Helping Students Read Better and Learn More

The Iowa Reading Research Center strives to improve the literacy skills of all students through research with students, professional learning for educators, and technical assistance for school districts.

Lifty and Clifty climb a mountain with the sun setting in the background and cursive and print letters in the sky

Handwriting Hub

Access training, interactive tools, instructional materials, and more for print and cursive handwriting instruction.

A lab station, including a beaker, test tubes, a microscope, goggles, and a magnifying glass over the words "Morpheme Lab"

Morpheme Lab

Learning morphemes can help students break down the meaning of unfamiliar words. Access free resources to support implementing explicit morphology instruction in our Morpheme Lab!

Spark Early Literacy

Spark Early Literacy Hub

Through everyday activities, caregivers play an important role in helping children build early reading skills.

Blog

A young student sits a desk, writing on paper.

Cumulative Review Resource for Handwriting Instruction

Monday, July 13, 2026
Cumulative Review provides students with the opportunity to review previously taught letters within the context of word-level writing practice.
Q & A with Dr. Daisy Pelletier, Postdoctoral researcher of student reading motivation

Supporting Student Reading Motivation With Dr. Daisy Pelletier

Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Researcher Daisy Pelletier discusses her recent study on the role of motivation and reading frequency in elementary and secondary school students.
with Dr. Ece Demir-Lira Director of the Development, Experience, and Neurocognition Lab Q&A

Supporting Early Literacy Through Everyday Interactions With Dr. Ece Demir-Lira

Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Dr. Ece Demir-Lira, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Iowa, shares how caregivers can support their children's early literacy development.

News

A screenshot of the IRRC's Letter-Sound Spark app

New Spark Early Literacy Hub Supports Early Literacy Skills at Home

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Through the Spark Early Literacy Hub, caregivers can access the tools they need to support their children’s early literacy skills.
Professional headshot Kristin To

To Recognized for Her Work at the Iowa Reading Research Center

Friday, April 17, 2026
Kristin To has been recognized as a University of Iowa Student Employee of the Year award winner for her work as a graphic storyteller and computer programmer at the Iowa Reading Research Center.
Word Dissector screenshot

New Morpheme Lab Supports Literacy Across Content Areas

Monday, April 13, 2026
The new Morpheme Lab includes resources for educators interested in implementing explicit morphology instruction.