Classroom-Tested Tools
Help your students access challenging texts, build fluency, and think more deeply about what they read
These are tools I’ve developed and used in real classrooms over nearly two decades of teaching, coaching, and consulting. They’re free because strong reading instruction should be practical, accessible, and ready to use. Download what helps, try it with students, and adapt the approach to your classroom.
Free literacy tools to download
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10 Minute Routines That Unlock Reading
The keystone resource — and the central "Access" tool from Gerrit's Access & Engagement framework. These short, high-impact routines help students access challenging books, building confidence and skill in just minutes a day.
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10 Minute Fluency Routine
A simple, daily routine that helps all students become stronger readers. Quick, replicable, and built for any classroom.
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Knowledge Building Toward Complex Texts
A research-backed approach to building nonfiction reading ability through knowledge building — the key concept teachers are talking about right now. This resource lays the groundwork for tackling complex texts, particularly in social studies and content areas.
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Real-Time Reading Supports
Scaffolded ways to help a student read — without doing the reading for them. These techniques are especially powerful for para-educators and adults who sit with students and support them through challenging texts. Every move is more effective than reading the text aloud for the student (which, unfortunately, is what most adults default to).
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Studying Authors to Strengthen Writing
Advanced writing instruction made practical. This resource offers a clear recipe for noticing what great writing is doing well — and helping students try the same techniques in their own work.
Looking for more support?
These resources are a starting point. If you want a fuller approach for access, engagement, and reading growth, explore teacher courses or learn how I work with schools.