Building Confident Readers,
One Step at a Time
A complete K–6 literacy system — targeted small-group reading instruction, whole-class Interactive Read-Aloud, shared reading, and an integrated leveled assessment — all working together to build comprehension, vocabulary, word knowledge, fluency, writing, and confident, independent readers.
- Hundreds of thoughtfully sequenced books across every genre
- Ready-to-teach lessons for small group and whole class
- Comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, word study, & writing across the full literacy block
- Print + digital instruction
McREL matched-pair RCT: Literacy Footprints meets ESSA Tier 1 (Strong Evidence) — the highest level of research evidence available.
Taking the Steps Toward
Deeper Comprehension
Reading growth requires targeted instruction in comprehension, vocabulary, word study, fluency, and writing. Literacy Footprints builds each of these skills in every lesson, across every part of the reading block — small group, whole class, and intervention.
Comprehension is the goal
Every lesson is structured around comprehension. Comprehension instruction is embedded before, during, and after reading — building the meaning-making habits that turn decoders into thinkers. Discussion prompts are built into every lesson plan.
Authentic books students love
A wide range of genres ensures there’s a book for every reader: fiction, nonfiction, traditional tales, science fiction, historical fiction, graphic novels, and poetry. Familiar book series and characters are embedded across reading levels, keeping students engaged and helping to cultivate a genuine love of reading.
A connected system, not a patchwork
Every Literacy Footprints lesson shares the same strategies and language — so students hear one consistent message about reading all day, regardless of who is teaching them.
Explore Literacy Footprints
Kits & Tools
Six components — one coherent system. Each is designed to work independently or together as a complete literacy block.
Small group · K–6
Classroom Guided Reading
Targeted small-group lessons built around authentic books. Builds comprehension, vocabulary, word study, fluency, and writing in every session — differentiated for every reader.
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Intervention · K–2
Intervention Partner
A true companion to the classroom kit. The intervention and classroom teacher deliver lessons that strengthen each other — same strategies, same language.
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Whole class · K–6
Interactive Read-Aloud
Award-winning picture books with structured comprehension discussion for the whole class — using the same strategies students practice in their small groups every day.
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Whole group · K–2
Stepping Together
Shared reading with systematic phonics taught whole-group, plus take-home decodable texts that extend learning and keep families connected to the reading work.
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Assessment · K–6
Literacy Footprints Assessment
Helps teachers understand what each reader needs and track growth over time in reading, comprehension, and writing. Built into the system.
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Digital · K–6
Digital Reader
All Literacy Footprints books available digitally, with Reading Adventures and built-in comprehension support. Includes a free 2-week trial.
Start free trial →Independent Research
Confirms What Teachers
Already Know
McREL researchers conducted a matched-pair cluster randomized controlled trial — the gold standard in education research — and found that students in Literacy Footprints classrooms made significantly greater reading gains.
McREL International — Independent Research
Fully independent third-party research. No author involvement in study design or analysis.
Classroom Videos
Watch real Literacy Footprints lessons in real classrooms.
Teacher Hub
Thousands of teachers use Literacy Footprints resources every day. Here's what they reach for most.
New to Literacy Footprints?
Every kit includes a Teacher Guide with everything you need to get started — lesson structures, teaching moves, and guidance for your first day.
Ready to bring Literacy Footprints
to your school or district?
Request print or virtual samples, talk to a literacy specialist, or get a quote — we're here to help you find the right fit.
Built by Literacy Experts.
Designed for Teachers.
Every Literacy Footprints lesson is fully planned — word study, rich comprehension strategies, vocabulary instruction, and guided writing — so a busy teacher can walk in and teach a powerful small-group lesson without spending nights and weekends building one from scratch.
See Literacy Footprints in action.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
