Voyage Academy Charter School

Parent Reading Resources

At Voyage Academy, we believe every student can develop strong reading skills and deserves the instruction and support needed to become a confident, successful reader. We are committed to continually learning from current research about how children learn to read and using that knowledge to strengthen reading instruction across our school.

Our approach is grounded in the Science of Reading, a growing body of research that helps educators understand how reading develops, what effective reading instruction looks like, and how to provide additional support when students experience challenges along the way.

At Voyage Academy, we use this research to guide our instructional practices, support our teachers, and ensure students receive intentional, evidence-based reading instruction. Our goal is to help every student build the foundational skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become a successful lifelong reader.

To learn more about the Science of Reading and the research behind effective reading instruction, we encourage families and educators to explore resources from The Reading League and the Science of Reading.

“The Science of Reading refers to a body of research—50+ years of interdisciplinary research that documents and describes how children develop reading and writing skills and competencies. This research also features the principles and practices for research-based instructional design and opportunities to learn. The Science of Reading is not a single approach or entity—the term refers to a large, diverse body of evidence that should be used to inform curriculum and pedagogy.” -Nonie K. Lesaux, PhD & Katie Carr, M.Ed.
- 80% of K-3 students will make typical or above growth in ELA (measured by Acadience Reading from BOY to EOY)
- 75% of K-3 students will be reading on grade level by EOY (measured by the at/above benchmark level in Acadience Reading)
- 80% of 4-6 students will measure “level 3, or Proficient” on EOY RISE testing.
Why Reading Matters

Research shows that early reading stimulates brain development. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who are read to regularly have significantly more activity in the parts of the brain that support language, literacy, and imagination.

The 20-Minute Per Day Advantage

Children who read just 20 minutes per day are exposed to 1.8 million words per year—far more than peers who read less. This increased exposure leads to stronger vocabulary, improved comprehension, and higher overall academic achievement.

Tips for Parents
- Make It a Routine: Set aside 15–20 minutes each day at a regular time.
- Let Kids Choose: Let your child pick books that interest them—even comics or graphic novels count!
- Reread Favorites: Familiar books help build fluency and confidence.
- Read Together: Take turns reading or ask questions about the story to engage your child.
- Use the Library: Free access to a world of books and audiobooks.
You Make the Difference!

When children see reading as a shared, enjoyable activity, they are more likely to develop a lifelong love of learning. Thank you for partnering with us to build strong, confident readers.

Additional Reading Resources

Reading Rockets

Reading Buddies
SB241 Early LIiteracy Letter from our Director
Tier 1 Curriculum
- K-6^th Grade: Wonders
Tier 2 & 3 Intervention Curriculum
- UFLI
- Heggerty
Wonders for Families
Book It! Program

Individual Reading Plan (IRP) Parent Reading Resources

Viking Reading Challenge

Get ready to set sail on an exciting new reading adventure! We are thrilled to launch the Voyage Academy Viking Reading Quest, a new school-wide reading program for all K–6 students! Our mission is to inspire a love of reading, build strong reading habits, and encourage families to share the joy of reading together at home. Students will use the reading calendars to track their reading minutes each month as they work toward earning special Viking Reading Badges! The adventure begins at 250 reading minutes, with exciting milestones along the way, all the way up to 10,000 minutes!

How the Reading Quest Works

At the end of each month, parents or guardians will total their student's reading minutes, sign the calendar, and have their student return it to the library on their scheduled library day. Students will then bring home a new reading calendar for the following month, and the adventure continues! As students accumulate reading minutes, they will work toward earning their next Viking Reading Badge. Every minute counts, every book is a new adventure, and every Viking has the chance to become a reading champion!

Read to Succeed

Parent Reading Resources

What is the Science of Reading?

2026-2027 Literacy Goals

Why Reading in the Home Matters

The 20-Minute Per Day Advantage

SB241 Early Literacy Letter from our Director

ELA Approved Curriculum

Wonders Family Resources

Pizza Hut Book It Challenge

Individual Reading Plan (IRP) Parent Reading Resources