Reading & Writing
Discover audiobooks, writing prompts, and language games for practicing reading comprehension, creative writing, and so much more.
Resources for Grades 6–8
Video
grades 6–12
How to Write Fiction That Comes Alive
Learn how writers use descriptive language to engage a reader's senses. Then try some of the techniques from the video in your own writing.
Video
grades 5–12
Evolution of the Book
What makes a book a book? Learn about the origins of bookmaking from design and fonts to paper and spines.

Audio
grades 1–12
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Listen to all two hours and 44 minutes of Scarlett Johansson reading this classic tale of madcap adventure.
Video
grades 6–12
A Hero's Journey
Learn about the story structure of the hero, from ancient warriors to modern-day Harry Potter. The variations come from the same template: the monomyth.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–6
Telling Stories Without Words
Take a closer look at what it's like to be a photojournalist, and read what one photojournalist has to say about her job.

Video
grades 7–12
Why You Should Read Lord of the Flies
Explore author William Golding's motivations for writing his most notable novel. Then read the novel and decide whether you agree with the novel's worldview.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–8
Lost and Found
After you read the poem, think about what it's like to find something that was lost. Create something (poem, art, etc.) that captures that feeling.

Website/App
grades 6–12
Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicano Genius
Browse and read—or learn about—the work of Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicano artists, activists, and more. (Note: Some texts require sign-in.)

Article/Ebook
grades 6–12
Family Legends
After you read the poem, write about your own family legend or story with as much detail as you can.

Video
grades 6–10
Langston Hughes' "Harlem"
Introduce yourself to Hughes' most famous poem and his use of figurative language. Then write your own "Harlem"-inspired poem.

Article/Ebook
grades 5–6
Penguin Census
Discover how scientists are counting chinstrap penguins in Antarctica. It's part of a global penguin census that will help researchers better understand the Antarctic environment.

Article/Ebook
grades 6–12
How Big Is Your Voice?
Read this poem and consider the voice or perspective it represents. What voice might you describe? Use this poem as inspiration to write your own.

Activity
grades 3–8
DIY Comic Book
Dream of writing your own graphic novel or zine to share with friends? Learn how to start with a single sheet of paper. Then start creating!
Activity
grades 6–12
Family Newsletter
Make and send out a family newsletter. It can be digital or just stapled paper. Try including a variety of stuff: news, interviews, history, recipes, and more.

Activity
grades 3–6
Family Interview Project
Use these questions (or write your own) to interview a family member. Write down or record their answers, and share with the whole family.

Activity
grades 7–12
18 Story Sparks to Get You Writing
Create your own short story inspired by photographs and illustrations.

Activity
grades 6–12
Where Would You Live?
Choose three cities to research, and use the Quick Facts website at the top to answer the questions. Which city is your "winner" and why?
Activity
grades 6–8
Make Mad Libs
Create your own fill-in-the-blank story. Then ask an adult or sibling to come up with some nouns, verbs, and adjectives to fill it in.
Activity
grades 6–12
From Thought to Story
Get a pen and one sheet of paper. Find a quiet place and start writing whatever comes to mind without stopping. Now try to make that into a story with a clear start and end.
Activity
grades 3–8
Media Matters
Write down your favorite things to watch, read, or listen to. Why do you like each of them? Do they all share a common theme?
Activity
grades 6–12
Book Club
Create conversations with friends, family, or community members around books. Pick your reading list and schedule time for discussions.

Activity
grades 3–6
Your Hero Writes You a Response Letter
Imagine your hero responded to a letter you wrote them. What might they say?

Activity
grades 8–12
Watch and Discuss Short Films
Watch short, thought-provoking documentary films. Use the double-entry journal to take notes while you watch and the discussion questions to dig deeper.

Activity
Preschool–grade 12
Thank You Cards
Show you care by sending a thank you card. Choose to print, color, or send electronically.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–6
Telling Stories Without Words
Take a closer look at what it's like to be a photojournalist, and read what one photojournalist has to say about her job.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–8
Lost and Found
After you read the poem, think about what it's like to find something that was lost. Create something (poem, art, etc.) that captures that feeling.

Article/Ebook
grades 6–12
Family Legends
After you read the poem, write about your own family legend or story with as much detail as you can.

Article/Ebook
grades 5–6
Penguin Census
Discover how scientists are counting chinstrap penguins in Antarctica. It's part of a global penguin census that will help researchers better understand the Antarctic environment.

Article/Ebook
grades 6–12
How Big Is Your Voice?
Read this poem and consider the voice or perspective it represents. What voice might you describe? Use this poem as inspiration to write your own.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–8
Which Season Do You Like Best?
Read the poem and think about the feelings and images the list creates. Then, write a poem or list about your favorite season.

