These modules are short, informal, online lessons for caregivers of K–12 students. Each module focuses on a topic related to literacy learning. These modules can help you understand important terms and available resources.

These modules may be most useful for caregivers in Iowa. However, much of the content is relevant for caregivers in other states as well.

Supporting Your Child's Early Word Recognition Skills

This module is for: caregivers of pre-school-aged children

This module includes:

  • An overview of important early literacy skills
  • Definitions of important literacy concepts
  • Activities caregivers can do with their child to build early literacy skills
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Understanding Your Student’s Literacy Data

This module is for: caregivers of children taking literacy assessments

This module includes:

  • Explanations of the four types of literacy assessments
  • Definitions of assessment terminology
  • Cartoon scenarios illustrating caregiver-educator communications
  • A tool to help caregivers prepare for meetings with their child's educators
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Core Literacy Skills

This module is for: caregivers of children in Grades K–3

This module includes:

  • Explanations of key literacy skills
  • Expectations for each literacy skill at each grade level
  • Suggested activities to practice each skill at home
  • A description of how these skills may be assessed in the classroom 
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Advocating for Your Student

This module is for: caregivers who think their child may have a learning disability

This module includes:

  • Suggestions for how to communicate with teachers
  • Steps for how to create a plan to support your child’s learning
  • An overview of accommodations and modifications in the classroom
  • Differences between an IEP and a 504 plan
  • An explanation of your rights as a caregiver of a child with a learning disability
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Assistive Technology

This module is for: caregivers of children and teens who have dyslexia or other reading disabilities

This module includes:

  • A definition of assistive technology, or AT
  • Examples of AT for reading and writing and an overview of their features
  • Demonstrations of how students can use AT tools to support their learning
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Science of Reading

This module is for: caregivers of children in Grades K–3

This module includes:

  • Explanations of research and key terms related to the science of reading
  • An overview of the key skills children need to become successful readers
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Structured Literacy

This module is for: caregivers of children in Grades K–3

This module includes:

  • An overview of the elements of structured literacy instruction
  • Ideas for supporting literacy skills at home
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Understanding FastBridge

This module is for: caregivers of children in Grades K–3

This module includes:

  • An overview of different kinds of reading assessments and their purposes
  • Guidance on how to interpret your child’s reading assessment results
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