ALL reading products are research-based with simple instructions and clear answer keys.
Be sure to check out more complete information about specific products in the PRODUCTS section of our Menu.
The latest brain research indicates that humans remember in patterns, and the latest research into fluency indicates that 47% of non-proficient students have trouble decoding words. This affects fluent reading and comprehension.
Our games and puzzles provide targeted, extensive, and enjoyable extra practice in the most common letters, sounds, phonograms (word families), homonyms, and English grammar. We also have some products that improve listening skills, comprehension, and composition (writing).
Reading and writing proficiency develops from repeated, correct practice, rather than from teaching numerous phonics or grammar rules. That is the beauty of Reading Spotlight activities.
Many students need more practice in certain skills, due to absence, learning style, acquisition rate, or ability to concentrate.
The simple, repetitive formats are easily adapted to large or small groups. In this age of electronic game-savvy kids, never underestimate the value of simple human interaction in game format.
As practice, they are so much better than extra workbook pages.
Levels K-3
Learn to Read Bingo (LTR)
These Bingo Games focus on the auditory recognition and visual matching of sounds, letters, and the most common word families in primary English texts.
Each set includes 24 different, classroom-tested cards, and they use a traditional 25 space format to provide lots of practice.
They also contain clear instructions for easy use in large or small groups.
Learn to Read Bingo (LTR): Beginning & Ending Consonant Sounds (2 games in 1)
Learn to Read Bingo (LTR): Consonant Blends
Learn to Read Bingo (LTR): Short Vowel Families
Learn to Read Bingo (LTR): Long Vowel Families
Learn to Read Bingo (LTR): Beginning & Ending Consonant Digraphs ( 2 games in 1)
Learn to Read Bingo (LTR): Consonants, Blends, Digraphs, Bargain Bundle
Learn to Read Bingo (LTR): Vowel Families Bargain Bundle
Sight Word Kits + Learn To Read (LTR) BINGO
Throw away all other Sight Word sets–don’t overload beginning or struggling readers with too much rote memorization.
These kits are effective, research-based, and enjoyable.
They include the 100 most common, high-frequency, irregular sight words that beginning or struggling readers need to know.
Learn to Read (LTR): Best Sight Word Kit A + BINGO
Learn to Read (LTR): Best Sight Word Kit B + BINGO
Learn to Read (LTR): Best Sight Words Kit A & B Bargain Bundle
Listening Skills: Four Audience Participation Plays
Effective! Fun! No Memorization! Easy to Use!
A great way to focus class attention on listening to the teacher and to other students.
These four plays contain short, group parts for an entire class. After parts are assigned, the teacher reads the story, and the student groups provide the appropriate words for their roles.
The First Day of School 
is a FREE product preview.
The Set of 4 Audience Participation Plays also includes instructions for several other listening activities.
Useful at any time, it is especially helpful at the beginning of the school year to focus student attention on listening to the teacher and to each other.
It is also useful when students seem bored and need some motivation to continue working in class.
Really Fun! Enjoy the smiles!
Earth Day Script
No memorization needed. Easily adaptable to differing reading levels.
Reading Tutor Packets for Decoding
Fun and effective! These Tutor Packets include guidance for determining individual student needs and direction for instruction. Each packet includes five stories, levels K-4 for diagnosis of reading problems, Instructions for Use, a Reading Profile, a Retelling Profile, A Reading Self-Help Test, Worksheets for Vowel and Sight Word Instruction (Levels 1 & 2), as well as applicable Word Searches for extra practice and fun.
Reading Tutor Packet: Level 1 Decoding
Reading Tutor Packet: Level 2 Decoding
Reading Tutor Packet: Level 3 Decoding
Self-Help Tests All FREE! 
Test-takers are asked to honestly evaluate themselves in comparison to a series of statements that exemplify the best qualities in reading, studying, or parenting.
Clear statements and a simple format make the tests easy for self-evaluation and improvement.
1. Student Self-Help Reading Habits Test (Grades 1-2)
2. Parent Self-Evaluation Test
3. Parent Guide to Kindergarten Readiness
Self-Help Tests for grades 3 and higher are listed under
FREE Helpful and Enjoyable Resources
Sequencing Cards
Kids love this activity because they get to move around the classroom, and it is actually a great way to practice the important reading strategy of sequencing events.
