The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More NJDOE Young Readers and Writers Family Guides (K-3) RESOURCE DESCRIPTION From the New Jersey Department of Education's Office of Standards Division of Teaching and Learning Services, these guides give families a clear picture of what reading and writing look like in each early elementary grade and how to support literacy at home. Families will find definitions for terms teachers use (phonemes, fluency, prefixes, multisyllabic words) and practical activities for home, from rereading favorite books to keeping a question jar or book journal. Topics: Literacy Support, Home Activities, Parent Engagement Best For: Parents/Caregivers < BACK TO RESOURCES Developed by NJDOE Office of Standards Division of Teaching and Learning Services, Updated 4/6/2026 Download Guide, Grade K Download Guide, Grade 1 Download Guide, Grade 2 Download Guide, Grade 3 SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Family Brief: How Kids Learn to Read RESOURCE DESCRIPTION This resource explains what researchers know about how reading develops and what strong instruction looks like. It introduces key concepts including the Simple View of Reading, Scarborough's Reading Rope, and the five core elements of skilled reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Families will find clear explanations of how these skills build on one another, what structured literacy instruction looks like in the classroom, and practical ways to support reading development at home through conversation, sound play, and shared reading. Topics: Literacy Support Best For: Parents/Caregivers < BACK TO RESOURCES V1.0; last updated May 3, 2026 Click Here to Download SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Home Reinforcement Guide: Everyday Literacy Moments RESOURCE DESCRIPTION This resource shows families how ordinary activities like driving, grocery shopping, and dinner conversations can become meaningful learning opportunities. It introduces four strategies caregivers can use without any lesson plan or special materials: building vocabulary through wordplay, encouraging curiosity through questioning, engaging with real-world text, and using conversation to practice storytelling and explanation. Each strategy includes simple steps and practical tips that follow a child's natural interests and fit into the flow of daily life. Topics: Home Activities, Literacy Support Best For: Parents/Caregivers < BACK TO RESOURCES V1.0; last updated May 3, 2026 Click Here to Download SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Parent Voices in Action: The SEPAG Experience RESOURCE DESCRIPTION Parent Voices in Action: The SEPAG Experience was a one-hour virtual panel that brought together parent leaders from five Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) for a lively conversation. Panelists shared experiences and insights across three core themes: starting a SEPAG, advancing systems-level change, and building strong partnerships between SEPAGs and school districts. Topics: SEPAG Development Best For: SEPAG Leaders (Parents), SEPAG Leaders (District) < BACK TO RESOURCES V1.0; last updated December 23rd, 2025 Watch Theme 1 Only Watch Theme 2 Only Watch Theme 3 Only The session summary documents linked below highlights key ideas from the panel discussion and Q&A. The views here reflect the experiences of individual panelists, and do not necessarily represent all SEPAGs; The BRIDGE Initiative does not endorse specific viewpoints, but offers this resource to encourage dialogue, exploration, and continued collaboration. Download Recap in English Bajar El Resumen en Español SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Zoom & Google Meet: FAQs for SEPAG Leaders RESOURCE DESCRIPTION Digital tools such as Zoom and Google Meet can be extremely helpful for parent leaders, but they can also feel overwhelming without clear, practical guidance. The FAQs below are designed to help you better understand how to use virtual meeting platforms to support your group and make communication and collaboration more manageable, including meeting with parents, connecting with district leaders, and hosting virtual SEPAG meetings. By making these tools more accessible, the goal is to reduce barriers, increase confidence, and help you engage more effectively with your school community. Topics: SEPAG Development, SEPAG Formation Best For: SEPAG Leaders (District), SEPAG Leaders (Parents) < BACK TO RESOURCES V1.0; last updated May 21st, 2026 Zoom for Virtual & Hybrid Meetings Many SEPAG leaders use Zoom to host virtual meetings, connect with families, and collaborate with district leaders. While Zoom can be a helpful tool, its settings and features can feel confusing at first. Expand the FAQs below to troubleshoot common issues and learn more about setting up and managing Zoom meetings for your group. Getting Started What is Zoom, and how is it different from Google Meet? Zoom is a virtual meeting platform that allows you to host online meetings, share your screen, and communicate with participants. If you are familiar with Google Meet, Zoom works in a similar way, but it has more built-in settings and controls especially for managing participants, security, and presentations. Do I need a Zoom account to join or host a meeting? To join a meeting: No account is required To host or schedule a meeting: You will need to create a free Zoom account Do I need to download Zoom, or can I just use it in a web browser? You can join a meeting