Chicago Urban Ignite
Free Online Reading Games & Digital Resources
Grades 1st–6th Tutor Training Module
Purpose of This Training
Digital reading games can be powerful tools to support student learning during one-on-one tutoring sessions. When used correctly, online games provide additional practice with phonics, vocabulary, spelling, fluency, and comprehension skills.
Tutors should use these resources to reinforce instruction, increase engagement, and provide students with opportunities to practice reading skills in a fun way.
Tutor Expectations When Using Reading Games
- Select games based on the student's reading level and goals.
- Preview activities before sharing them with students.
- Use games as a supplement—not a replacement—for instruction.
- Ask students to explain what they learned.
- Track student engagement and progress.
Free Online Reading Game Resources
1. Literacy Arcade
Grades: 1st–6th Grade
Skills: Phonics, spelling, vocabulary, word recognition, reading practice.
Literacy Arcade provides literacy games designed to help students practice foundational reading skills.
2. Ereading Games
Grades: 3rd–6th Grade
Skills: Vocabulary, context clues, comprehension, figurative language, grammar.
Ereading Games provides online reading activities focused on upper elementary literacy skills.
3. PrimaryGames Reading & Language Arts
Grades: 1st–6th Grade
Skills: Spelling, vocabulary, phonics, grammar, word recognition.
PrimaryGames offers free educational reading games for elementary students.
4. Teach Your Monster to Read
Grades: 1st–3rd Grade
Skills: Phonics, decoding, letter sounds, early reading.
This resource supports beginning readers with phonics-based activities.
5. Phonics Hero
Grades: 1st–3rd Grade
Skills: Letter sounds, decoding, phonics patterns, word reading.
Phonics Hero provides structured phonics practice activities.
6. Starfall
Grades: 1st–3rd Grade
Skills: Phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency, comprehension.
Starfall provides interactive literacy activities for beginning readers.
Check Your Knowledge: Using Reading Game Resources
Answer each question before revealing the correct answer.
A. Replace the tutor
B. Provide additional practice and reinforce reading skills
C. Allow students free time
D. Avoid reading instruction
Reading games should support direct instruction and provide extra practice.
A. Choose the first game they see
B. Match the activity to the student's needs
C. Allow students to choose any game
D. Skip instruction
Tutors should select resources that support the student's reading goals.
A. Phonics Hero
B. A math website
C. A video game unrelated to reading
D. A typing activity
Phonics Hero focuses on decoding and letter-sound skills.
A. Ask students what they learned
B. End the session immediately
C. Ignore the activity
D. Assign another random game
Reflection helps students connect activities to learning.
A. To make sure they match student needs and are appropriate
B. To avoid teaching
C. To make sessions longer
D. To replace reading goals
Tutors are responsible for selecting appropriate learning materials.