Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Effective Literacy Website Review #4


Reading is Fundamental

            The Reading is Fundamental website (https://www.rif.org/) is a non-profit organization founded in 1966.  Their mission is to increase the literacy rate across the nation.  According the their Reading is Fundamental website (2019), only 37% of students that graduate are at or above reading proficiency.  Their goal is to provide content that would give students a greater chance of succeeding in reading and writing.   RIF carries out this mission by spreading the awareness and the need for our communities to take action on this issue if illiteracy.  RIF supports the programs and the implementation of literacy programs in districts nationwide.  RIF also creates high-quality content and programs.   Since the creation of this organization, more than 415 million books have been distributed to schools and communities.  This has impacted the lives of more than 50 million children.  RIF relies on its numerous volunteers and leaders.  If visitors would like to make a donation, they are able to select a green button to make their generous contribution.
            On the Reading is Fundamental homepage, a viewer is able to see the top three stories.  You may select a lesson plan, read an article with literacy tips, or, during this site visit, you may give the gift of reading by donating to a student, teacher, or classroom.  If you scroll down further, you are able to read the most recent edition of the RIF blog and newsletter.  The latest blog focused on “10 Tips for Families with Young Children,” “Tips for Reading a Storybook Aloud,” “Ask the Author: Interview with Maryann Wolf,” and an article titled “Reading is a Fundamental Right.”  When a visitor selects the monthly newsletter button, they are able to view past newsletters.  You are able to read the newsletter within the browser window, or you may download the newsletter as a PDF file.  The latest newsletter was for the month of November.  It focused on providing tips about way we are able to increase literacy in the classroom and at home.
            Another great section is the Literacy Central.  On this page there are tools and resources for both parents and educators.  Among them is the Puzzle Creator, which are interactive puzzles for children of all ages.  A visitor may choose to create a Crossword, Crisscross, which is essentially a crossword puzzle, or a Memory Matching puzzle.  The puzzles come premade, or you are able to create your own.  Should you choose a premade puzzle, you are able to filter the puzzles and/or choose from the puzzles based on the book you are reading.  For example, there is an Aesop’s Fables word search, Because of Winn-Dixie word search, and a Big Nate word search, to name a few.  The puzzles may be printed from the website, downloaded as a PDF, or they may be completed while on the RIF website.  RIF requires you to register, though you are able to plays the puzzles that are premade without having to register. 
            Other excellent tools on the website include Activity Calendars in both English and Spanish.   The calendars have daily activities to implement in your community.  They are interactive, so if you click on a day, you are given resources and books you may read with your children. 
            The RIF website also provides Literacy Logs.  Many of the tools are fun ways to motivate students to read.   The Book Bingo is ideal for grades Kindergarten – 3rd grade, and the 40 Book Challenge would be more suitable for older students from 4th-8th grade.   A standard Reading Log is provided as well.  All three tools are free printable PDF files.  You are also able to download the Reading Log App.  In order to motivate students even more, RIF provides a printable template for reading certificates. 
            The Reading is Fundamental website is an excellent resource for educators and parents alike.  They provide many tools, tips, and resources that would motivate learners to read.  By providing this support and awareness, their mission to increase the literacy rate across our nation becomes more of a reality than a dream.

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