using your web browser, but Zoom works best if you download the app. Recommendation: For hosts (running meetings): Download the Zoom app For participants: Browser is usually fine, but the app is easier Should I set up meetings in the app or on the web portal? You can do either, but the web portal ( zoom.us ) is often easier for setting up meetings and adjusting settings. You will also be able to see the full list of settings which is not always accessible in the app itself. Recommendation: The web portal ( zoom.us ) is best for setting up meetings and managing settings. The app is best for running the meeting How do I schedule a Zoom meeting? Log into your Zoom account through the app or website (preferred method) Click Schedule Add your meeting details (date, time, title) Leave registration unchecked, unless you are hosting an invite-only event. If checked, it will require all participants to register in advance of the meeting. Only then will they be sent the zoom link to join. You have the option to enable the waiting room here as well. If you forget when scheduling the meeting, you can always enable it in settings later and can toggle it during your meeting as well. If you have co-leaders or presenters who will need more access to features (like screen sharing and letting people in from the waiting room), you can add them as "alternative hosts". This may be slightly hidden under an "options" tab at the bottom of the meeting scheduling page on the zoom website. Save the meeting After scheduling: Zoom will automatically create a meeting link to share (unless you enabled registration) Copy the Zoom link provided Share it with your group! Hosting a Meeting How do I start a scheduled Zoom meeting? Open Zoom Go to Meetings Click Start next to your scheduled meeting How do I let people into a meeting? If you have the waiting room turned on: Participants will appear in a waiting room list Click on admin tools Click on waiting room The waiting room will show up on the right side of the screen Click Admit to let them into the meeting If the waiting room is not enabled, people can join anytime after the event is scheduled to start without you having to do anything. Recommendation: For virtual-only meetings, enable the waiting room feature to have greater control over who joins. If you are meeting in a hybrid format, make sure someone is assigned to monitor the Zoom during the meeting. Participants may drop off, rejoin, or arrive late, and they can easily be overlooked if the focus is only on those attending in person. How can I remove someone from a meeting? Click Participants on the bottom of the screen Find the person’s name Click More Select Remove Note: as an admin you can also rename people in the same settings area within "more". How can I record a meeting? Click the Record button during the meeting You have the option of recording to your computer, or to the Zoom Cloud. This can be configured within the main Zoom settings. Choose where to save the recording Recommendation: Record presentations or guest speakers only Avoid recording open SEPAG discussions to protect privacy and encourage open sharing. How do I share my screen (for slides, documents, videos, etc.)? Click Share Screen Select what you want to share (slides, document, etc.) Click Share How do I control who can share their screen? During the meeting, click the arrow next to Share Screen Choose who can share (this can also be configured in settings prior to your meeting) Host only (recommended for general meetings) All participants (recommended only if others are needed to share their screens) How do I make someone a co-host? To make someone a co-host: Open participants Find their name Click more --> make co-host A co-host can help admit participants from the waiting room and they can manage chat or screen sharing. This is especially helpful if you are running a larger meeting or virtual event. How do I message someone during a meeting? Click on participants on the bottom of your screen. Then, use the dropdown in the chat box (which will appear on the right of the meeting screen) to choose: Everyone Or, a specific attendee Note: as an admin you have the option of having zoom save and download the chat after a meeting. This can be helpful especially if you have parents asking questions that you don't want to forget during your meeting. This can be configured in settings (choose "in meeting --> basic"). Google Meet for Virtual & Hybrid Meetings Getting Started What is Google Meet? Google Meet is a virtual meeting platform created by Google. It allows you to host online meetings, share your screen, use chat, and communicate with participants. Google Meet works especially well if your group already uses: Gmail Google Calendar Google Drive Google Classroom How is Google Meet different from Zoom? Google Meet and Zoom are very similar, but there are a few differences: Google Meet is more closely connected to Google tools like Gmail and Calendar Zoom has more built-in meeting controls and settings Many people find Google Meet simpler to use at first Do I need a Google account to join or host a meeting? To join a meeting: Usually no, as long as the host allows guest access To host or schedule a meeting: Yes, you will need a Google account Do I need to download anything? No. Google Meet works directly in your web browser. You can also download the Google Meet app on: Phones Tablets For most people, using Meet in the browser is easiest when using a computer. Using the app is typically easier for