Sequencing Cards for Strega Nona
Sequencing Cards for Where the Wild Things Are (also reinforces the letter “w”)
Vowels in Context
Vowels in Context Part 2 (Sentence Completion Exercises)
Great extra practice for beginning or struggling readers–the repeated format of consistent clusters encourages natural remembering of these double vowel combinations. Students come to recognize the consistent patterns with very few rules. That is the beauty of this type of repeated practice. 10 worksheets consist of approximately 25 words for each cluster and 10 or more sentences with blanks to be filled in. They correspond directly to parts of Reading Spotlight’s VOWEL TUTOR Level 2 instruction sheets and provide extra practice in a different format (use of context to decode), but with familiar fundamental English clusters. Unlike some phonics worksheets, simple word choice enables most students to complete these exercises independently. Vowels in Context 2
Vowels In Context Part 3 (Sentence Completion Exercises)
Same format as Vowels in Context 2, covering ar + or , er + ir + ur, oy + oi, oo + oo, ou, ow + ow, ew, aw + au Vowels in Context 3
Vowels in Context Part 4 Syllables: A Better Way (Sentence Completion Exercises)
Make it simple for students to decode 2, 3, and 4 syllable words. Help students recognize common clusters in longer words, pronouncing most syllables as previously learned clusters. Beginning or struggling readers should NOT have to learn complicated rules for syllabication. We use familiar common English clusters to encourage “syllabication. Vowels in Context 4
Word Search Puzzles: Short Vowels
Practicing phonics skills does not have to be boring!
Levels 4-6
Charlotte’s Web: Unique Before & After Reading Strategies
This set includes:
1. Introduction to Outlining–-Activate prior knowledge about farms while introducing this important study skill.
2. Chapter By Chapter Questioning Strategies —Includes Research-based Questions, Writing Prompts, and Story & Character Maps & Diagrams.
3.Crossword Puzzle –Uses characters, events, and items from the novel.
4. Final Exam (33 items)–MORE than just a test, it teaches students how to choose the best answer in a multiple choice exam
5. Story Sequencing Cards— Sequence events from the novel in a new way–especially good for many students who struggle with conceptualizing events in correct time order. Also includes instructions for making a Story Quilt.
Each is available individually at a nominal price or as a Charlotte’s Web Bargain Bundle.
Trumpet of the Swan
1. Chapter By Chapter Review Questions –includes research-based que stioning strategies
2. Crossword Puzzle –uses characters and vocabulary from the novel
3. Final Exam— more than just a final exam, this test helps students learn how to choose the best answer in a multiple choice exam
4. Journal Writing and Vocabulary-– important vocabulary from each chapter, plus writing prompts related to the chapter and to the lives of children for writing encouragement
5. Origami Swan-– simple swan with easy to follow directions
6. Story Sequencing Cards–sequencing events from the novel in a unique way, plus a worksheet; especially helpful to students who have difficulty conceptualizing time order
How to Eat Fried Worms
1. Short Answer Questions— factual recall and inference questions for this funny book
2. Word Search Puzzle— vocabulary, characters, and event from the novel
Inferences & Details: Comprehension Cups
This metacognition Learning Center Activity helps readers see the big picture in factual and inferential comprehension. It helps students conceptualize text into the information that it provides. All that is needed is a shoebox and 6 plastic cups labeled Who? What? When? Where? How?
Three sets (360 phrases) and complete directions included. perfect for metacomprehension strategies! Comprehension Cups
J.T. Read Aloud Questioning Guide
Factual and inferential questions for this heart-warming book J.T. Questioning Guide
Valentine & Adjectives: Little Love Letters
Encourage friendliness and community in classes while learning vocabulary at the same time! These Little Love Letters are a perfect Valentine activity while also improving word power with synonym matching of adjectives. Complete directions and Answer Key included. Little Love Letters
Main Idea Category Cards
This enjoyable category game is a helpful way to get kids thinking in broad terms about main idea and supporting details. It is also useful for verbal communication skills, allowing students to organize thoughts and speak in front of an audience in a short, non-threatening exercise. Enjoy the smiles! Main Idea Category Cards
Making Inferences with Life Mottos
These life mottos are truisms derived from centuries of human experiences. When matching the adages to their meanings, students practice making inferences, a difficult skill for some. The students are required to infer the underlying meaning, and then match the meanings to the adages. These four short lessons are effective and enjoyable experiences in inferential comprehension. Making Inferences with Life Mottos
Metacognition (Thinking About Thinking)
Worksheets that help students think about the big picture when using details and making inferences. Metacognition: Making Inferences
Reading Tutor Bingo Games
These Bingo games focus on identifying more difficult clusters and the actual reading of words. Eight classroom-tested Bingo cards use the traditional 25 space Bingo format for increased extra practice. They have been utilized effectively in larger groups by making several copies of the cards. Clear instructions are included. For a more complete description of the covered clusters, find more information in the Details for the Product.
1. Reading Tutor Bingo (RT): Silent e
2. Reading Tutor Bingo (RT): Long Vowel Teams
3. Reading Tutor Bingo (RT): Difficult Clusters Set A
4. Reading Tutor Bingo: (RT): Difficult Clusters Set B
Reading Difficult Clusters Sets A & B is available in a Bargain Bundle
Syllable Matching Game
Just like magic –see small parts of words in larger words. Three sets of 20 words helps readers learn how to put chunks (syllables) into meaningful words. Syllable Matching Game
This game as worksheets: Syllable Match
Tall Tale Grammar Stories
Grammar practice does not have to be boring!
The American frontier was vast and harsh as it was developing in the 19th century. Tales of men and women who were bigger than life and who triumphed over adversities were a common form of entertainment as people sat by their firesides. Like the myths and folktales of previous civilizations, some had a basis in truth, and others were entirely made up by the story tellers. These tales are an effort to combine grammar practice with a bit of Americana and enjoyment.
