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At ReadWorks, we believe that every student deserves access to high-quality reading resources that support real learning. That’s why our mission is to provide research-backed materials completely free for teachers so you can focus on what matters most: helping your students grow. February brings an important opportunity to highlight voices, stories, and achievements that have shaped our world in powerful ways. Black History Month gives students the chance to see history through a broader lens and reflect on the contributions of Black individuals in science, the arts, politics, activism, and beyond. As fellow educators, we also know the challenges of finding resources that are both meaningful and aligned with your literacy goals. That’s why we’ve developed a Black History Month reading list with more than 100 articles and stories for grades 5-8. These passages are not only relevant and engaging, but also built to strengthen reading comprehension, spark thoughtful discussions, and support writing and critical thinking in your classroom. Whether you have five minutes for a mini-lesson or are building a full month of activities, these resources are designed to fit your schedule, your goals, and your students’ needs. How ReadWorks Supports Literacy and Deeper LearningReadWorks is grounded in research about how students can grow in reading comprehension. Each text in this Black History Month reading list is built to support the building of background knowledge and vocabulary, while also encouraging meaningful classroom conversations. Here are a few ways you can support your students’ literacy goals with these resources:
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 | Evidence in Action: How ReadWorks’ Research Loop Strengthens its Products and Impacts Student Learning Outcomes How does ReadWorks ensure our resources truly impact student learning? It's all thanks to our continuous Research Loop—the cycle of building, studying, refining, and sharing our findings. In our latest blog post, we share the evidence behind our approach. |
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| Mark your calendars! Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, is Tuesday, December 2nd. ReadWorks remains free to all users because of your donations. Last year, your support empowered more than 850,000 educators and helped over 10.5 million learners last year. On Giving Tuesday, a donation to ReadWorks will have triple the impact: (1) it empowers a teacher to use ReadWorks in the classroom, (2) it helps students build literacy skills, and (3) it will be matched by an anonymous donor. |  |
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ReadWorks in Action: Amy Mascott (@TeachMama1) used ReadWorks to grow knowledge on World Diabetes Day |
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At ReadWorks, we are committed to providing high-quality resources that measurably impact students’ reading growth.
Our continuous research loop guides this work every step of the way:
Our continuous research loop guides this work every step of the way:
- we build our resources on existing scientific research
- we study their impact in real classrooms
- we refine our products and guidance based on the data
- we share our results openly with the field
Inside The Loop: How Article-A-Day Builds Knowledge and Vocabulary
Built on the scientific study of reading, our flagship product, the Article-A Day routine, is designed to systematically build student background knowledge and vocabulary in support of reading comprehension.
A subsequent study in the 2024-25 school year validated the routine under authentic classroom conditions. After only nine weeks of reading Article-A-Day sets focused on connected science topics, fourth- and fifth-grade students in the experimental group showed significant learning gains, improving 6.7 times the control group’s gains on science knowledge and 2.6 times their gains on vocabulary. This corresponds to 11% higher post-assessment scores on science knowledge and 4.5% higher on vocabulary.
The Next Step: Strengthening the Book of Knowledge Product to Deepen Content-Area Reading
The Book of Knowledge is an essential step in the Article-A-Day routine, giving students the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned, make connections, and reinforce their understanding through writing. When completing the Book of Knowledge each day, students write two to three things they learned and want to remember from reading the article. In a previous research loop, our 2023-24 school year Article-A-Day study revealed a key link between student engagement with the Book of Knowledge and learning gains. To strengthen this connection, we implemented a 20-word minimum requirement for Book of Knowledge entries.
We then conducted the 2024-25 study with this new feature in place, and the results validated this refinement. Longer Book of Knowledge entries were associated with even greater science knowledge gains — roughly one point higher for every additional 20 words written. This suggests that student engagement through their Book of Knowledge writing reinforces and deepens content learning within the Article-A-Day routine.
Based on this evidence, we have decided to permanently require the 20-word Book of Knowledge minimum for third grade and above. Coming full circle, our research loop has strengthened our Article-A-Day product to meaningfully impact student learning outcomes.
