Literacy
Resources 
Comprehending new text can be difficult. The following web pages are
intended to aid readers in their pursuit to become stronger readers,
build vocabulary, and ensure greater success in the future. Most of these
pages have something to offer readers of all levels, from struggling to advanced!
Comprehension:
The Reading Matrix:This web site contains a database of interactive reading activities. These offer anything from
comprehension practice to test prep.
Mr.Nussbaum.com : Geared more toward struggling readers, Mr. Nussbaum.com offers a variety of topics for students to
select. Reading passages and questions in standardized test format are then provided using that topic, making test prep more
interesting to the student.
Cliffs Notes : While I would NEVER encourage a student to use a resource such as this in place of reading a text, web sites
such as this one and SparkNotes can be extremely helpful when trying to read a complicated text such as Nathaniel
Hawthorne, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, or even poetry. I often suggest reading a chapter or scene summary on
one of these two web sites, then reading the chapter in the book. When a reader has a basic preview of what he or she is
about to read, the likelihood of comprehending that text increases. :o)
Find a book: Reading for enjoyment is the surest way to increase vocabulary and comprehension in other areas. Web sites
such as the one in this link provide reviews from readers (even young adults) rather than paid critics. These reviews are
helpful to someone looking for a new book to read. Web sites from retailers such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon also give
readers the opportunity to provide feedback on books, enabling someone to select a book he or she may enjoy.
Vocabulary:
Dictionary Fun! : Dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster's web site offers a variety of games and activities to help build
vocabulary. Choose from word searches, crossword puzzles, brain teasers and more.
Vocabulary building activities : Students can choose word lists from various levels of difficulty. They can listen the word,
its definitions and derivatives, as well as examples of the word used in context. The student can then complete activities to
practice using the words from the lists.
The Reading Matrix:This web site contains a database of interactive reading activities. These offer anything from
comprehension practice to test prep.
Mr.Nussbaum.com : Geared more toward struggling readers, Mr. Nussbaum.com offers a variety of topics for students to
select. Reading passages and questions in standardized test format are then provided using that topic, making test prep more
interesting to the student.
Cliffs Notes : While I would NEVER encourage a student to use a resource such as this in place of reading a text, web sites
such as this one and SparkNotes can be extremely helpful when trying to read a complicated text such as Nathaniel
Hawthorne, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, or even poetry. I often suggest reading a chapter or scene summary on
one of these two web sites, then reading the chapter in the book. When a reader has a basic preview of what he or she is
about to read, the likelihood of comprehending that text increases. :o)
Find a book: Reading for enjoyment is the surest way to increase vocabulary and comprehension in other areas. Web sites
such as the one in this link provide reviews from readers (even young adults) rather than paid critics. These reviews are
helpful to someone looking for a new book to read. Web sites from retailers such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon also give
readers the opportunity to provide feedback on books, enabling someone to select a book he or she may enjoy.
Vocabulary:
Dictionary Fun! : Dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster's web site offers a variety of games and activities to help build
vocabulary. Choose from word searches, crossword puzzles, brain teasers and more.
Vocabulary building activities : Students can choose word lists from various levels of difficulty. They can listen the word,
its definitions and derivatives, as well as examples of the word used in context. The student can then complete activities to
practice using the words from the lists.