Intermediate Literacy Teacher on the Hunt for Resources

Updated often!

Just an intermediate teacher who is trying her best to find and share resources that support the new Ontraio Language Arts curriculum, with a focus on literacy resources. Not all resources shared will directly relate to the Ontario curriculum, but as an Ontario teacher, my personal learning journey will support this. However, I would love to see what educators are using, no matter where in the world they are from.

I would love to hear your ideas and share them with others.

Looking for resources in the areas of:
*intermediate reading programs and resources
*intermediate spelling programs and resources
*intermediate writing programs and resources
*literacy journals, podcasts, books, or other scientifically backed information on education that focus on intermediate literacy
*anything interesting, unique, or usable for teachers who teach literacy

Tell me about your fav resource!

Free Teaching Resources

Diagnostic Spelling Test
Read Theory
Advanced Word Study
No Red Ink
D.I tool (Diffit)

Links to Educational Learning

Click these links to learn current information about teaching, educational practices that work, differentiation, and more

English Journal (NCTE)
Education Sciences
International Journal of Educational Research (IJER)
Edugains Think Literacy
The International Dyslexia Association Ontario (IDA Ontario)
Ontario Ministry of Education - Literacy Resources
Literacy Today
Reading Rockets

Reading Program Resource Links

Read Works

Provides a wealth of free resources, including reading comprehension passages, vocabulary activities, and formative assessments. It also supports differentiation and integrates with tools like Google Classroom. The content is aligned with evidence-based practices for improving reading skills.

ReadWorks

CommonLit

Offers high-quality instructional materials for grades 3-12, including diverse literary and informational texts, with built-in comprehension questions and performance tracking tools.

CommonLit

Recommendation #3

Write 1-2 sentences describing what followers will find when they tap the link.

External link

Read Theory

Online program for students.
"Improve your students’
Reading Comprehension
It’s free."
Personalized reading comprehension exercises for K-12 and ESL students.

Read Theory

Morphology Instruction

Spelling and Vocabulary Study Resources

We are all trying to figure out the best way to teach spelling at the intermediate level. Hopefully, some of these resources will help.

Quizlet Vocabulary studyMerriam Webster Word of the DayFree Rice (vocabulary game)

Dibels Reading Assessment

ORF and Maze for all grades

  1. Dibels Assessment (all grades)
  2. Administration Manual for Dibels
  3. Dibels Frequently Asked Questions

Tier 2 Programming

  1. Word Connections (FREE) multisylabic program
  2. YouTube Instructional videos

Special Education

The following pages have exceptionalities we see in our classrooms, tips and strategies and links to help you as an educator help these students.

Intellectual-Gifted

Resources for teachers with students who are gifted

Teaching Tips & Strategies:

Provide enrichment and extension activities that go beyond the standard curriculum to keep students engaged and challenged.

Offer choice in projects and assignments to let students explore topics of personal interest and passion.

Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving through open-ended questions and real-world issues.

Incorporate independent study or inquiry-based learning to foster self-directed learning.

Provide opportunities for leadership and peer mentoring, allowing gifted students to share their knowledge and skills.

  1. National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

    National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

    A leading organization that provides resources, research, and best practices for educators and parents working with gifted and talented students.

    NAGC
  2. Davidson Institute for Talent Development

    Davidson Institute for Talent Development

    Offers programs, scholarships, and resources to support profoundly gifted young people and their families.

    Davidson Institute
  3. Edutopia: Gifted Students Resources

    Edutopia: Gifted Students Resources

    Provides articles, teaching strategies, and videos to help educators effectively challenge and support gifted learners.

    Edutopia

Mild Intellectual Disability (MID)

Teaching Tips & Strategies:

Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and provide visual schedules.

Use repetition and practice to reinforce learning concepts.

Provide explicit, direct instruction with clear modeling and scaffolding.

Use hands-on, concrete materials (e.g., manipulatives, visual aids) to support understanding.

Offer frequent feedback and encouragement to build confidence and motivation.

  1. Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO)

    Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO)

    Information, advocacy, and resources for supporting students with learning disabilities and intellectual challenges.

    Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO)
  2. The Arc (Support for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)

    The Arc (Support for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)

    This website is about promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education and community support.

    The Arc (Support for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)
  3. IRIS Center

    IRIS Center

    Provides free, evidence-based modules and resources for educators working with students with various disabilities, including intellectual disabilities.

    IRIS Center - Modules on Intellectual Disabilities:

Intellectual - Developmental Disability

Teaching Tips & Strategies:

Use consistent routines and visual supports (e.g., picture schedules, step-by-step visuals).

Focus on functional academics and life skills that are directly applicable to daily living.

Incorporate multi-sensory learning (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).

Provide individualized supports and modifications based on each student’s needs.

Collaborate with support staff and families to ensure consistency across environments.

  1. Special Olympics

    Special Olympics

    Provides programs and resources to help schools create inclusive environments for students with developmental disabilities through sports and leadership opportunities.

    Special Olympics Resources
  2. Autism Speaks Teacher Toolkit

    Autism Speaks Teacher Toolkit

    Offers practical strategies, tools, and tips for supporting students with autism in classroom settings

    Autism Speaks
  3. The Arc

    The Arc

    A national organization advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and offering educational and community resources.

    The Arc

Communication - Autism (ASD)

Teaching Tips & Strategies:

Use clear, concrete language and avoid figurative speech.

Incorporate visual supports (visual schedules, social stories).

Provide choices and structured routines to reduce anxiety and increase engagement.

Teach social skills explicitly using role-play and modeling.

Break down tasks and provide step-by-step instructions with repetition as needed.

  1. Autism Ontario

    Autism Ontario

    An organization dedicated to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through advocacy, resources, and community programming

    Autism Ontario
  2. Autism Speaks Teacher Toolkit

    Autism Speaks Teacher Toolkit

    A free resource full of strategies and materials to help teachers support students with autism in inclusive classrooms.

    Autism Speaks Teacher Toolkit
  3. National Autistic Society (UK)

    National Autistic Society (UK)

    Offers information, support, and training to improve understanding and services for autistic people.

    National Autistic Society (UK)

Communication - Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Teaching Tips & Strategies:

Ensure visual access to communication (e.g., captions, sign language, visual aids).

Use FM systems or sound-field amplification if available.

Provide written instructions and notes to accompany spoken instructions.

Seat students near the teacher and away from background noise.

Work with itinerant teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing to adapt materials and strategies.

  1. Ontario Association of the Deaf

    Ontario Association of the Deaf

    Provides advocacy and resources in Ontario, including educational supports.

    Ontario Association of the Deaf
  2. Canadian Hearing Services

    Canadian Hearing Services

    Offers a range of services and programs to support Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, including education resources.

    Canadian Hearing Services
  3. National Association of the Deaf (US)

    National Association of the Deaf (US)

    Provides extensive resources and advocacy materials for supporting Deaf students in educational settings.

    National Association of the Deaf (US)

Communication - Speech Impairment

Teaching Tips & Strategies:

Be patient and allow extra time for responses.

Use visual supports, gestures, and augmentative communication devices as needed.

Repeat and rephrase instructions to aid understanding.

Collaborate with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) for targeted strategies.

Encourage peer support and a respectful classroom environment to reduce anxiety.

  1. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    A leading organization for professionals working with speech, language, and hearing disorders, offering resources for educators and families.

    ASHA
  2. Speech and Language Kids

    Speech and Language Kids

    Provides practical strategies and materials for teachers and parents supporting children with speech and language needs.

    Speech and Language Kids
  3. The Hanen Centre

    The Hanen Centre

    Offers programs and resources for building language and communication skills in children, especially those with speech delays.

    The Hanen Centre

Communication - Language Impairment

Teaching Tips & Strategies:

Use simple, clear language and avoid idioms or complex sentence structures.

Provide visual cues and written instructions to support understanding.

Check for understanding frequently and encourage students to ask questions.

Offer structured opportunities to practice language in small groups or one-on-one.

Collaborate closely with SLPs and resource teachers for specific strategies.

  1. The Hanen Centre

    The Hanen Centre

    Provides evidence-based programs and resources for supporting children's language development, including children with language impairments.

    The Hanen Centre
  2. Understood.org - Language Disorders

    Understood.org - Language Disorders

    A comprehensive website offering accessible explanations of language disorders and practical strategies for teachers and families to support students with language challenges.

    Understood.org
  3. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    A professional organization for speech-language pathologists, providing information on speech and language disorders, including language impairment, as well as tools for educators.

    ASHA

Communication - Learning Disabilities (LDs)

Teaching Tips & Strategies:

First, I would encourage you to watch the video that is posted first (below), as it will put you in the shoes of the student with LDs, helping you understand their challenges.

Provide accommodations like text-to-speech, audiobooks, and extra time.

Use multi-sensory teaching strategies (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to engage different learning styles.

Break tasks into smaller steps and provide clear checklists or visual guides.

Offer frequent feedback and opportunities for practice to reinforce learning.

Focus on student strengths and allow choice in how students demonstrate their learning (e.g., oral presentations, visual projects, written work).

  1. Experiencing LDs Simulation

    This is an old video, but it is very impactful. It will help you understand what your students with LDs experience.

    YouTube
  2. Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario

    Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario

    A well-established organization providing resources, advocacy, and support for individuals with learning disabilities, as well as professional resources for educators.

    LDAO
  3. Understood.org

    Understood.org

    Offers a wide range of tools, articles, and strategies to support children with learning disabilities both at home and in the classroom, aimed at teachers and families.

    Understood.org
  4. International Dyslexia Association

    International Dyslexia Association

    A leading organization on dyslexia and related learning disabilities, providing research-based resources and professional development for teachers.

    IDA
OH HEY, FOR BEST VIEWING, YOU'LL NEED TO TURN YOUR PHONE