ReadWorks: A Free K-12 Reading Resource with Content for Adults

Would the adult learners you work with be interested in reading about Shirley Chisholm, the life cycle of a camel, Ethiopian coffee, Jane Goodall, Chinese New Year, Lionel Messi, Jean-Michel Basquiat or Thai mythology? If the answer is “yes,” look no further than ReadWorks. ReadWorks is a free website with readings and comprehension activities designed for K-12 learners, but as you can tell from this list of topics, it has a lot of readings of interest to adults at any reading level. 

ReadWorks is a great choice not just because there is content appropriate for adults, but also because it has comprehension exercises that are easy for teachers and tutors to view and check. While it is also very mobile-friendly, everything can be printed to be used in in-person classes. Finally, in Minnesota, students earn distance learning proxy hours for completing lessons outside of class–one hour for each lesson they score 70% or better on. 

Watch this three-minute video to get a better sense of the full capability of ReadWorks. Don’t be overwhelmed--remember, ReadWorks can simply be a place where you find interesting, leveled reading and comprehension questions for your learners that you can print. You don’t have to use all the bells and whistles! 

While it is possible to find readings for adults, keep in mind the site is designed for kids, so it is a good idea to read the passage and questions in advance to ensure they work for an adult audience. For example, avoid texts with questions that ask “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and the like. 

Finally, check out their Black History Month collection that includes articles about Zora Neale Hurston, The Apollo Theater, Somali refugees in the US, Simone Biles and so much more!

If you have comments or questions regarding this Tutor Tip, please contact Tutor Training Coordinator Meghan Boyle at mboyle@literacymn.org.