Reading Rockets: Empowering Literacy for K-12 Education

At Let’s Go Learn, we are dedicated to promoting tools and initiatives that advance literacy for students of all ages. One such initiative that is making a profound impact is Reading Rockets, a national multimedia literacy project created in 2007 by WETA, the second-largest public television station in the United States. Supported initially through major federal funding, Reading Rockets has since become a vital resource for educators, families, and students alike.

While its primary focus has been on the critical early years of education (PreK through 3rd grade), Reading Rockets’ extensive research-based resources are equally valuable for K-12 education, especially when supporting students who may face challenges in reading at later stages.

Resources from Let’s Go Learn and Reading Rockets work together. Let’s Go Learn provides diagnostic tools and instructional programs tailored to individual learners, while Reading Rockets provides free, broad guidance on literacy and the teaching of reading. 

A homeschooling parent or educator should consider first using Let’s Go Learn to diagnose and measure a student’s strengths and weaknesses, so that a clear picture emerges of the instructional content the student needs. Then, using best practices from the science of reading, a parent or educator can utilize Reading Rockets to understand how children develop reading skills. Along the way, Let’s Go Learn also provides the platform to track a child’s progress through structured supplementary instruction.

Reading Rockets’ commitment to improving literacy outcomes has been recognized at the highest levels. In 2016, the project was awarded the David M. Rubenstein Prize, the highest honor within the prestigious Library of Congress Literacy Awards. This award celebrates organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing literacy both nationally and internationally.

From 2001 to 2012, Reading Rockets received major support from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. Since 2013, its work has continued with the generous backing of the Poses Family Foundation, the National Education Association, the Park Foundation, and other philanthropic contributors.

Reading Rockets offers a rich collection of resources that address every aspect of literacy development. The initiative is grounded in evidence-based strategies, ensuring that its teaching methods and recommendations are aligned with the latest research in reading education. Beyond foundational skills such as phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, Reading Rockets places a strong emphasis on providing targeted support for struggling readers—a crucial component for educators seeking to close literacy gaps at any grade level.

A distinctive strength of Reading Rockets is its ability to bridge the gap between research and practice. Complex academic studies are translated into accessible, practical guidance, empowering teachers, specialists, and parents to implement effective strategies both in classrooms and at home.

Among its offerings, Reading Rockets provides in-depth articles on reading instruction, classroom-tested strategies for improving literacy, curated book lists to enhance classroom libraries, and engaging literacy activities that can be used across various educational settings. The initiative also offers “Reading 101,” a section devoted to reinforcing foundational reading skills, particularly useful for educators working with older students who need to strengthen their basic reading competencies.

Recognizing the vital role of families in a child’s literacy journey, Reading Rockets includes extensive resources for parents, helping to foster strong home-school partnerships. Additionally, while its sister site, Colorín Colorado, focuses specifically on English Language Learners, Reading Rockets also integrates important support materials for ELLs within its broader literacy framework. It further provides educators with valuable information on learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ensuring inclusive literacy support for all students.

The influence of Reading Rockets extends well beyond early childhood education. For K-12 teachers, the initiative serves as a valuable professional development tool, offering access to the latest research, expert insights, and proven instructional strategies. Educators can draw upon its resources to design effective intervention plans tailored to the needs of struggling readers across all grade levels.

Moreover, the classroom strategies, curated book lists, and practical literacy activities provided by Reading Rockets enhance daily instruction, making it easier for teachers to create supportive, dynamic reading environments. Its parent-focused resources also contribute significantly to building strong, collaborative relationships between schools and families—an essential factor in student success.

At Let’s Go Learn, we believe that literacy is the cornerstone of academic achievement and lifelong success. Reading Rockets exemplifies how research, practice, and community engagement can come together to support students’ reading development at every stage of their education. Whether you are a teacher seeking new strategies, a specialist designing interventions, or a parent looking to support literacy at home, Reading Rockets offers a wealth of tools to empower learners and foster a love of reading. Let’s Go Learn and Reading Rockets both support improved reading outcomes, especially for students who are below grade level or need specialized support.

To learn more about Reading Rockets and explore its extensive range of resources, visit Reading Rockets.