phones and tablets. How do I schedule a Google Meet? Open Google Calendar Click Create Add your meeting title, date, and time Click Add Google Meet video conferencing Save the event Google will automatically create a meeting link which you can copy and share. Hosting a Meeting How do I start a scheduled Google Meet? You can start a meeting by: Opening the Google Calendar event and clicking Join with Google Meet Or opening meet.google.com and selecting your meeting How do I let people into a meeting? If guest access controls are enabled: Participants may need to request to join You will see a popup asking you to admit them Click Admit to allow them into the meeting Recommendation: For most SEPAG meetings, monitor who is joining especially if the meeting link is shared widely and/or without a passcode. How do I remove someone from a meeting? Open the Participants panel Find the person’s name Click More options Select Remove from the meeting How do I share my screen (for slides, documents, videos, etc.)? Click Present now Choose: Your entire screen A window A browser tab Select what you want to share Click Share How do I control who can share their screen? Google Meet allows hosts to control who can present during a meeting. To adjust screen sharing permissions: Open Host controls during the meeting Look for the screen sharing or presentation settings Choose whether participants can share their screen Recommendation: For general SEPAG meetings, limit screen sharing to hosts or presenters only Allow participant sharing only when needed for collaboration or presentations This can help prevent interruptions or accidental screen sharing during meetings. How can I record a meeting? Some Google Meet accounts include recording features, while others do not. Recording availability often depends on the type of Google account you are using (personal, school, or organization account). To record a meeting: During the meeting, click Activities Select Recording Click Start recording When the meeting ends, the recording will usually be saved automatically to Google Drive and shared with the meeting organizer. Recommendation: Record presentations or guest speakers only Avoid recording open SEPAG discussions to protect privacy and encourage open sharing How do I make someone a co-host? Depending on your Google account type, this feature may be called: Co-host Host management Meeting moderation controls To make someone a co-host: Open the Participants or People panel Find the person’s name Click More options Select Add as co-host (if available) A co-host can help admit participants from the waiting room and they can manage chat or screen sharing. This is especially helpful if you are running a larger meeting or virtual event. How do I message someone during a meeting? Click the Chat icon during the meeting Type your message in the chat box Press Enter to send Depending on your meeting settings, you may be able to: Send a message to everyone Or send a direct message to a specific participant SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Designing with Canva: FAQs for SEPAG Leaders RESOURCE DESCRIPTION Digital tools such as Canva can be extremely helpful for parent leaders, but they can also feel overwhelming without clear, practical guidance. The FAQs below are designed to help you better understand how to use Canva to support your group and make common tasks more manageable, including creating and sharing materials for meetings, events, and outreach. By making these tools more accessible, the goal is to reduce barriers, increase confidence, and help you engage more effectively with your school community. Topics: SEPAG Development, SEPAG Formation Best For: SEPAG Leaders (District), SEPAG Leaders (Parents) < BACK TO RESOURCES V1.0; last updated April 13th, 2026 What is Canva? Canva is a free, online design tool that allows you to create flyers, social media posts, and other visual materials using pre-made templates. Once you learn the basics, you can use the platform to individualize your group’s marketing and design more attractive, engaging social media content. Getting Started with Canva How is Canva different from Google Docs or Microsoft Word? Unlike Google Docs or Word which are mainly for writing documents, Canva is designed for visual layouts. That means: You can easily move text and images around Designs are already formatted for flyers and social media posts It’s much easier to make something that looks polished and professional Do I need to create an account to use a template? Yes, you will need to create a free Canva account to edit and save your work. You can sign up using: Your email A Google account Or another login option Do I need to pay for it? No, Canva has a free version that includes everything you need to edit our templates. There is a paid version (Canva Pro), but it is not required. If you are a K–12 teacher or work in a school, you are eligible for a free Canva for Education account, which includes additional “pro” features ( canva.com/education ) How do I open a template? Click the template link shared with you or one provided on the BRIDGE Resource Portal It will open in Canva Click “Use template” or “Edit design” This will create your own copy that you can edit. Can I use Canva on my phone, or do I need a computer? You can use Canva on: A computer (recommended), easier for editing A phone or tablet, but it may feel a little harder to navigate If possible, BRIDGE recommends using a computer for your first few times. Should I