Welcome to the Caregivers Resource Hub! Created by the Iowa Reading Research Center, these resources will help you stay informed and support your child’s education. 

Online Learning

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.    

Child's backpack

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 
Adult and child look at a book together

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
A tablet shows an image of a book

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
Person reads a book

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
The last puzzle piece is added to a puzzle

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
A grade is written on paper

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

Additional Tools

Literacy LIFTER

 

Literacy LIFTER (Letter Identification and Formation for Transcription and Early Reading) is a free tool that helps educators and caregivers support handwriting instruction. It provides evidence-based materials to teach handwriting, letter names, and letter sounds to early readers. These materials include worksheets and videos on how to write and pronounce letters.

IRRC Resources Page

 

The Iowa Reading Research Center and its collaborators have created resources for practicing various reading and writing skills. These include activities and printable materials for easy, at-home literacy development.

Looking for a place to start? Caregivers may be interested in the following:

Dyslexia and Families

 

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, and it is widely misunderstood. Understanding dyslexia helps caregivers support and advocate for their children. This page provides information on dyslexia and introduces activities that support the literacy development of individuals with dyslexia.

Related Blog Posts

Explore the blog posts below to learn more about literacy topics relevant to caregivers.

Child and caregiver choose a book from a shelf

Leveraging Your Library's Literacy Resources

Free public library resources can make reading more accessible and engaging for children of all ages. This post outlines library resources and explains how to help readers develop a positive relationship with books.

Two IRRC employees hold books behind a banner reading "Dyslexia Awareness Book Recommendations"

Book Recommendations About and for Children With Dyslexia and Their Caregivers

This post provides a list of books by and about individuals with dyslexia. The list includes informative books for caregivers and educators as well as fun books for children.

Mother and daughter wash dishes

Learning English With Your Children and Teens: Using a Chore Chart to Practice Overall Fluency

Chore time can be a great opportunity to practice oral language skills. This post describes how to make and use a chore chart to develop literacy skills within everyday tasks.

Graphic of a microphone

Listen Up: Five Stellar Science of Reading Podcasts Worth Trying

In the last few years, many podcasts focusing on literacy and the science of reading have emerged for both educators and caregivers. This post describes five insightful podcasts worth checking out.

Mother and daughter use tablet with writing

Supporting Your Children's and Teens' Home Learning: Dyslexia and Writing: How Can Caregivers Help?

Writing tasks can create significant frustration for children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. This post presents several methods that caregivers can use to support their child’s writing process.

Woman looking at paperwork

Scope and Sequence: What Is It, and How Do Educators Use It to Guide Instruction?

This post explains how taking a look at the scope and sequence being used by your child’s teacher can help you structure at-home practice in a way that directly supports classroom instruction. 

Caregiver Support Request

Do you have questions about your child’s literacy learning? Our staff are ready to provide information and guidance. Please complete the form below to request support.  

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