Free Reading Guides | Reading Rockets

Free Reading Guides | Reading Rockets

Free Reading Guides

Reading Rockets is pleased to offer free print guides created for parents, teachers, and others who want to improve the reading achievement of children. You're welcome to download and print these guides for your own use or to distribute to others.

We've also gathered print guides published by other organizations devoted to reading and literacy issues to make it easy for you to find what you need.

Take a look at the many free print guides created by Reading Rockets that you are welcome to download.

• Go to guides

Click below for:

• Guides from Reading Rockets
• Guides from other organizations

If you have suggestions for additional guides we should consider including in this section, please let us know.

Using Elkonin Boxes With Struggling Readers

Elkonin Boxes | Classroom Strategies | Reading Rockets

I love these strategies for working with struggling readers.  Take a look.

Elkonin Boxes

Share your examples!

Why use Elkonin Boxes?

• They help students build phonological awareness by segmenting words into sounds or syllables.
• They teach students how to count the number of phonemes in the word (not always the number of letters).
• They help students better understand the alphabetic principle in decoding and spelling.

How to use:	Individually	With small groups	Whole class setting

How to use Elkonin Boxes

1. Pronounce a target word slowly, stretching it out by sound.
2. Ask the child to repeat the word.
3. Draw "boxes" or squares on a piece of paper, chalkboard, or dry erase board with one box for each syllable or phoneme.
4. Have the child count the number of phonemes in the word, not necessarily the number of letters. For example, wish has three phonemes and will use three boxes. /w/, /i/, /sh/
5. Direct the child to slide one colored circle, unifix cube, or corresponding letter in each cell of the Elkonin box drawing as he/she repeats the word.

The example below shows an Elkonin Box for the word "sheep," which consists of three phonemes (sounds): /sh/ /ee/ /p/

Examples and blank templates

This example shows several ways teachers can use Elkonin boxes to teach phonemic awareness. These examples were adapted from Blachman et al. (2000).
Instructions on using Elkonin boxes > (36K PDF)*
This website offers teachers several Elkonin box templates for various target words.
Elkonin box word templates >
Teachers may wish to use the blank templates found on this website to accompany a segmenting task and provide students the opportunity to practice writing. Students can write each sound represented in the target word and then write a short sentence using the word.
Elkonin box and writing template > (12K PDF)*

Children's books to use with this strategy

The books suggested represent a range of difficulty but all should appeal to children from preschool through grade 2 or 3. The palindrome books are suggested for slightly older children.

Go Dog Go
by P.D. Eastman (Random)

Picture book/easy reader

Dogs of all shapes and sizes cavort and play in this lively and now classic book filled with easy (and often repeated) words that are supported by lighthearted illustrations.

Hamsters, Shells, and Spelling Bees
by Lee Bennett Hopkins (HarperCollins)

Poetry/easy reader

Familiar subjects are presented in short poems by a range of writers. These easier-to read works are just right to encourage careful listening.

Hop on Pop
by Dr. Seuss (Random)

Picture book/easy reader

Words of one syllable combine with energetic, slightly offbeat and very funny illustrations just right to engage while allowing sounds to be heard.

Mom and Dad Are Palindromes
by Mark Shulman, illustrated by Adam McCauley (Chronicle)

Picture book/easy reader

When a boy learns about palindromes, he begins to see them everywhere. The humorous tale introduces words and phrases that are the same when spelled - and pronounced - forward or backward. Palindrome riddles are presented in Too Hot to Hoot: Funny Palindrome Riddles by Marvin Terban (Sandpiper). Both books have strong visual clues.

Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook
Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins)

Poetry/easy reader

Silverstein's poetry (created using Spoonerisms; that is, transposing initial sounds of two words) makes it fun to read and requires hearing sounds to "translate".