Each 20-30 sentence story provides enjoyable practice in the most common grammatical errors in
apostrophe
capitalization
comparative adjectives & adverbs
homophones
irregular plurals
irregular verbs
run-on sentences & sentence fragments
punctuation
subject–verb agreement
changing “y” to “i”
They are easy to use and to grade, if desired, because each sentence includes only one grammatical error. Students enjoy trying to find it!
Every story includes an Answer Key PLUS an explanation for each correction. A short extra credit Writing Prompt is added, as well as a Corrected Version in Paragraph Form. Johnny Appleseed FREE!
Tall Tales Set A
1. Annie Oakley–Sharpshooter
2. Big Mose–N.Y.Fireman
3. Hiawatha–Native American Hero
4. Joe Magarac–Steelworker
5. Stormalong–Sailor
Tall Tales Set B
1. Casey Jones–Railroad Engineer
2. Febold Feboldson–Weatherman
3. John Henry__Tunnel Digger
4. Paul Bunyan–Lumberjack
5. Sally Cato–Giant Schemer
Tall Tales Set C
1. Kit Carson–Mountain Man
2. Davy Crockett–Frontiersman
3. Paleface Lightning–Spirit Warrior
4. Pecos Bill–Human Coyote
5. Slue Foot Sue–Lively Cowgirl
Tall Tales Set D
1. Annie Christmas–Keelboat Captain
2. Buffalo Bill–Wild West Scout
3. Maui–Sun Fighter
4. Sally Fink–Keelboat Savior
5. Sedna–Mother of the Sea
All Four Tall Tales Grammar Sets are available as a Bargain Bundle.
Vowel Tutor Sets
Simple! Clear! Effective! Great instruction or extra practice for beginning or struggling readers! The set is perfect for group or individualized instruction in decoding and spelling. Emphasis is placed on automatic reading of words in order to improve decoding, phrasing, and speed, rather than focusing on the meaning of words. Word definition is a different lesson for a different time.
The repeated format encourages natural remembering of vowel clusters. The English language is 95% regular, but beginning and struggling readers don’t often realize this. Since the brain remembers in patterns, these sheets aid in remembering and retrieving the basic structure of short vowel clusters in English. Many phonics worksheets confuse beginning and struggling readers by combining too many phonics rules on one page.
Vowel Tutor Set Level 1 covers Short Vowel Clusters
+ the Companion Set Vowels in Context 2
Vowel Tutor Level 2 covers silent e vowels, r-controlled vowels, double vowels, some silent consonants, and reading of contractions
+ the Companion Set Vowels in Context 3
Vowel Tutor Level 3 covers difficult vowel combinations
+ the Companion Set Syllables: a Better Way Vowels in Context 4
Women’s History
Female Firsts Crossword Puzzle
Famous Women: Spell with Vowels
Word Searches
Practicing phonics skills does not have to be boring! All of these Word Searches are also available individually.
Word Search Letters C,G, Y and Silent Consonants
Word Search: Silent E
Word Search: Double Long Vowels
Word Search: Sound of ph
Word Search: R-Controlled Vowels
Word Search: Vowels
Word Search: Difficult Vowels
Word Search: tion
Word Search: le at the End of a Word
Levels 5+
Grammar practice does not have to be boring! Many students require extra practice for various reasons. These are some enjoyable activities for grammar practice. Most are also available as individual items.
Improve both spelling and grammar with
Collective Nouns Crossword Puzzles
Irregular Past Tense Crossword Puzzles
Irregular Plurals Crossword Puzzles
Homophones are the most common spelling error in both students and adults. Practice homophones in an enjoyable way with
Homophone Practice with Fun Facts
Homophone Practice with Knock-Knock Jokes
Less Common Homophones Crossword Puzzle
Other grammar materials:
Confusing Word Sets Crossword Puzzle
Commonly Misspelled Words Crossword Puzzle
Grammar Review Stories
These tales are an effort to combine grammar practice with an interesting story–so much better than a set of unrelated sentences. Grammar practice does not have to be boring!
Each 20-30 sentence story provides enjoyable practice in the most common grammatical errors in
apostrophe
capitalization
comparative adjectives & adverbs
homophones
irregular plurals
irregular verbs
run-on sentences & sentence fragments
punctuation
subject–verb agreement
changing “y” to “i”
They are easy to use and to grade, if desired, because each sentence includes only one grammatical error. Students enjoy trying to find it!
Every story includes an Answer Key PLUS an explanation for each correction. A short extra credit Writing Prompt is added, as well as a Corrected Version in Paragraph Form.
Levels 10-12
Perfect for improving vocabulary and for SAT practice: Synonym Crossword Puzzles
FREE Helpful & Enjoyable Resources
Self-Help Reading Comprehension Test
Self-Help: Understanding What I Read
Halloween Candy Wrapper Stories
All Sports Reading Comprehension Activity