We then conducted the 2024-25 study with this new feature in place, and the results validated this refinement. Longer Book of Knowledge entries were associated with even greater science knowledge gains — roughly one point higher for every additional 20 words written. This suggests that student engagement through their Book of Knowledge writing reinforces and deepens content learning within the Article-A-Day routine.
Based on this evidence, we have decided to permanently require the 20-word Book of Knowledge minimum for third grade and above. Coming full circle, our research loop has strengthened our Article-A-Day product to meaningfully impact student learning outcomes.
From Research to Instruction: Sharing Evidence-Based Strategies for Real Classroom Success
We close the loop by sharing our findings widely–through research reports, teacher resources, and other channels–bringing insights directly into classrooms to support student learning.
Here’s how teachers can put evidence from this research loop into practice in their own classrooms:
Here’s how teachers can put evidence from this research loop into practice in their own classrooms:
- Integrate knowledge-building: Article-A-Day is a short, consistent reading routine that can have an outsized impact. Use the refined routine to intentionally build student background knowledge and vocabulary and support comprehension.
- Encourage engagement through writing: Structured daily writing through the Book of Knowledge is a powerful mechanism for knowledge building. Encourage your students to complete this step to help them articulate their learning.
Interested in becoming a research partner? We are continuously exploring how to further strengthen our products to support deeper comprehension. Educators are essential thought partners in this process, helping us listen, learn, and adapt. If you are interested in collaborating on a future intervention study or sharing implementation insights, please contact our research team through this form.
Written by: Liza Ware, Ph.D.
Senior Research Project Manager
When winter arrives, student engagement can sometimes dip along with the temperature. At ReadWorks, we know how challenging it can feel to keep learners motivated during these colder months. That’s why we’re here to support you with resources that are both engaging and easy to use, so you can spend less time planning and more time teaching.
We’ve compiled more than 30 high-interest nonfiction passages from our free library, each one designed to spark curiosity while strengthening winter reading comprehension.
Every passage includes its own set of reading comprehension questions that are perfect for:
We’ve compiled more than 30 high-interest nonfiction passages from our free library, each one designed to spark curiosity while strengthening winter reading comprehension.
Every passage includes its own set of reading comprehension questions that are perfect for:
- Whole group instruction and state test prep
- Small group work and differentiation
- Independent learning or homework practice
How ReadWorks Builds Comprehension
Every article at ReadWorks includes powerful tools that support reading comprehension:
In fact, ReadWorks tests these resources in real classrooms. In a recent 9-week Article-A-Day study showed a 11% boost in science knowledge—and students who used the Book of Knowledge saw even bigger gains. Read the research brief.
- Pre-reading vocabulary activities to prepare students for new and challenging words.
- Multiple-choice comprehension questions to build test-taking confidence.
- Open-ended discussion prompts that encourage deeper thinking and connections.
In fact, ReadWorks tests these resources in real classrooms. In a recent 9-week Article-A-Day study showed a 11% boost in science knowledge—and students who used the Book of Knowledge saw even bigger gains. Read the research brief.
Winter Reading Comprehension for Grades 3–4
These high-interest nonfiction articles created for 3rd- and 4th-grade students cover a range of engaging topics such as weather, survival, health, and cultural winter celebrations.
Weather, Science & Survival
Weather, Science & Survival
- Preparing for Winter Storms: Extreme Cold – Explore how people stay safe in severe cold. Comes with comprehension questions ideal for state test prep.
- Arctic Climate and Sunlight – Learn why daylight changes in the Arctic. Great for whole group discussions using built-in questions.
- Recreation on Mountains – A nonfiction look at skiing and snowboarding, with comprehension questions for small groups.
- What Causes the Seasons? – Explains Earth’s tilt and orbit. Perfect for differentiated reading groups.
- Animals Get Ready – Animal adaptations to winter, with comprehension checks for homework or independent learning.
