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
Best Bingo Learn to Read (LTR) Bingo
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.
Best Bingo (Learn to Read Bingo -LTR): Beginning & Ending Consonant Sounds (2 games in 1)
Best Bingo (Learn to Read-LTR Bingo): Consonant Blends
Best Bingo (Learn to Read -LTR Bingo): Short Vowel Families
Best Bingo (Learn to Read-LTR Bingo): Long Vowel Families
Best Bingo (Learn to Read-LTR Bingo): Beginning & Ending Consonant Digraphs ( 2 games in 1)
Best Bingo (Learn to Read -LTR Bingo): Consonants, Blends, Digraphs Bargain Bundle
Best Bingo 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 packets have formed the backbone of my success with struggling readers over 30 years. The sets 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 below.
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”)
Word Search Puzzles: Short Vowels
Practicing phonics skills does not have to be boring!
Levels 4-6
Better Bingo: Reading Tutor (RT) Bingo Games
These Bingo games focus on identifying more difficult clusters plus 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. Better Bingo Reading Tutor (RT) Bingo: Silent e
2. Better Bingo Reading Tutor (RT) Bingo: Long Vowel Teams
3. Better Bingo Reading Tutor (RT): Difficult Clusters Set A
4. Better Bingo Reading Tutor (RT): Difficult Clusters Set B
5. Better Bingo Reading Difficult Clusters Sets A & B is available in a Bargain Bundle
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.
The Elephant in the Garden Unique Bundle
Written by the author of War Horse, this fast-paced novel combines the appeal of an orphaned elephant with a family’s daring journey during World War II. Both exciting and heart-warming, the novel mirrors the wise and affectionate tone of elephants themselves.
- This set of Introductory Vocabulary and Chapter-by-Chapter Questions provides a simple structure for basic comprehension of a popular novel. It was designed for a fundamental understanding of the vocabulary, basic events, and primary concepts in the novel. The questions can be used orally or assigned for written answers, and Answer Keys are included.
- More than just a Final Exam this 25 item multiple-choice test (plus an EXTRA CREDIT short essay question) is designed to give students experience in test-taking strategies for choosing the best answer in multiple-choice tests, a strategy that is not often explained or practiced.
- Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle uses vocabulary from the novel
Hoot
The Hoot Novel Study Set is an enjoyable novel for middle school grades, especially for reluctant readers. It involves a bully, a truant, and an effort to save endangered owls. The main character grows in understanding and self-reliance. Questions focus often on factual comprehension since many unenthusiastic readers rarely read a complete novel. They must learn how to retain information from previous chapters while attending to the information provided in the chapter at hand.
The Hoot Crossword Puzzle of Similes provides extra practice in many similes from the novel.
The Hoot Word Search includes vocabulary and concepts from the novel.
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!
J.T. Read-Aloud Questioning Guide
Factual and inferential questions for this heart-warming book J.T. Questioning Guide
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!
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.
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.
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
Thinking About Thinking (Metacognition)
Worksheets that help students think about the big picture when using details and making inferences.
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.
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.
Vowel Tutor Sets
Effective, enjoyable, and easy yo use– 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: Mini-Biographies
Word Search Bargain Bundle
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: Difficult Vowel Teams
Word Search: R-Controlled Vowels
Levels 5+
The Giver
A simple structure for basic comprehension of Lois Lowry’s novel, this set includes chapter-by-chapter questions and answers for the basic events and primary concepts in the novel. Two crossword puzzles for vocabulary are also available separately or as part of the bundle.
To Kill a Mockingbird Novel Study
Designed for a fundamental understanding of vocabulary, basic events, and primary concepts, this set provides a clear, simple, and repetitive structure for basic comprehension and for writing fundamentals. A classic Pulitzer-winning coming-of-age novel, this book is very relevant, even today. Many modern classes include readers of varying reading levels. This set is perfect all students, including struggling readers who are often required to read and understand the novel. It is perfect for adaptive educational lessons because the focus is fundamental information and concepts while also providing short writing prompts relatable to young lives. All parts are also available individually.
Included:
Chapter-By-Chapter Questions & Answers
End of Novel Writing Prompts & Outlines
Fun Grammar Practice
Effective, enjoyable, and easy-to-use, these materials provide the extra practice that some students need. Grammar can be fun!
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 Puzzles
Other grammar materials:
Confusing Word Sets Crossword Puzzles
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
Effective, Enjoyable, & Easy-To-Use Resources
Self-Help Reading Comprehension Test
Self-Help: Understanding What I Read
All Sports Reading Comprehension Activity
Halloween Candy Wrapper Stories