Differentiated instruction

for Second Language Learners, students of varying reading skill, and for younger learners

• Ideas for using this strategy with Spanish speaking students
• Have more advanced students write letters in the boxes as you dictate words.
• Teachers can use this strategy in the following ways to meet each student's individualized reading level:
  • Words with pictures and only two boxes
  • Words with pictures and three boxes
  • Words with no pictures and up to four boxes

ABCs of Teaching Reading

Reading Rockets is a sensational sight for parents, kids, teachers, librarians and anyone involved with helping children learn to read.  Check it out and find all kinds information to help you, help your child become the best reader possible.

ABCs of Teaching Reading | Reading Rockets

MONDAY: MEET THE AUTHOR(s)

These are some of my favorite early childhood authors. You can’t go wrong with these writers for the young crowd.

1. Eric Carle

Why he’s great: Probably known best for his colorful illustrations, he’s a great writer with simple story lines, usually involving animals (which most kids love). Carle’s books appeal to babies and preschoolers alike — all kids enjoy his stuff. His books usually have a unique set up, such as holes in the pages or smaller pages leading to bigger ones.
Some of his best: The Very Hungry Caterpillar,  The Very Quiet Cricket,  The Grouchy Ladybug

2. Kevin Henkes

Why he’s great: He’s one of the better modern-day authors, with lovable characters who go through many of the same day-to-day situations as our children.
Some of his best:  Owen,  Jessica, and Wemberly Worried

3. Steven Kellogg

  Why he’s great: His over-the-top plots and d  elightful illustrations are a joy to read out loud, and they interest a     wide age range of kids (and adults).
  Some of his best:  The Mysterious Tadpole,  Pecos Bill,  The Day  Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash

4. Ruth Krauss

Why she’s great: Her stories are simple but charming. They’re to the point, and the vocabulary is outstanding. Great word choice. Many of her books are illustrated by greats like Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) and Crocket Johnson (Harold and the Purple Crayon).
Some of his best:  A Hole Is to Dig,  I’ll Be You and You Be Me,  The Carrot Seed

5. Arnold Lobel

Why he’s great: He creates hilarious characters who interact in clever dialogue. His illustrations are beautiful, too.
Some of his best:   All the  Frog and Toad books,  Owl at Home,  Mouse Soup,  Fables

6. Robert McCloskey

Why he’s great: His illustrations are quality of the vintage sort, with sweet faces and detailed scenery. He doesn’t talk down to children, and his story lines are simple but engaging.
Some of his best:  Blueberries for Sal (quite possibly my all-time favorite early children’s book), Lentil, Make Way for Ducklings, One Morning in Maine

7. Beatrix Potter

Why she’s great: She remains the best-selling children’s author of all time. Beatrix Potter’s books are chock full of great vocabulary, and her narrative style is heart-warming and funny. Great characters, too. And beautiful illustrations.
Some of her best:  The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

8. Margret and H.A. Rey

Why they’re great: As a married couple with a fascinating story of adventure in their own life, the Reys created one of the most well-loved characters in children’s literature. They’ve created other wonderful characters as well, and a simple voice and universally-appealing plots make most of their works a classic.
Some of they’re best: All seven of the original Curious George books (many were written later with the same character, but they weren’t penned by the original authors — and they’re not as good), Katy No-Pocket, Billy’s Picture, Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World

9. E.B. White

Why he’s great: He writes wonderful characters, and he has great word choice. His his style softens your heart towards the meanest of his characters.
Some of his best: Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, The Trumpet of the Swan

10. Margaret Wise Brown

  Why she’s great: You’re not allowed to have a list of great children’s book authors and not include her. More for the very young crowd, Margaret Wise Brown’s words rhythmically lead the reader on a comforting journey without dumbing down from poor word choice. A classic.
  Some of her best:  Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny, Seven Little Postmen, Big Red Barn


Audible Kids has an enormous selection of good children’s books. This is a lifesaver for those times when you don’t want your kids plopped in front of the TV, yet you don’t have time to read to them one-on-one. It shouldn’t substitute daily reading with them, but it’s a good additional supplement.