download the desktop app? Or can I just use it on the browser? You can do everything you need in your web browser (like Chrome, Safari, or Edge). No download is required. Editing Basics How do I change the text (date, time, location, event name)? Double click directly on the text you want to change Start typing to replace it Use the top toolbar to adjust size, font, or color if needed Tip: If you make a mistake, you can always click Undo. Can I change the colors or fonts? Absolutely! We recommend doing this carefully to keep the design clear and professional. You can: Change text color using the color tool Select a different font from the top menu Why can’t I click on certain parts of the design? Some parts of the design may have been “locked” by the original creator so they don’t move accidentally. If you can’t click something: It may be a background or locked element Try clicking around it to find the editable text or imageYou have the option to lock an entire page, or just specific items. Clicking an item will display a lock icon. Toggle this to lock or unlock the specific item. Check the top of the page itself for the same lock icon. Toggle this to lock or unlock the whole page. I made a mistake, how do I undo it? Click the Undo arrow at the top of the screen. You can click it multiple times to go back step-by-step. Working with Images & Logos How do I add our district or SEPAG logo? Click Uploads on the left menu Click Upload files and select your logo Drag the logo onto your design Alternatively, you can also drag or copy/paste an image from your computer directly onto your design. It will then be automatically added to your uploads folder in Canva. How do I resize or crop an image? Click the image Drag the corners to resize Click Crop (top menu) to adjust what part of the image shows Using Canva Templates What parts of the template can I change? We invite you to add your group’s specifics to any of our templates! To make them your own you should change: Event name Date, time, and location Contact information Colors (to match your district’s and/or group's) Any specific details for your SEPAG How do I make a copy of a design for a new event? Open your design Click File (top left) --> Make a copy Alternatively, you can also click duplicate page above your document (top right) to make a copy of your current work inside the same Canva document. This is often easier especially for flyers you will be re-using multiple times and only tweaking (e.g. meeting announcements). Will I mess up the BRIDGE template if I edit it? Nope! You are working on your own copy. The original template shared by BRIDGE will not be changed. Saving, Downloading, & Sharing How do I save my work? Canva automatically saves your work as you go, so you do not need to click a save button. How do I download something to export? Click Share (top right) Click Download Choose your desired export type (Image like JPEG/PNG, or PDF) Click Download What file type should I choose to export? PDF (Print) - Best for printing Use this if you are printing flyers or handouts Keeps text sharp and clear Best quality for printers PNG - Best for sharing online (higher quality) Great for posting on social media or sending digitally Higher quality than JPG (clearer text and images) Good choice if you want your design to look crisp JPG (or JPEG) - Smaller file size Also works for social media and email File size is smaller (easier to send) Slightly lower quality than PNG Simple rule to remember: Printing --> PDF (Print) Sharing online --> PNG or JPG (choose PNG if you want higher quality) How can I share this with other parents? Download the file and email it or post on social media Share it in a parent group (Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.) Print copies to distribute at events or hang up at school SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Google Forms: FAQs for SEPAG Leaders RESOURCE DESCRIPTION Digital tools such as Google Forms can be extremely helpful for parent leaders, but they can also feel overwhelming without clear, practical guidance. The FAQs below are designed to help you better understand how to use Google Forms to support your group and make common tasks such as preparing a survey more manageable. By making these tools more accessible, the goal is to reduce barriers, increase confidence, and help you engage more effectively with your school community. Topics: SEPAG Development, SEPAG Formation Best For: SEPAG Leaders (District), SEPAG Leaders (Parents) < BACK TO RESOURCES V1.0; last updated July 16th, 2026 What is Google Forms Google Forms is a free, online tool that allows you to create surveys, registration forms, sign-ups, and questionnaires. Once you learn the basics, you can use it to gather feedback from families, register participants for events, collect volunteer information, and better understand the needs of your SEPAG community. Getting Started with Google Forms Do I need a Google account to create a Google Form? Yes. You will need a free Google account to create, edit, and manage Google Forms. Do parents need a Google account to complete my form? Usually, no. Most Google Forms can be completed by anyone with the link unless the form creator limits responses to people who are signed into a Google account. What can SEPAG leaders use Google Forms for? Many groups use a survey platform such as Google Forms to poll their community. Best practices include gathering input from your families in a variety of ways both at the beginning of the