CommonLit 360 For Teachers
What is CommonLit 360?
CommonLit is an educational website designed to help students improve their reading and writing skills. It is known for providing a vast collection of high-quality reading materials that teachers can use in their classrooms. These resources are carefully selected to align with educational standards, making it a trusted tool for teachers who want to support their students in learning how to read and understand different kinds of texts.
History of CommonLit
CommonLit was founded in 2014 by Michelle Brown, a former middle school teacher who recognized the need for more accessible reading resources in schools. She saw that many students were struggling with reading and comprehension, and she wanted to create a platform that could offer teachers a way to help these students succeed. Since its launch, CommonLit has grown rapidly, becoming a go-to resource for millions of teachers and students across the United States and around the world. The platform is now used by over 20 million teachers and students in more than 90 countries.
Costs
One of the standout features of CommonLit is that it is free to use. The website offers a wealth of resources without charging teachers or students. This makes it an incredibly valuable tool, especially for schools that may not have the budget for expensive educational programs. While the core resources are free, CommonLit also offers a paid program called CommonLit 360, which provides even more resources, including comprehensive lesson plans, assessments, and data tracking tools for teachers. This paid version offers additional support for educators who want to go beyond the basic offerings and provide a more structured and detailed learning experience for their students.
Who Created CommonLit?
CommonLit was created by Michelle Brown, who drew on her own experiences as a teacher to develop the platform. Michelle understood the challenges that both teachers and students face in the classroom, particularly when it comes to reading. Her goal was to make it easier for teachers to find high-quality reading materials that would engage students and help them improve their skills. Michelle's vision was to create a tool that was not only effective but also accessible to all students, regardless of their background or learning level.
What Age is CommonLit For?
CommonLit is designed primarily for students in grades 3-12. This means that the materials on the site are suitable for children as young as 8 years old and up to 18 years old. The site offers a wide range of texts, from simple stories for younger readers to more complex texts for older students. This variety allows teachers to find materials that are appropriate for their students' age and reading level. CommonLit also provides tools to help teachers differentiate instruction, so they can tailor the reading experience to meet the needs of each individual student.
Other Features of CommonLit
In addition to its large library of texts, CommonLit offers a number of features designed to help teachers and students get the most out of their reading experiences. One of these features is the ability to assign texts to students and track their progress. Teachers can see how well students are understanding the materials, and they can use this information to provide additional support where needed. The site also includes discussion questions, writing prompts, and other activities that teachers can use to deepen students' understanding of the texts they are reading. Furthermore, CommonLit provides translation options for texts, making it easier for English language learners to participate in reading activities.
Summary
CommonLit is a valuable educational tool that provides free, high-quality reading resources for students in grades 3-12. Founded by Michelle Brown, a former teacher, the platform has become a popular resource for educators around the world. CommonLit offers a wide range of texts, along with tools to help teachers track student progress and provide targeted instruction. While the core resources are free, there is also a paid program, CommonLit 360, which offers additional resources and support. Overall, CommonLit is an excellent resource for teachers who want to help their students improve their reading and writing skills.