Effective Literacy Website #4 by Alison

Reading A-Z (http://www.readinga-z.com) is a component of Learning A-Z websites, which cover four main subjects: Reading, Writing, Science, and Vocabulary. Reading A-Z offers online curriculum resources for all grade levels at an affordable price. It is regularly updated as they add new books, lesson plans, and other resources each month. In fact, Reading A-Z contains more than 2,500 books you can download in different versions, as well as an abundance of teaching and learning materials. These materials may also be used in with learners in Special Education and ESL (English as a Second Language). Reading A-Z has won many notable awards including the Eddie Award in Educational Software, Teachers’ Choice Award in 2009 and 2011, Technology and Learning Award, and so much more.

Their mission is to provide developmentally appropriate teaching and learning solutions to all educators and students that are easily accessible and affordable. The cost for an annual license is $109.95, which isn’t too bad considering you have access to numerous resources all year long. The website has a tab called Teacher Corner, which contains multiple sub-tabs about Standards and Correlations, Instructional Tools, Leveling, Popular Books, and Professional Development. Anyone is able to browse through these sections; however, in order to view and access the materials, you must be a member. With that said, there is a free trial that lasts for two weeks. 

Although Reading A-Z is not a free online program, it is still very useful to those who can afford to purchase annual licenses. One thing I really like about Reading A-Z is that it regularly updates its materials and resources on a monthly basis. Personally, I would not be able to afford this on my own but sharing this program with your colleagues or grade-level team is a great idea. Perhaps, it can be purchased through grade-level funds. Overall, Reading A-Z may not be entirely affordable for everyone, but that doesn’t mean it is not a great and resourceful website because it definitely is!