Homeschool Resources
If you are homeschooling your child these resources can help you navigate homeschool requirements and provide information on curriculum, buying co-ops and support groups. Start your child off by getting a library card so you can access all the resources the library has to offer.
Library Resources
- Sign up for an independent reading program
- Tag-Along (Grades K-2)
- Rockin’ Readers (Grades 3-5)
- Explore hands-on science at home by checking out a STEAM Discovery Kit for ages 6 and older. Each kit includes books, educational toys and equipment on a variety of topics.
- Check out an Adventure Pack, ages 3 and older, containing books, CDs and interactive materials designed to boost literacy skills.
Access from home with an ITPLD card
- Learning Express Library
- Lerner Maker Lab
- Tutor.com
- Tumble Book Library
- Novelist K-8
- Mango Languages
- Scholastic Teachables
- Points of View Reference Center
HOMESCHOOLING IN ILLINOIS
Reading Resources
Early Reader Collection
Books labeled levels 1-4.
- Level 1: Getting Ready to Read
10 words or less on a page - Level 2: On My Way
10-20 words on a page - Level 3: Almost There
More difficult story lines - Level 4: Reading On My Own
Longer stories, often broken up into short chapters
Beginning Chapter Book Collection
- Have less than 100 pages
- Short chapters
- Illustrations on many pages
- Large, clear text
- Simple plot line-often the plot may be repeated across books in series
Beginning Nonfiction Book Collection
Nonfiction books for pre-readers and early readers
- Less than about 40 pages
- Illustrations on many pages
Other
Graphic Novels
Youth graphic novels in all genres are intended for kids up to grade 5 and can be a successful visual reading experience.
Nonfiction
Through grade 8
Other Resources
Colorin Colorado: Un sitio bilingüe para familias y maestros para ayudar a los ninos leer.
Dogo Books are book reviews by kids for kids!
Family Reading Night promotes literacy across the state of Illinois.
Notable Children’s Digital Media from ALSC includes real-time, dynamic, and interactive media content for children 14 years of age and younger that enables and encourages active engagement and social interaction while informing, educating, and entertaining in exemplary ways.
Raz Kids provides a searchable Reading Level Correlation Chart with multiple reading level choices.
Reading is Fundamental helps evaluate your children’s progress through six stages of reading development.
Reading Rockets for Parents provides articles and suggestions for great books and helpful tips for your struggling reader.
Read Write Think provides resources for parents from the International Literacy Association.