At-home read-alouds build more than literacy—they build connection. 🏡 Here are 10 practical strategies families can use to strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and engagement during storytime: buff.ly/XALPAig Want more read-aloud resources? Check out ILA's #WRAD2026 list: buff.ly/njxdwhW

What if adventure came before writing?🌳✍️ In a short video, Spartanburg Methodist College Adjunct Professor Kristie Camp presents her article for the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy exploring how outdoor literacy lessons can inspire creativity, storytelling, and confidence: buff.ly/YVtkjHR

Today we honor Ernest Morrell and his profound legacy. A transformative scholar and mentor, Ernest’s work centered literacy, equity, and the power of young voices. In 2020, he led a Learning Lab at ILA Next. Here is a small sample of his talk. Read our in memoriam: buff.ly/8kfOpDS

Building a more inclusive literacy workforce starts with listening. On May 12 at 5:00 p.m. ET, join Queens College Assistant Professor Lakisha Odlum for a webinar centering lessons from Black women educators, offering insight into equity, leadership, and systemic change: buff.ly/a1OrYsS

Did you know there are two ways to support ILA during our 70th anniversary year? 💌 Dollar a Decade: A gift of US$7 or more. 💌 Circle of 70: A gift of US$1,000 or more. Each donation supports programs and initiatives that are helping to shape literacy education worldwide: buff.ly/hN8knKq

Reading aloud at home strengthens language, culture, and connection. 📚💬 This #WorldReadAloudDay, explore @leeandlow.bsky.social’s bilingual family learning resources that support caregivers and children reading together—across languages: buff.ly/tyxG8N6 #ILA #FamilyLiteracy #BilingualReaders

Reading aloud brings stories—and people—together. 📚❤️ This World Read-Aloud Day, ILA is celebrating all month with research-based read-aloud resources that support comprehension, vocabulary, and a love of reading at every age: buff.ly/ArCgtJu

Strong scholarship grows through mentorship. 🤝 The Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy (JAAL) Mentorship-to-Publication Program supports emerging scholars and practitioners with guidance through the publishing process—building confidence, clarity, and community along the way: buff.ly/osxWium

World Read-Aloud Day is on February 4, and ILA is celebrating all month long! 📖✨ We're starting with our brief highlighting how purposeful read-alouds—paired with independent reading—support comprehension, vocabulary, and knowledge building for all learners: buff.ly/tcqMndB #ILA #WRAD2026

What happens when families are positioned as partners in multilingual learning? 🎒 In a new article for The Reading Teacher, the authors share research-based strategies for parent-teacher collaboration that build strong home-school connections: buff.ly/hV0OhCf

Adam Brieske-Ulenski first shared the Clinical Literacy Coaching Framework he co-developed at ILA’s Coaching and Literacy Leadership Intensive in 2022. Here, he explains why the framework is clinical in nature. Want to learn more? Register for his upcoming webinar on February 10: buff.ly/g6U647r

How can literacy leadership teams amplify cultural assets and embrace multiliteracies? 💡 In an article for the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Chevaunne D. Breland explores culturally relevant pedagogy as a catalyst for more inclusive, responsive literacy leadership: buff.ly/VehkgBs

Literacy leadership starts with community. 🤝 West Virginia University Professor Allison Dagen, an ILA member since 1993, explains why joining the ILA network was a turning point in her career. Become a member today for access to trusted research and a global network of educators: buff.ly/saDE7DW

📣 Deadline reminder: The William S. Gray Citation of Merit and the Timothy & Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding Dissertation Award recognize scholarship that has a lasting influence on literacy research, policy, and practice. Don't wait—apply or nominate a colleague by February 2: buff.ly/bxowjGi

In a recent webinar, University of South Florida Associate Professor Elizabeth Hadley explored the purpose of screening assessments and the role it can play in the classroom—particularly for students who might need intervention. 📋 Register now for access to the full recording: buff.ly/2KZSxzE

In a recent webinar, University of Lethbridge Associate Dean David Slomp presented teacher-friendly strategies to recognize challenges, evaluate tools, and make high-quality literacy assessments more meaningful for instruction. 💡 Register now for access to the full recording: buff.ly/2KZSxzE

