THE READING AND WRITING LAB

Practical strategies, teaching insights, and encouragement for middle and high school students and the parents who support them.

Why Letting Your Student Choose What to Read Can Build a Stronger Reader

Why Letting Your Student Choose What to Read Can Build a Stronger Reader

Why Letting Your Student Choose What to Read Can Build a Stronger ReaderVirginia Taylor
Published on: 20/07/2026

Helping your student become a stronger reader doesn't always start with harder books. Discover why letting kids choose what they read can build confidence, vocabulary, and a lifelong love of reading.

Reading Lab
Before You Tell Them to Turn Off the Game, Try This Instead | Helping Reluctant Writers

Before You Tell Them to Turn Off the Game, Try This Instead | Helping Reluctant Writers

Before You Tell Them to Turn Off the Game, Try This Instead | Helping Reluctant WritersVirginia Taylor
Published on: 08/07/2026

Before you ask your student to turn off the game, try asking a few questions instead. You might discover they're already practicing many of the same thinking skills we teach in English class.

Reading LabLearning Lab
Using Song Lyrics for Literary Analysis: A Teen-Friendly Approach

Using Song Lyrics for Literary Analysis: A Teen-Friendly Approach

Using Song Lyrics for Literary Analysis: A Teen-Friendly ApproachVirginia Taylor
Published on: 24/06/2026

Discover how song lyrics from Taylor Swift and other artists can help middle and high school students build literary analysis skills.

Reading Lab
They Read It...But Did They Understand It? A Parent's Guide to Reading Comprehension

They Read It...But Did They Understand It? A Parent's Guide to Reading Comprehension

They Read It...But Did They Understand It? A Parent's Guide to Reading ComprehensionVirginia Taylor
Published on: 24/06/2026

Many students can read the words on the page but struggle to explain what they read. Learn why this happens and how strong readers build comprehension, make inferences, and support their ideas with evidence.

Reading Lab