academic year, and throughout as needed. Consider collecting information on preferred meeting days and times, frequency, modality (in-person, virtual, hybrid), and educational topics of interest. Creating a Form How do I create a Google Form? Go to forms.google.com Click “blank” or choose a template Add a title and questions Your form saves automatically as you work. What types of questions can I ask? Google Forms supports short answer, paragraph, multiple choice, checkboxes, dropdown lists, linear scales, dates, times, and file uploads (when available). How do I make a question required? Click the question, then turn on the Required toggle at the bottom of the question card. Can I add images or videos? Yes. You can insert images into questions or add YouTube videos to provide additional information. Sharing a Form How do I share my Google Form? Click Send in the upper-right corner. You can email the form, copy the link, or embed it into a website. Can I post my form on social media or my SEPAG website? Yes. Simply copy the form link and share it through email, social media, newsletters, or your organization's website. Can I limit responses to one per person? Yes. In the Settings menu, you can limit responses to one per Google account. Recommendation: Leave this off if you expect families who do not use Google accounts to participate. Viewing Responses Where do I see responses? Open your form and click the Responses tab. You can review individual responses or view summary charts. Can I download responses? Yes. Responses can be opened in Google Sheets or downloaded for additional analysis or recordkeeping. Can I stop accepting responses? Yes. In the Responses tab, turn off Accepting responses. People with the link will no longer be able to submit the form. General Best Practices Should I collect confidential student information? In most cases, no. Google Forms works well for registrations and surveys, but avoid collecting sensitive or confidential student information unless your district has approved the process and appropriate privacy protections are in place. Can I edit my form after I've shared it? Yes. You can update most questions after sharing the form. However, changing or deleting questions after responses have been submitted may affect your collected data. Can more than one person edit a Google Form? Yes. Click the three-dot menu, choose Add collaborators, and invite trusted co-leaders to help manage the form. Or, if you’re logged in with a google account attached to your SEPAG (e.g. a google account you use for SEPAG emails), your team will have access as long as they have the login. Can I make a copy of a Google Form for future events? Yes. Click the three-dot menu and select “make a copy”. This is a great way to reuse meeting registrations, surveys, or feedback forms without starting from scratch. SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Family Brief: Choosing The Right Book RESOURCE DESCRIPTION This resource helps families evaluate whether the books their child is reading are a good fit, including books chosen at home, assigned at school, or picked up at the library. It explains what to look for when a book is too hard or too easy, what a well-matched text actually looks like in practice, and why a child's interest in a topic often matters more than reading level alone. It also introduces four formats that can make reading more accessible: decodable books, high-interest low-level texts, audiobook pairings, and adapted texts. Topics: Literacy Support Best For: Parents/Caregivers < BACK TO RESOURCES V1.0; last updated May 3, 2026 Click Here to Download SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Family Brief: Reading is Everywhere RESOURCE DESCRIPTION This brief helps families understand that reading is a demand in every subject, not just ELA, and that reading challenges can look like subject-area problems rather than reading problems. It explains the shift from learning to read in early grades to reading to learn in grades 4 and beyond, and walks through how reading difficulties show up differently in math, science, social studies, and electives. Families will find guidance on what to observe, how to document patterns, and what specific questions to bring to teachers and IEP meetings. Topics: Literacy Support Best For: Parents/Caregivers < BACK TO RESOURCES V1.0; last updated May 3, 2026 Click Here to Download SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

The BRIDGE Initiative at Rutgers CESP Return to CESP Home Resources Events Blog Support More Home Reinforcement Guide: Reading Comprehension RESOURCE DESCRIPTION This resource gives parents and caregivers of students in grades 4 through 12 practical strategies for supporting reading comprehension at home. It walks families through three phases of a reading session: previewing the text, checking in while reading, and summarizing afterward. Each phase includes concrete steps and example conversation starters that require no teaching experience to use. The guide is especially useful for children who struggle to understand or talk about what they read, and fits into about 30 minutes of shared reading time. Topics: Home Activities, Literacy Support Best For: Parents/Caregivers < BACK TO RESOURCES V1.0; last updated May 3, 2026 Click Here to Download SHARE THIS RESOURCE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A). Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback Form . Copyright 2025 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey