menus at restaurants, road signs, or instructions for building a toy. This shows that reading is a useful and fun skill beyond just books.Set Up a Cozy Reading Space
Create a special reading nook with comfortable seating, good lighting, and a basket of interesting books. A welcoming environment can make reading feel like a treat rather than a chore.Use Technology to Your Advantage
Some children might be more willing to read on tablets or e-readers. Apps like Epic! or Audible offer access to thousands of books and audiobooks, which can be a helpful gateway to more traditional reading.Make Reading Social
Join a book club for kids, or organize reading playdates where friends read the same book and discuss it. Sharing the reading experience with peers can make it more enjoyable and engaging.
Building Vocabulary at Home
Expanding your child’s vocabulary doesn’t have to be a formal exercise. Here are some fun, practical ways to introduce new words and reinforce language development:
Word of the Day
Introduce a “word of the day” and encourage your child to use it in sentences throughout the day. This could become a fun family challenge to see who can use the word the most.Play Word Games
Games like Scrabble, Boggle, or even crossword puzzles are a fun way to get the whole family involved in learning new words. For younger children, try word-building games like Bananagrams or Wordle.Label Everyday Objects
Especially for younger children, label items around the house with their names (e.g., “door,” “lamp,” “table”). Seeing these labels every day helps them connect the written word with the object, strengthening their vocabulary.Read a Variety of Genres
Introduce different types of books, such as fantasy, non-fiction, or poetry. Each genre exposes your child to new words and phrases that might not come up in regular conversation.Context Clues Challenge
When you come across a new word in a story, ask your child to guess what it means based on the context of the sentence. Afterward, look up the definition together to confirm or clarify their guess. This builds critical thinking and inference skills.Storytelling with New Words
After learning new words, encourage your child to create their own stories using them. It can be silly or imaginative, and it’s a fun way for them to reinforce their understanding of the words.
Grade-Level Vocabulary Resources
Building a strong vocabulary is an essential part of your child’s reading development. Here are the vocabulary resources available for each grade level, designed to support literacy growth at home and in school.
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade:
Sounds and Sight Words: Young learners will focus on mastering basic sight words and early vocabulary to build foundational reading skills.
Dolch and Fry Word Lists: These are high-frequency words your child will learn to recognize and use in their reading and writing. These lists help develop fluency as children encounter these words often in text.
3rd – 5th Grade:
Vocabulary from Amplify Reading: In these grades, students will expand their vocabulary by learning more complex words through our Amplify Reading program. Vocabulary is embedded in daily lessons to help children understand and use new words in context.
Academic Vocabulary Lists: These grade-level word lists are designed to introduce students to the vocabulary they’ll encounter across different subjects, helping them build comprehension and communication skills.
How to Support Your Child at Home:
Flocabulary: Encourage your child to explore engaging vocabulary lessons through Flocabulary, which uses educational videos to make learning new words fun. The Word Up Project on Flocabulary provides free, printable vocabulary lists from Kindergarten through 8th grade. These lists are designed to teach important Tier 2 words that often appear in novels and state tests(
).
Vocabulary.com: For extra practice, visit Vocabulary.com, where students can engage with customized word lists and interactive quizzes.
These resources are carefully selected to align with your child's grade level and help them build strong vocabulary skills to support their reading and academic success.
Multilingual & Diverse Literature 🌍
Books in Other Languages
For students and families who speak or are learning languages other than English, these resources offer a variety of books in different languages:
Kitab World
Specializes in books and educational materials for South Asian and Muslim children, with many books available in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic. It's a great resource for Muslim and Indian families looking to build a culturally relevant home library.Arabic Children's Books
Offers a wide selection of Arabic children’s books. Parents looking for Islamic literature or Arabic language resources will find plenty of books, from beginner level to advanced.Pratham Books StoryWeaver
An open-source platform with a huge collection of multilingual books, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and more. Many of the stories focus on Indian culture and experiences, making it a perfect resource for Indian students.Language Lizard
This site offers bilingual books in multiple languages including Hindi, Arabic, Somali, Yoruba, and many more. These books help children maintain their home language while developing English literacy skills.Unite for Literacy
Offers free digital picture books narrated in over 40 languages. Parents can select books in English and then choose a language for narration, making it perfect for bilingual families or those learning a new language.World Stories
A growing collection of traditional and original stories from around the world, available in multiple languages including Spanish, French, Arabic, and many more. Perfect for families looking to teach children about different cultures while embracing multilingualism.Lingokids
An interactive learning app with a section on bilingual education, including stories in Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and other languages. A great tool for making reading fun while learning a new language.International Children's Digital Library (ICDL)
Provides access to thousands of children's books in various languages. The collection includes books in over 50 languages, with a focus on making literature accessible to every child, no matter their background or language.Local Libraries
Many libraries offer foreign language sections with physical books in languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, French, and more. Check with your local library to see what they offer for bilingual families or language learners.