Exciting news from @ilatoday.bsky.social! ✨ We’re pleased to announce the appointment of a new international editorial team for Reading Research Quarterly (RRQ). The team brings diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to advancing rigorous, globally relevant literacy research: buff.ly/EvCEk7t

As the year begins, there’s often pressure to reset and resolve. But what if you started by making space for creativity and joy? 🪄 The Crayola Creative Styles Tool is a free, research-backed resource that helps you reflect on your creative style. Take the assessment: buff.ly/nAfgNGd

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 National Book Foundation Teacher Fellowship! 📚 This paid, year-long fellowship supports educators in fostering inclusive, literature-rich learning and connecting with a national community of teachers. Apply now: buff.ly/6ShwPkI

Registering for #CrayolaCreativityWeek gives educators access to free activities, tools, and ideas that support creative thinking and student engagement. 🎨 Join a global celebration of creativity in learning: buff.ly/sqQwoxK

How can interactive, multimodal narratives support critical literacy? 💡 In a new article for the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, the authors explore how collaborative reading experiences help learners understand subjectivity, interpretation, and meaning-making: buff.ly/hLyciZj

Have you registered for our upcoming events? We have an exciting lineup for your professional development: 📌 January 21, "High-Quality Literacy Assessment": buff.ly/Hy3hnAN 📌 February 10, "Literacy Coaching Framework": buff.ly/LIKVgp5 📌 February 17, "Power-Up Read-Aloud Practices": buff.ly/slGaQdb

Congratulations to The Push Through Organization founder Jasmyn Wright, a Top 10 finalist for the Global Teacher Prize 2026! 🎉 buff.ly/aBIssXa Jasmyn spoke on the Main Stage of ILA Next in Fall 2020, where she debuted her self-proclaimed “two-minute philosophy of education.” Watch now.

African storytelling traditions offer powerful insights for early literacy learning. 📚 In a new article for Literacy Today, Kunda Kids co-founders explore representation, community, and inclusive narratives—and what they mean for children’s literacy development across cultures: buff.ly/mjpo1Nv

As we enter ILA’s 70th anniversary year, we're introducing the Dollar a Decade Campaign to honor this major milestone. 💙 It's an optional way to recognize 70 years of impact by pledging US$7 or more. Giving is never expected—only appreciated. Learn more about #ILADollarADecade: buff.ly/z7OJmkc

What defines a “sight” word? 📘 In a new article for Reading Research Quarterly, researchers analyze how educational resources identify sight words and considers the implications for literacy instruction and research. Read the full open access article: buff.ly/R4hguoV

ICYMI: $10K+ in grant funding is available! 📣 The Elva Knight Research Grant, Helen M. Robinson Grant, and Jeanne S. Chall Research Fellowship all offer cash awards for innovative literacy research and outstanding contributions to the field. Apply by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 2: buff.ly/lcDp11b

As @ilatoday.bsky.social marks its 70th anniversary, ILA Executive Director Nicola Wedderburn reflects on the people, partnerships, and purpose that continue to shape the future of literacy education. Read more for a look back—and forward—at a global community committed to learning: buff.ly/nHrSxAY

A strong local campaign helped save a teacher residency in Winston-Salem after major federal funding was pulled. Community groups and individual donors raised essential support so the program could continue training new educators. Read the full story in Education Week: buff.ly/VeGbGSx

The January/February/March 2026 issue of Literacy Today magazine, which explores the theme of global perspectives on literacy, is now available! 🌍 Explore deep research and strategic initiatives from across the world—all in an effort to empower every student everywhere: buff.ly/isUNRNt

Unlock actionable literacy assessment strategies you can use now! 📚 On January 21 at 5:00 p.m. ET, join a live webinar to learn how to interpret data, connect it to instruction, and walk away with practical tools and resources designed for the classroom and schoolwide improvement: buff.ly/dr5rMGP

New in Reading Research Quarterly ✍️: University of Exeter Lecturer Clare Dowdall examines how teachers’ knowledge and beliefs about writing shape instructional practice—and what this means for professional learning in writing education: buff.ly/vObPPhf

Start the year strong by submitting your application—or nominating a colleague—for one of ILA’s 2026 awards and grants! 📢 ICYMI: This year’s deadline is earlier than in past years. All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 2, 2026:

@ilatoday.bsky.social is celebrating 70 years of advancing literacy! 🎉 To kick things off, ILA past president MaryEllen Vogt shared photos from then-IRA's 50th Anniversary Exhibit San Antonio, Texas. Were you there? What are your favorite ILA stories? Share them with us via [email protected]!