- Winter Is Coming – A versatile passage for group instruction with ready-made questions.
- Sunrise, Sunset—or Not – Explore shifting daylight, plus comprehension questions for guided reading.
- Let It Snow! – The science of snowflakes, with reading questions for individual practice.
- Ice City – Fascinating look at an ice-built city with discussion prompts for class conversation.
Traditions & Celebrations
10. Seijin no – Japanese coming-of-age celebrations. Built-in questions make it great
for social studies connections.
11. ’ Tis the Season – Explore global holiday traditions. Ideal for comprehension
practice during whole group lessons.
12. Honoring King – Focuses on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with thoughtful
comprehension questions for discussion.
10. Seijin no – Japanese coming-of-age celebrations. Built-in questions make it great
for social studies connections.
11. ’ Tis the Season – Explore global holiday traditions. Ideal for comprehension
practice during whole group lessons.
12. Honoring King – Focuses on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with thoughtful
comprehension questions for discussion.
Health, Curiosity & Fun
13. Beating the Winter Blues – Strategies for well-being, with comprehension questions
to guide small group reflection.
14. Winter Worries and Health Hazards – Real-world safety article with comprehension
practice perfect for test prep.
15. Health and Safety in Winter – Another safety-focused passage with comprehension
checks.
16. What’s This? A Frozen Frog – Fascinating animal science, with multiple-choice and
open-ended comprehension questions.
17. What’s This? Brain Freeze – Relatable science article, with comprehension activities
built in.
18. What’s This? Surviving Without Oxygen – High-interest science with test-style
comprehension questions.
19. Nobel Work – Inspiring biography that comes with comprehension prompts for
discussion.
13. Beating the Winter Blues – Strategies for well-being, with comprehension questions
to guide small group reflection.
14. Winter Worries and Health Hazards – Real-world safety article with comprehension
practice perfect for test prep.
15. Health and Safety in Winter – Another safety-focused passage with comprehension
checks.
16. What’s This? A Frozen Frog – Fascinating animal science, with multiple-choice and
open-ended comprehension questions.
17. What’s This? Brain Freeze – Relatable science article, with comprehension activities
built in.
18. What’s This? Surviving Without Oxygen – High-interest science with test-style
comprehension questions.
19. Nobel Work – Inspiring biography that comes with comprehension prompts for
discussion.
Winter Reading Comprehension for Grades 5–6
For older students, these articles dive deeper into history, culture, and science – while still offering built-in comprehension questions for practice and prep.
Science & Weather
20. Winter Is on the Way – Weather changes with comprehension checks for whole
group lessons.
21. Winter Workouts – Physical activity in winter, with questions for small group work.
22. Ice Picks – Glaciers and climate science, paired with comprehension prompts.
23. Icy Voyage – Polar explorers’ journey with test-ready comprehension questions.
24. Hot Tips – Safety-focused nonfiction with multiple-choice comprehension items.
25. Winter Is Coming – Seasonal science text, with comprehension checks for practice.
26. Let It Snow! – Perfect for group instruction, with snowflake science and
comprehension questions.
27. Health and Safety in Winter – A cross-grade article with flexible comprehension
activities.
28. Winter Worries and Health Hazards – Safety and science article, great for test-prep
style comprehension practice.
Science & Weather
20. Winter Is on the Way – Weather changes with comprehension checks for whole
group lessons.
21. Winter Workouts – Physical activity in winter, with questions for small group work.
22. Ice Picks – Glaciers and climate science, paired with comprehension prompts.
23. Icy Voyage – Polar explorers’ journey with test-ready comprehension questions.
24. Hot Tips – Safety-focused nonfiction with multiple-choice comprehension items.
25. Winter Is Coming – Seasonal science text, with comprehension checks for practice.
26. Let It Snow! – Perfect for group instruction, with snowflake science and
comprehension questions.
27. Health and Safety in Winter – A cross-grade article with flexible comprehension
activities.
28. Winter Worries and Health Hazards – Safety and science article, great for test-prep
style comprehension practice.