Culturally Diverse Books
To help children see themselves in the stories they read, it's important to offer books that reflect a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Diverse literature helps children feel represented and valued, while also fostering empathy and understanding for others. Whether through stories of identity, cultural traditions, or shared struggles and triumphs, these books offer windows into different worlds, allowing every child to find characters and narratives that resonate with their own lives and help broaden their perspective. Here are some highly recommended books that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors" by Hena Khan
A beautifully illustrated book that introduces young readers to Islamic culture through the lens of colors. It’s perfect for preschoolers and early readers to celebrate Muslim traditions.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family" by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
This touching story follows a young Muslim girl on her first day of school as her sister wears a hijab for the first time. Themes of pride, identity, and family love are beautifully explored.
Grandma and the Great Gourd: A Bengali Folktale" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
A retelling of a traditional Bengali folktale, this picture book introduces children to Indian culture through a fun and adventurous story, brought to life with vibrant illustrations.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" by Derrick Barnes
A celebration of Black boyhood and the pride that comes with a fresh haircut, this beautifully written and illustrated book is filled with self-affirming messages for young Black readers.
"Sulwe" by Lupita Nyong'o
Written by the award-winning actress, this picture book tells the story of a young girl learning to embrace her dark skin. It addresses colorism and self-love in an uplifting and sensitive way.
"Amina's Voice" by Hena Khan
A Pakistani-American girl navigates balancing her Muslim identity with school and friendships in this heartfelt novel. It’s a wonderful read for students grappling with questions of identity and belonging.
"Amal Unbound" by Aisha Saeed
This empowering story follows a young Pakistani girl who is forced into indentured servitude and her fight for freedom. It highlights the power of education, perseverance, and courage.
"The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani
Set during the Partition of India in 1947, this book follows a young girl’s journey as she writes letters to her deceased mother about the upheaval her family faces. It explores themes of identity, family, and resilience.
"Ghost Boys" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
A powerful novel that addresses police violence and racism, told from the perspective of a young Black boy. It’s an important and emotional read for understanding social justice issues.
Age-Appropriate Reading Lists 📚
Here’s a breakdown of recommended books for different age groups, tailored to support their development and interests:
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)
These books feature vibrant illustrations, rhyming text, and interactive elements to captivate young readers:
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle
A classic story with beautiful illustrations and simple text, perfect for young readers learning about counting and days of the week.
Find it here"Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown
A gentle, rhyming bedtime story beloved by generations, ideal for soothing toddlers before bed.
Find it here"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
With repetitive text and engaging illustrations, this book helps children anticipate the story and build early reading confidence.
Find it here"Press Here" by Hervé Tullet
An interactive book that invites children to tap, press, and shake pages to "create" new outcomes.
Find it here
Early Readers (Ages 6-8)
These books are designed with simple vocabulary and engaging stories to support the development of reading fluency:
"Elephant & Piggie" Series by Mo Willems
A hilarious series of easy-to-read books that feature two best friends with very different personalities, perfect for early readers.
Find it here"The Magic Tree House" Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Follow siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time and space in their magical treehouse. The simple narrative and exciting adventures make this series a hit with young readers.
Find it here"Amelia Bedelia" by Peggy Parish
These funny stories about a literal-minded housekeeper help children understand idioms and wordplay.
Find it here"Frog and Toad Are Friends" by Arnold Lobel
A charming collection of stories about friendship with simple text and sweet illustrations, perfect for new readers.
Find it here
Middle Grade Readers (Ages 9-12)
Books that challenge readers with more complex themes, characters, and storylines:
"Harry Potter" Series by J.K. Rowling
This beloved fantasy series is perfect for young readers ready to dive into a magical world filled with friendship, adventure, and growing up.
Find it here"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
A heartwarming story about a boy with a facial difference starting school for the first time, exploring themes of kindness, empathy, and acceptance.
Find it here"Percy Jackson & the Olympians" Series by Rick Riordan
This fast-paced series blends Greek mythology with modern-day adventures, following Percy as he discovers he’s a demigod.
Find it here"The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown
A unique story about a robot learning to survive and make friends on a remote island, mixing science fiction with themes of nature and friendship.
Find it here
Teen & Young Adult (Ages 13+)
Books that tackle advanced themes, including identity, social issues, and personal growth:
"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
A powerful novel about racism, police violence, and activism, told through the perspective of Starr, a teen navigating the complexities of identity and justice.
Find it here"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
This dystopian novel explores themes of survival, freedom, and rebellion through the eyes of Katniss Everdeen, who competes in a deadly televised competition.
Find it here"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
A semi-autobiographical novel about a Native American teen who transfers to a predominantly white high school, addressing issues of race, poverty, and identity.
Find it here"Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds
A gripping, novel-in-verse about a boy considering revenge for his brother’s murder. The story explores cycles of violence, grief, and decision-making.
Find it here
Educational Reading Apps & Tools 📱
Top Reading Apps for Kids
These apps combine fun and education, helping children improve their reading skills through engaging and interactive activities:
Epic!
A digital library for kids 12 and under, Epic! offers thousands of high-quality books, audiobooks, and educational videos. The app also provides quizzes and reading logs for tracking progress, making it a great tool for both school and home use.Homer
Designed for younger children (ages 2-8), Homer combines personalized learning with interactive stories and activities. It focuses on building early literacy skills, including phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary.Reading Eggs
Suitable for children aged 2-13, Reading Eggs offers a structured approach to teaching reading through fun games, activities, and e-books. It’s especially useful for building phonics and reading comprehension skills in early learners.Starfall
A popular app for early readers, Starfall focuses on phonics and basic reading skills through interactive games, songs, and stories. It’s perfect for pre-K to early elementary-aged children learning to read.ABCmouse
A comprehensive app for kids aged 2-8, ABCmouse offers thousands of activities, books, and games that support early literacy development. It also tracks progress and customizes learning paths for each child.myON (Provided by Manara-ask your child's Reading teacher)
Offers a personalized digital reading experience with access to thousands of eBooks. It includes assessments to tailor book recommendations to each student's reading level.
Website: myON
Epic!
A digital library for children offering a vast selection of eBooks, audiobooks, and educational videos. It’s particularly engaging for young readers.
Website: Epic!
Scholastic Learn at Home
Provides resources, including free eBooks, reading activities, and daily learning plans for students to engage with reading at home.
Website: Scholastic Learn at Home
Reading Rockets
A comprehensive resource for parents and educators featuring reading strategies, lesson plans, and a large selection of book recommendations.
Website: Reading Rockets
Starfall
Focuses on phonics and reading for early learners. It offers interactive reading activities and games to build foundational literacy skills.
Website: Starfall
Storyline Online (FREE)
Features famous actors reading children’s books aloud, accompanied by animated illustrations. It promotes listening skills and comprehension.
Website: Storyline Online
National Geographic Kids
Provides engaging nonfiction texts about animals, science, and cultures around the world, suitable for young readers interested in exploration and learning.
Website: National Geographic Kids
PBS Kids
Offers a variety of games and reading resources tied to popular children's shows, making learning fun and interactive.
Website: PBS Kids Reading Resources
Oxford Owl
A free resource for parents, offering access to a collection of eBooks, reading activities, and tips for supporting children’s reading at home.
Website: Oxford Owl
BookTrust
Offers book recommendations, reading resources, and activities for children, including information on promoting reading for pleasure.
Website: BookTrust
CommonLit
A free online resource providing reading materials, including texts and questions for students in grades 3-12, focusing on literacy skills and comprehension.
Website: CommonLit
TumbleBook Library
An online collection of animated, talking picture books that teach kids the joys of reading in a format they love. It requires a subscription but is often available through school libraries.
Website: TumbleBook Library
Parent Reviews & Recommendations ⭐
Thank you for visiting our ELAR resource page!
At Manara Academy, we are committed to fostering a love for reading and writing in every student through our B.L.U.E. values: Believe, Lead, Unite, and Excel. By providing high-quality instructional materials, personalized support, and engaging activities, we aim to help all students Excel in English Language Arts and Reading.
We encourage you to Unite with us by exploring the resources available and staying connected with your child’s learning journey. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our ELAR team. Together, we can Lead and inspire a lifelong passion for literacy!
Let’s help every student Believe in their potential and Excel in their academic success.