Article/Ebook
grades 6–12
It's a Fact: Nurses Are Amazing
Read this article about nurses in Albania, identify the main idea, and find three facts that support it.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–12
Essential Black History Texts
Browse, select, and read from this great collection of nonfiction and fiction texts written by Black writers, artists, and activists.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–6
Seaweed Solution
Can kelp farming help slow climate change? Learn about the pros and cons of producing this underwater resource.

Article/Ebook
grades 7–12
Importance of Love
After you read this poem, write one sentence that captures its theme. Then write about the role of love among our basic needs.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–6
And the Winner Is …
Find out who declares the winner of an election, and how they can declare a winner before all the votes are counted.

Article/Ebook
grades 5–6
In It Together
Read about efforts in four countries to keep people healthy during the pandemic. What can you do to help lift people's spirits?

Audio
grades 1–12
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Listen to all two hours and 44 minutes of Scarlett Johansson reading this classic tale of madcap adventure.

Audio
grades 1–6
Who Was Sacagawea?
Listen to this audiobook to learn about an amazing teenager who made some of the exploration of North America possible.

Audio
grades K–12
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Listen to the first volume of L. Frank Baum's classic story as you imagine yourself traipsing through a magical land. Free on iTunes.

Audio
grades 6–12
Anne Frank
Take some time to listen to this stirring story of a young girl hiding from the Nazis during WWII. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 4–6
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
Listen to this award-winning podcast performed by kids and see if you can solve the mystery.

Audio
grades 6–8
Grow Your Imagination
Tune in to one of these delightful podcast episodes where popular writers create stories dreamed up by kids.

Audio
grades 7–12
Solo
Listen to this novel in verse narrated by the author, Kwame Alexander, about the life of a troubled rock star.

Audio
grades 4–6
You Go First
Enjoy this story of two middle school kids, separated by geography, who bond by playing Scrabble online. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 3–7
Warriors
Listen to the first book in this adventure series about fantasy cats and their elaborate worlds. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 3–7
Evil Spy School
Explore the Spy School series with this fun, action-packed sequel. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 7–9
Untwine
Listen to this poignant story of grief and resilience as a sister deals with the loss of her twin. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 7–12
The Bone Witch
Listen to this dark, lyrical fantasy story about raising the dead. It's the first of a trilogy that parents and teens might enjoy together.

Interactive
grades 6–12
Visit a Famous Theater
Take a 360-degree online tour of the Globe Theatre in London, where Shakespeare's most famous plays were performed.
Interactive
grades 3–8
Dictionary
Take turns choosing weird words from the dictionary. Have everyone write a pretend definition and try to guess the real one.

Interactive
grades 7–12
BBC iReporter
Play this game, and then share what you learned with a family member or teacher. What'd you learn about newsrooms? What’s one way to be more critical and responsible online?

Lesson
grades 4–12
Letters of Gratitude to Essential Workers
Write a meaningful letter of thanks to essential workers that returns their acts of service and kindness.

Lesson
grades 3–6
Storytelling with Words and Pictures
Learn all about the elements of storytelling, then write your own story with a clear setting, conflict, and resolution.

Lesson
grades 5–8
Literary Analysis: The Diary of Anne Frank
Examine what Anne Frank’s writing reveals about how living in hiding changed her over time.

Lesson
grades 1–6
A Truly Creative Curriculum
Move and create along with these high-energy video lessons that are sure to tap into your inner artist, writer, and performer.

Lesson
grades 6–12
Grammar Groundwork
Ever wonder if your modifier is dangling? And how semicolons work? From parts of speech to proper punctuation, get all your grammar answers here.

Lesson
grades 6–8
Exploring Sensory Details
Watch these videos focused on Richard Blanco's poem "Looking for the Gulf Motel." Use the handouts to analyze how the poem uses sensory details.

Lesson
grades 5–7
Sixth Grade Reading and Vocabulary
Choose your own pathway for this reading course. You can learn by topic or select an area of focus: reading literature, informational texts, or vocabulary.

Lesson
grades 7–12
Rap Lyricism 101
Work through these five lessons, full of creative activities that connect core writing skills to hip-hop history and technique.

Lesson
grades 8–12
Dig Deeper Into Science News
Use this video and discussion guide to understand how headlines shape the way we interpret science–and health–related news.

Lesson
grades 6–10
Your Social Identity
Read up on the concept of social identity, then apply it to your own life. What social identities do you have? Draw and describe them.

Lesson
grades 6–12
The Great Depression, Ken Burns in the Classroom
Examine this gallery of photos taken during the Great Depression. Use the Photo Analysis Worksheet to guide your thinking.

