Reading & Writing

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.

What makes a book a book? Learn about the origins of bookmaking from design and fonts to paper and spines.

Listen to all two hours and 44 minutes of Scarlett Johansson reading this classic tale of madcap adventure.

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.

Take a closer look at what it's like to be a photojournalist, and read what one photojournalist has to say about her job.

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.

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.

Browse and read—or learn about—the work of Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicano artists, activists, and more. (Note: Some texts require sign-in.)

After you read the poem, write about your own family legend or story with as much detail as you can.

Introduce yourself to Hughes' most famous poem and his use of figurative language. Then write your own "Harlem"-inspired poem.

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.

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.

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!

Use these questions (or write your own) to interview a family member. Write down or record their answers, and share with the whole family.

Create your own short story inspired by photographs and illustrations.

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?

Imagine your hero responded to a letter you wrote them. What might they say?

Watch short, thought-provoking documentary films. Use the double-entry journal to take notes while you watch and the discussion questions to dig deeper.

Show you care by sending a thank you card. Choose to print, color, or send electronically.

Take a closer look at what it's like to be a photojournalist, and read what one photojournalist has to say about her job.

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.

After you read the poem, write about your own family legend or story with as much detail as you can.

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.

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.

Read the poem and think about the feelings and images the list creates. Then, write a poem or list about your favorite season.

Read this article about nurses in Albania, identify the main idea, and find three facts that support it.

Browse, select, and read from this great collection of nonfiction and fiction texts written by Black writers, artists, and activists.

Can kelp farming help slow climate change? Learn about the pros and cons of producing this underwater resource.

After you read this poem, write one sentence that captures its theme. Then write about the role of love among our basic needs.

Find out who declares the winner of an election, and how they can declare a winner before all the votes are counted.

Read about efforts in four countries to keep people healthy during the pandemic. What can you do to help lift people's spirits?

Listen to all two hours and 44 minutes of Scarlett Johansson reading this classic tale of madcap adventure.

Listen to this audiobook to learn about an amazing teenager who made some of the exploration of North America possible.

Listen to the first volume of L. Frank Baum's classic story as you imagine yourself traipsing through a magical land. Free on iTunes.

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.

Listen to this award-winning podcast performed by kids and see if you can solve the mystery.

Tune in to one of these delightful podcast episodes where popular writers create stories dreamed up by kids.

Listen to this novel in verse narrated by the author, Kwame Alexander, about the life of a troubled rock star.

Enjoy this story of two middle school kids, separated by geography, who bond by playing Scrabble online. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

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

Explore the Spy School series with this fun, action-packed sequel. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

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.

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.

Take a 360-degree online tour of the Globe Theatre in London, where Shakespeare's most famous plays were performed.

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?

Write a meaningful letter of thanks to essential workers that returns their acts of service and kindness.

Learn all about the elements of storytelling, then write your own story with a clear setting, conflict, and resolution.

Examine what Anne Frank’s writing reveals about how living in hiding changed her over time.

Move and create along with these high-energy video lessons that are sure to tap into your inner artist, writer, and performer.

Ever wonder if your modifier is dangling? And how semicolons work? From parts of speech to proper punctuation, get all your grammar answers here.

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.

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.

Work through these five lessons, full of creative activities that connect core writing skills to hip-hop history and technique.

Use this video and discussion guide to understand how headlines shape the way we interpret science–and health–related news.

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.

Examine this gallery of photos taken during the Great Depression. Use the Photo Analysis Worksheet to guide your thinking.

Write a letter to someone important that you'll never actually send. Afterward, reflect on the experience.

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.

What makes a book a book? Learn about the origins of bookmaking from design and fonts to paper and spines.

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.

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.

Introduce yourself to Hughes' most famous poem and his use of figurative language. Then write your own "Harlem"-inspired poem.

Ever wonder why "two" sounds like "to" even with the "w" added? Watch and discover the relationship between words and spelling.

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.

Watch the Virtual Cipher where youth perform through spoken word, rap, and poetry.

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.

Watch this video to learn if your favorite song or an especially poignant post or tweet could be considered poetry.

Learn about the essential elements and techniques of well-structured texts. After, find a nonfiction book or article and identify some of these elements.

For aspiring rappers: Learn about the three essential qualities of the art form of hip-hop.

Browse and read—or learn about—the work of Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicano artists, activists, and more. (Note: Some texts require sign-in.)

Check out ebooks and audiobooks from public libraries for free. Read and listen to your selections directly within the app.

Choose a theme to explore behind-the-scenes videos, stories, and objects featuring women who have shaped America as we know it.

Check out the "free stuff" for math, English, and more. As you learn, enjoy the sometimes sarcastic commentary about studying.

Choose a language -- English, Spanish, or Portuguese -- then click on a math concept to get some information. Explore other topics, too!

Build knowledge with these high-quality, daily instructional video lessons for ELA (grades K–8), math (grades K–12), and science (grades 3–5).

Read these kid-friendly articles about current events, cool science facts, and more.

Read and discuss articles on cutting-edge science discoveries written by scientists and reviewed by kids and teens.

Flex your grammar muscles with this interactive tool. Take the diagnostic quiz, then try some writing activities that are just right for your level.

Think of something you know and read a lot about. Use Hypothes.is' annotation tool to add your insight to something you've read.

In each episode, middle schoolers chat about a popular middle-grade or YA book and share their favorite book recommendations.

Compose clear, mistake-free writing that makes the right impression with Grammarly’s writing assistant.

With a little folding and loads of creativity, use this template to make a recipe for yourself, a family member or friend, or anything!

Print out this packet of activities that get you writing and thinking in new ways.

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.

Complete these three thinking and writing activities to get a handle on some of the key terms and concepts associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

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.