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At ReadWorks, we know teaching reading can be tough. During the school year, it’s easy for student engagement to dip, for background knowledge gaps to grow, and for teachers to feel stretched thin. That’s why we’re here to help.
Our mission is simple: provide teachers with 100% free, research-based literacy resources that actually make a difference. From reading comprehension worksheets to structured phonics practice, everything in our library is designed to support you and your students—at no cost, ever. In this post, we’ll share three proven, data-backed ways to improve reading comprehension for grades K–8 using resources available on ReadWorks:
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2. Strengthen Word Recognition with Decodable Readers (Grades K–2)
For early readers, comprehension can’t happen without strong decoding skills. If students struggle to recognize words, they can’t focus on meaning. That’s why ReadWorks, in partnership with UFLI Foundations and Fundations, created Decodable Readers aligned with the Science of Reading.
These short texts are carefully designed to match phonics instruction. Instead of guessing at words, students practice applying phonics knowledge until recognition is automatic.
Why it works:
These short texts are carefully designed to match phonics instruction. Instead of guessing at words, students practice applying phonics knowledge until recognition is automatic.
Why it works:
- Aligned with research: Structured Literacy approaches emphasize explicit phonics instruction and decodable text practice. Together, these build the foundation for fluency and comprehension (→ The Research).
- Stronger comprehension outcomes: Experts emphasize that word recognition and comprehension develop together when students have decodables to bridge the gap (→ Webinar with UFLI).
- Boosts confidence: Decodables allow students to read entire texts independently, which motivates them to keep practicing.
- By concept: Browse our library by phonics skill (short vowels, digraphs, blends) to match your scope and sequence (→ Decodables By Concept).
- Small groups: Use during interventions to reinforce specific phonics patterns.
- Home connection: Share with families for additional practice outside the classroom.
Ready to start?
We’ve got UFLI-aligned and Fundations-aligned decodable readers organized into their own scope and sequence. Check them out below.
UFLI Aligned Decodables →
Fundations Aligned Decodables →
We’ve got UFLI-aligned and Fundations-aligned decodable readers organized into their own scope and sequence. Check them out below.
UFLI Aligned Decodables →
Fundations Aligned Decodables →
3. Deepen Comprehension with Reading Passages
ReadWorks is best known for its classic reading passages and comprehension worksheets, available for grades K–12. With thousands of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry texts – each paired with multiple-choice and open-ended comprehension questions – teachers can easily target key skills.
Why it works:
Why it works:
- Direct practice with comprehension skills: Passages and questions give students repeated practice with text structure, inferring, and citing evidence (→ Reading Passages).
- Exposure to complex text: Students engage with grade-appropriate rigor, but passages are leveled so every reader can succeed (→ Differentiation).
- Encourages comparative reasoning and deeper connections: Paired texts let students read two articles on a common topic or theme, then answer scaffolded questions that guide them to compare, contrast, and synthesize ideas across both texts. This structure helps build comprehension, reinforce vocabulary, and deepen content knowledge (→ Paired Texts).
- Whole group: Model comprehension strategies with a shared passage.
- Independent work: Assign passages and auto-graded questions for quick insights.
Ready to start?
We’ve got 6,000+ completely free passages with reading comprehension worksheets and other activities to support learning. Click your grade level below to get started.
We’ve got 6,000+ completely free passages with reading comprehension worksheets and other activities to support learning. Click your grade level below to get started.
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Why Free Matters
At ReadWorks, we believe every teacher deserves access to high-quality materials, no matter their budget. That’s why our entire library – from Article-A-Day to Decodable Readers to reading comprehension worksheets – is always 100% free.
There are no subscriptions, hidden fees, or premium tiers. Just the resources you need to help your students grow.
Key Takeaways
There are no subscriptions, hidden fees, or premium tiers. Just the resources you need to help your students grow.
Key Takeaways
- Knowledge matters: Article-A-Day builds the background knowledge comprehension depends on.
- Phonics matters: Decodable Readers strengthen word recognition, the gateway to understanding.
- Practice matters: Reading passages and reading comprehension worksheets provide structured, repeatable practice to grow comprehension skills.
Ready to dive in?
Explore our free library today and start using Article-A-Day, Decodable Readers, and Reading Passages with your students. With free reading comprehension worksheets at your fingertips, you’ll have everything you need to support stronger, more confident readers.e to edit.
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