Lesson
grades 6–12
Letters, Undelivered
Write a letter to someone important that you'll never actually send. Afterward, reflect on the experience.
Video
grades 6–12
How to Write Fiction That Comes Alive
Learn how writers use descriptive language to engage a reader's senses. Then try some of the techniques from the video in your own writing.
Video
grades 5–12
Evolution of the Book
What makes a book a book? Learn about the origins of bookmaking from design and fonts to paper and spines.
Video
grades 6–12
A Hero's Journey
Learn about the story structure of the hero, from ancient warriors to modern-day Harry Potter. The variations come from the same template: the monomyth.

Video
grades 7–12
Why You Should Read Lord of the Flies
Explore author William Golding's motivations for writing his most notable novel. Then read the novel and decide whether you agree with the novel's worldview.

Video
grades 6–10
Langston Hughes' "Harlem"
Introduce yourself to Hughes' most famous poem and his use of figurative language. Then write your own "Harlem"-inspired poem.
Video
grades 7–12
Making Sense of Spelling
Ever wonder why "two" sounds like "to" even with the "w" added? Watch and discover the relationship between words and spelling.

Video
grades 8–12
Locke's Legacy
Learn about the life and point of view of Alain Locke, whose work set the stage for the Harlem Renaissance and who battled against racism.
Video
grades 8–12
Whatever it Takes to Speak Your Mind
Watch the Virtual Cipher where youth perform through spoken word, rap, and poetry.
Video
grades 6–12
A Young Poet's Perspective
Listen to this 12-year-old's poem and identify the images and repetition that get his message across. Then create something that shares your perspective.
Video
grades 6–12
What Makes Something a Poem?
Watch this video to learn if your favorite song or an especially poignant post or tweet could be considered poetry.

Video
grades 3–8
How Texts Are Structured
Learn about the essential elements and techniques of well-structured texts. After, find a nonfiction book or article and identify some of these elements.

Video
grades 3–8
Hip-Hop Fundamentals
For aspiring rappers: Learn about the three essential qualities of the art form of hip-hop.

Website/App
grades 6–12
Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicano Genius
Browse and read—or learn about—the work of Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicano artists, activists, and more. (Note: Some texts require sign-in.)

Website/App
Preschool–grade 12
Libby
Check out ebooks and audiobooks from public libraries for free. Read and listen to your selections directly within the app.

Website/App
grades 6–12
Discover Her Story
Choose a theme to explore behind-the-scenes videos, stories, and objects featuring women who have shaped America as we know it.

Website/App
grades 6–12
Studying Has Never Been Funnier
Check out the "free stuff" for math, English, and more. As you learn, enjoy the sometimes sarcastic commentary about studying.

Website/App
grades 3–12
Math in Three Languages
Choose a language -- English, Spanish, or Portuguese -- then click on a math concept to get some information. Explore other topics, too!

Website/App
Preschool–grade 12
Great Minds: Knowledge on the Go
Build knowledge with these high-quality, daily instructional video lessons for ELA (grades K–8), math (grades K–12), and science (grades 3–5).

Website/App
grades 5–6
TIME for Kids
Read these kid-friendly articles about current events, cool science facts, and more.

Website/App
grades 4–10
Frontiers for Young Minds
Read and discuss articles on cutting-edge science discoveries written by scientists and reviewed by kids and teens.

Website/App
grades 1–9
Personalized Writing and Grammar Help
Flex your grammar muscles with this interactive tool. Take the diagnostic quiz, then try some writing activities that are just right for your level.

Website/App
grades 8–12
Share Your Knowledge
Think of something you know and read a lot about. Use Hypothes.is' annotation tool to add your insight to something you've read.

Website/App
grades 6–8
Book Club for Kids
In each episode, middle schoolers chat about a popular middle-grade or YA book and share their favorite book recommendations.

Worksheet
grades 3–8
Recipe Zine
With a little folding and loads of creativity, use this template to make a recipe for yourself, a family member or friend, or anything!

Worksheet
grades 1–8
Writing Inspiration
Print out this packet of activities that get you writing and thinking in new ways.

Worksheet
grades 6–12
No Writer's Block Here!
Print this packet and use it to break through writer's block. Along the way you'll practice writing, develop your skills, and create cool stuff.

Worksheet
grades 6–12
Thinking Critically About COVID-19
Complete these three thinking and writing activities to get a handle on some of the key terms and concepts associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

Worksheet
grades 3–12
Creative Quick-Writes
Choose (at random) one of the prompts and spend some time writing. If it goes well, carve out some time each day to do more.