Read-alouds are powerful when they’re intentional. 📖 On February 17 at 5:00 p.m. ET, explore research-informed ways to use read-alouds to support comprehension, vocabulary, and background knowledge—through practical, classroom-ready ideas: buff.ly/3G5lJXE

New in The Reading Teacher: Researchers review commonly used K–3 universal dyslexia screeners before asking an important question—where is spelling? 📝 Their article examines how often spelling is included, how it’s measured, and what this means for early literacy assessment: buff.ly/arP6diQ

Foundational skills instruction is essential—but complex. 📚 ILA’s Phonics and Phonological Awareness Literacy Learning Library provides clarity with evidence-aligned resources. For a limited time, ILA members get one-year access for $74.99. Learn more: buff.ly/ozrEgko

Did you know you can save 15% on future renewals of ILA membership by enabling autorenewal? 📢 Becoming a member of ILA connects you to a global network of educators, researchers, and literacy leaders dedicated to improving teaching and learning worldwide: buff.ly/tvapElp

Happy holidays from @ilatoday.bsky.social! ❤️ We're wishing our global literacy community a joyful holiday season and a peaceful close to this year. Thank you for all that you do to support readers and learners everywhere.

A new article in Reading Research Quarterly examines English as a heritage language in Japan, tracing writing development from late childhood to adolescence and highlighting the role of home literacy and reading in sustained growth: buff.ly/0A5NFBh

How can literacy coaching support both individual teachers and schoolwide improvement? 💡 On February 10 at 5:00 p.m. ET, explore the Clinical Literacy Coaching Framework with a focus on differentiated coaching and distributed leadership—grounded in reflection and practice: buff.ly/UM07Y7c

Catherine Gibbons, a professor at Saint Joseph's University, recently discussed how to address "performative" reading to ensure engagement and comprehension. Read the full article: buff.ly/mG3Dp08

How do young people enact critical literacies across school and life? 🎒 In a new article, Texas Woman's University Assistant Professor Aimee Hendrix-Soto uses poetic analysis to center youth voices and explore literacy as a way of being in and beyond the classroom: buff.ly/vL4yf7f

Supporting young writers is complex—and time is limited. ✒️ ILA’s Science of Writing Literacy Learning Library delivers evidence-based tools to help. For a limited time, ILA members get one-year access for $74.99: buff.ly/82oElHX

Create, participate, and celebrate. 🖍️ Starting January 6, 2026, #CrayolaCreativityWeek will provide hands-on activities, events, creative challenges, and sweepstakes—all designed to engage learners and support literacy through creativity: buff.ly/OzdSNkF

Assessment should support teaching—not add confusion. ✍️ On January 21 at 5:00 p.m. ET, University of South Florida Associate Professor Elizabeth Hadley and University of Lethbridge Associate Dean David Slomp will offer practical strategies for evaluating assessment tools and leveraging data:

New in Reading Research Quarterly: A case study of school boards, book challenges, and state literacy policy. 📚 This article unpacks how policy layering reshapes local control—and students’ right to read—amid rising censorship: buff.ly/Cn1oZls

#CrayolaCreativityWeek is coming! From Jan 26–Feb 1, 2026, your classroom and entire school are invited to join this global celebration of creativity. Don’t miss daily videos featuring celebrity creators and illustrators, hands-on art activities, giveaways, free resources, and more: buff.ly/a3EoT6y

🌈 The Reading Teacher is accepting manuscripts for a special LGBTQIA+–focused issue! Have research or practice that supports inclusive, identity-affirming literacy instruction for LGBTQIA+ kids and families? They want to hear from you: buff.ly/o9uz0gA

What if our comprehension assessments aren’t capturing students' actual understanding? 💭 In a new article for Literacy Now, Saint Joseph's University Professor Catherine Gibbons challenges common practices and offers ideas for more meaningful measures: buff.ly/uuu2AXY