10 Websites for Free Reading Passages Online

With testing right around the corner, you’re probably looking for some free online reading comprehension passages for your third, fourth, or fifth graders! Whether you’re a teacher looking for comprehension worksheets to help you save time lesson planning as state testing approaches or a parent seeking to supplement home reading, dive into these great free websites with diverse reading passages that provide engaging and age-appropriate content for every reader! Ready to check them out?

Benefits of Practicing with Nonfiction Reading Passages

Before we dive into my favorite sites for free reading passages, let’s chat about the benefits of using these passages in your classroom or as extra practice for your learner at home, especially for students navigating the complexities of advanced texts.

While these young learners are often capable of independent reading, there are moments when they encounter challenging material.

This is where free nonfiction passages become invaluable for offering opportunities to practice in a structured format where you can guide and support them before allowing them to transfer these skills to their own independent reading or testing situations.

Where can I find free reading comprehenion passages & informational articles for kids?

If you’re looking for free nonfiction reading passages, plenty of websites can provide you with what you need. Here are just a few of the many sites that offer free nonfiction passages aligned with Common-Core Standards:

1. CommonLit: A treasure trove for 5th-grade nonfiction, CommonLit organizes passages by topic and reading level. It’s user-friendly for teachers and students, facilitating assignment creation and progress tracking.
2. NewsELA: This platform enhances reading comprehension with high-interest articles and questions, making it an exciting addition to any reading routine.
3. ReadWorks.org: Catering to grades K-12, ReadWorks.org offers leveled passages with comprehension questions, available in both digital and printable formats.
4. Scholastic News: Every fifth grader in the U.S. can access a free subscription to Scholastic News, filled with nonfiction articles and stunning photographs.
5. Time for Kids: With weekly updates on current events, science, and social studies, this site keeps young readers engaged with the world around them.
6. PBS Learning Media: Offering a vast array of resources across multiple subjects, PBS Learning Media is available in both English and Spanish, making it a versatile tool for educators and families.
7. K12Reader: Known for its quality content and critical thinking emphasis, K12Reader provides passages with accompanying questions to enhance reading skills.
8. ReadingVine: A resourceful website for varied reading materials, ReadingVine aids in skill improvement with a range of articles and tools for educators.
9. Read Theory: With a wealth of free reading passages, this platform offers a valuable resource for students to practice and enhance their comprehension and critical thinking abilities.
10. National Geographic Kids: By introducing young minds to diverse cultures and natural wonders, National Geographic Kids fuels curiosity with engaging content.
11. Freckle: With a wide range of topics with multimedia and interactive elements, this is a great option with 5 free high-interest articles per month.

Engaging Language Arts Activities for 3rd, 4th, or 5th Grade Nonfiction Comprehension & Skill Review

To keep nonfiction interactive and enjoyable, try these activities:

• Creating timelines from reading materials.
• Designing posters or visuals to illustrate key concepts.
• Writing summaries or reviews, individually or in groups.
• Discussing and answering reading-related questions.
• Undertaking projects or presentations based on reading material.

These are just a few examples of activities that can be done to help students engage with nonfiction texts. If you have any other ideas, be sure to share them with other teachers or your students’ parents.

Tips For Using Reading Passages to Help Kids Succeed

Encouraging frequent reading is key to academic success for children. However, if your child shows less interest in reading or faces challenges in reading proficiency, there are ways to support and motivate them. This approach is beneficial for both teachers looking to foster a love for reading in their students and parents seeking to enhance their child’s reading skills at home.

Here are some tips for using reading passages to help your child succeed:

1. Choose passages that are interesting to your students.

If a child struggles to find interest in reading, try choosing passages that are specifically related to topics of interest. This could be a passage about their favorite hobby or something they are passionate about.

2. Have learners read aloud.

One of the best ways to help learners with their reading is to have them read aloud. This will help them to practice their pronunciation and fluency. It can also help them to identify words that they don’t know.

Supporting readers by allowing them to read with partners or doing group reading can also be a helpful way to continue learning without overwhelming some learners who may tire easily when reading or struggle with fluency.

3. Ask questions about the passage before, during, and after reading.

Before Reading: Before diving into a passage, activating prior knowledge and setting a purpose for reading is essential. Encourage children to ask questions about the topic based on the passage’s title, headings, or images. This pre-reading questioning piques their curiosity and helps them anticipate what they might learn.

For instance, if the passage is about the solar system, questions like “What do I already know about planets?” or “What would I like to learn about space today?” can stimulate engagement and prepare them mentally for the content ahead.

During Reading: As children read, encourage them to dialogue with the text actively. They should ask questions about unfamiliar words, concepts, or events encountered in the passage. This ongoing questioning fosters a deeper understanding of the material as they seek answers within the text. It’s a skill that helps them become independent learners and critical thinkers.

For example, if they come across a term like “orbit,” they might ask, “What does ‘orbit’ mean in the context of planets moving in space?” This approach keeps them engaged and ensures they make meaning from the text as they progress.

Incorporating these question-based strategies into reading activities helps students become more attentive readers who actively seek comprehension and insight from the passages they encounter. Teachers and parents can guide children through this process, making it a valuable tool for enhancing reading comprehension skills.

4. Give feedback & praise.

It’s important to give your child feedback on their reading. This will help them to know what they are doing well and what they need to work on.

5. Encourage them to keep reading.

The more a child reads, the better they will become at it. So, encourage them to keep reading as much as possible. This could include reading for pleasure, as well as reading for school.

By applying these guidelines, you can utilize reading passages to support your child’s success. Reading is a crucial skill that contributes to academic achievement and life overall. The more your child engages in reading, the more proficient they will become, enhancing their abilities for school and future endeavors.

Preparing for Tests and Other Assessments With Online Passages

Tests can be stressful for students, but there are effective ways to alleviate this pressure and enhance test preparation. Utilizing online passages is one valuable approach.

The websites above offer free nonfiction passages, which can greatly assist students in familiarizing themselves with the types of passages commonly encountered in standardized tests. You can find many fun ways to do test prep using these passages.

Furthermore, these websites offer a wealth of test-taking tips and strategies that can be utilized by both educators and parents. These resources empower you to guide students in developing effective approaches to tackling tests, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident.

Some things you will want to keep in mind when preparing for tests:

1. Encourage thorough reading: Advise students to take their time and read passages carefully to avoid mistakes.
2. Identify keywords: Help students spot keywords and phrases in passages that aid in answering questions.
3. Use elimination: Suggest using the elimination method for multiple-choice questions to boost the chances of selecting the correct answer.
4. Practice under time: Ensure students practice timed tests to get comfortable working under time pressure and improve their pacing skills.

Using online passages and following these tips can help learners feel more prepared and confident heading into their next test.