Reading is Fundamental (RIF)

Do you remember RIF? I have to admit I totally forgot about it until I saw them listed in the vendor section at NECC. I went over to visit with them and I was really impressed with their resources.

Their free website has tons of resources. It is aimed primarily at the elementary grades. There is an Educator section, as well as a Parent section, and a section for Kids. They also even have a Bilingual section.

In the Educator section, you will find "Writers' Block" where your class can join other classes in writing a story. They also have animated Read-Along stories. In addition they have contests, web resources, lesson plans and articles. They even have downloads and printable planning guides.

For the children, they have a section called Reading Planet, where the kids can do activities (like illustrate a story), play games, review books,browse book lists and write stories. There is also a free Reading Planet Club that kids can join which allows them to create a web page, join contests and get a birthday card. To join the club kids under 13 have to use a parent/teacher email.

The Parent section allows parents to look for reading ideas and activities by age level. They also have printable resources and calendars with reading activities.

If you need any literacy ideas or materials I recommend this site. I also think the section for students has enough pictures (and read aloud with speakers) that it could be used fairly independently depending on the reading level and activity.

Founded in 1966, RIF is the oldest and largest children's and family nonprofit literacy organization in the United States. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8.