Culture & Celebrations
29. The Sport of Snowsnake – Native American sport, with comprehension questions
for discussion.
30. Judaism: Hanukkah – Holiday history with text-based comprehension prompts.
31. The King Holiday: A Day to… – MLK Day, with built-in comprehension questions.
32. Honoring King – Another MLK Day article, perfect for paired passages and
comprehension practice.
29. The Sport of Snowsnake – Native American sport, with comprehension questions
for discussion.
30. Judaism: Hanukkah – Holiday history with text-based comprehension prompts.
31. The King Holiday: A Day to… – MLK Day, with built-in comprehension questions.
32. Honoring King – Another MLK Day article, perfect for paired passages and
comprehension practice.
Health, News & Curiosity
33. Beating the Winter Blues – Mental health strategies with comprehension prompts
for group or individual use.
34. News Debate: Snowed Out! – Nonfiction debate with built-in comprehension
questions—perfect for critical thinking.
33. Beating the Winter Blues – Mental health strategies with comprehension prompts
for group or individual use.
34. News Debate: Snowed Out! – Nonfiction debate with built-in comprehension
questions—perfect for critical thinking.
Wrapping UpThis collection of winter reading comprehension activities for grades 3–6 offers engaging nonfiction paired with ready-to-use comprehension questions.
Whether you’re planning whole group lessons, small group differentiation, state test prep, or individual homework assignments, these passages make it easy to build strong reading skills while keeping learning connected to the season.
→ Explore even more nonfiction texts in the free ReadWorks library and keep your literacy block engaging, relevant, and winter-ready.
Whether you’re planning whole group lessons, small group differentiation, state test prep, or individual homework assignments, these passages make it easy to build strong reading skills while keeping learning connected to the season.
→ Explore even more nonfiction texts in the free ReadWorks library and keep your literacy block engaging, relevant, and winter-ready.
For more than 20 years, ReadWorks and New York City Public Schools have partnered to bring free, evidence-based reading resources to students. What began with print resources for classroom use has evolved into an award-winning educational technology platform offering over 6,000 reading passages for grades K-12, Spanish-English Paired Texts, differentiated StepReads™, and more—all free for educators.
Today, the number of educators in NYC public schools signing up to use ReadWorks’ free reading comprehension resources continues to grow, increasing by 10% each year. More than 80% of educators return to use the platform each year as well. This year, ReadWorks has made access for NYC educators even easier by rolling out a direct integration with NYC’s Department of Education Single Sign-On (SSO) platform, ensuring that every NYC teacher can seamlessly bring ReadWorks into the technology that they are already using in their classrooms.
ReadWorks is proud of the continuous effort to strengthen reading instruction these past years in New York City schools, especially during this pivotal time when New York City is evaluating their reading scores and growth. Recent reports show the city’s students are making their strongest gains in literacy in over a decade. According to new statewide test results, 56.3% of NYC students in grades 3–8 scored proficient or better in English Language Arts (ELA) in 2025, up from 49.1% the previous year — a 7.2% increase. (Source: NY Times, August 2025)
Today, the number of educators in NYC public schools signing up to use ReadWorks’ free reading comprehension resources continues to grow, increasing by 10% each year. More than 80% of educators return to use the platform each year as well. This year, ReadWorks has made access for NYC educators even easier by rolling out a direct integration with NYC’s Department of Education Single Sign-On (SSO) platform, ensuring that every NYC teacher can seamlessly bring ReadWorks into the technology that they are already using in their classrooms.
ReadWorks is proud of the continuous effort to strengthen reading instruction these past years in New York City schools, especially during this pivotal time when New York City is evaluating their reading scores and growth. Recent reports show the city’s students are making their strongest gains in literacy in over a decade. According to new statewide test results, 56.3% of NYC students in grades 3–8 scored proficient or better in English Language Arts (ELA) in 2025, up from 49.1% the previous year — a 7.2% increase. (Source: NY Times, August 2025)
“These scores are a win for everyone, because it’s really the result of great collaboration and the hard work that our kids put in,”
- Schools Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos with NY1.
The New York Times reported that much of this growth reflects the city’s NYC Reads initiative and the adoption of new, research-based English Language Arts (ELA) curricula.
ReadWorks partners with NYC teachers and leaders, listening closely to understand where support is most needed. There is a growing need for resources that support background knowledge and vocabulary, which is often called “the other side of learning to read, beyond phonics” on Scarborough’s reading rope. ReadWorks responded by creating curriculum alignments tailored to NYC’s ELA curricula. These alignments provide curated, grade-level texts by topic, along with vocabulary exercises and question sets. For example, when 3rd graders study the ocean in their Wit and Wisdom ELA October unit, teachers can quickly access free ready-to-use passages that deepen understanding and build vocabulary about oceans.
In Harlem’s District 5, 24 schools have spent the past two years deepening the use of ReadWorks resources to strengthen reading instruction. Educators and paraprofessionals have embraced the ReadWorks Article-A-Day™ routine, a daily practice that builds background knowledge, vocabulary, and reading stamina. Starting in Fall 2023, District 5 staff participated in customized professional development sessions from ReadWorks, focused on using Article-A-Day in small-group interventions. This hands-on training gave paraprofessionals the tools and confidence to support students effectively. A few weeks later, PS 175 reached its ambitious goal of having students read a ReadWorks article daily to expand knowledge and vocabulary.
ReadWorks partners with NYC teachers and leaders, listening closely to understand where support is most needed. There is a growing need for resources that support background knowledge and vocabulary, which is often called “the other side of learning to read, beyond phonics” on Scarborough’s reading rope. ReadWorks responded by creating curriculum alignments tailored to NYC’s ELA curricula. These alignments provide curated, grade-level texts by topic, along with vocabulary exercises and question sets. For example, when 3rd graders study the ocean in their Wit and Wisdom ELA October unit, teachers can quickly access free ready-to-use passages that deepen understanding and build vocabulary about oceans.
In Harlem’s District 5, 24 schools have spent the past two years deepening the use of ReadWorks resources to strengthen reading instruction. Educators and paraprofessionals have embraced the ReadWorks Article-A-Day™ routine, a daily practice that builds background knowledge, vocabulary, and reading stamina. Starting in Fall 2023, District 5 staff participated in customized professional development sessions from ReadWorks, focused on using Article-A-Day in small-group interventions. This hands-on training gave paraprofessionals the tools and confidence to support students effectively. A few weeks later, PS 175 reached its ambitious goal of having students read a ReadWorks article daily to expand knowledge and vocabulary.
“ReadWorks has become an essential companion to our reading block, providing Article-A-Day and differentiated, high-quality texts that align with the Science of Reading and deepen comprehension practice. In schools where educators use ReadWorks consistently, we are seeing notable gains in student engagement and reading growth. Its ease of use and accessibility for all staff have made it an invaluable tool in advancing our district’s goals.”
– Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta, Deputy Superintendent, Harlem Community School District 5
District 5 is now among the top three districts in NYC for ELA progress in the 2023–2024 school year, with three schools reporting double-digit gains. This success reflects the dedication of teachers, paraprofessionals, families, and school communities working together to create joyful, knowledge-rich classrooms filled with confident readers.
ReadWorks remains deeply committed to supporting one of the largest and most dynamic school systems in the world, ensuring that every educator and student, especially those in under-resourced schools, has free access to the high-quality reading materials and support that ReadWorks is known for and that are proven to strengthen reading comprehension. As the city continues to make meaningful progress in reading, we are excited to build on this district collaboration and expand our work to even more NYC school districts.
ReadWorks remains deeply committed to supporting one of the largest and most dynamic school systems in the world, ensuring that every educator and student, especially those in under-resourced schools, has free access to the high-quality reading materials and support that ReadWorks is known for and that are proven to strengthen reading comprehension. As the city continues to make meaningful progress in reading, we are excited to build on this district collaboration and expand our work to even more NYC school districts.
