Science of Reading
Connecting Families & Schools Through the Science of Reading
Our Science of Reading family engagement resources help schools build lasting partnerships with families to strengthen literacy across South Dakota. Through hands-on events and take-home kits, we make reading accessible, meaningful, and fun for every child and family.
Designed for schools implementing or expanding Science of Reading practices, these supports can be customized for preschool through high school.

Customizable Family Engagement Resources
CFS offers a menu of customizable options that help schools strengthen family-school partnerships while supporting literacy skill development.
Home Connection Materials
Family Take-Home Activities
Bring literacy learning home with interactive materials like early literacy kits, reading-themed backpack kits, and literacy field guides. Each take-home activity turns daily life into a hands-on opportunity for families to strengthen reading skills together.
Family Engagement Event Toolkits
Host engaging literacy events with ready-to-use toolkits such as Science of Reading Family Fun Nights or Early Literacy Fair. Each toolkit includes everything needed—station guides, promotional materials, and take-home activities—to make family engagement simple, impactful, and fun.
Family Engagement Data & Reflection
Customized services to help schools better understand family perspectives and improve literacy partnerships, including walk-throughs, surveys, coffee chats, and ambassador programs. These tools help schools create welcoming environments, gather meaningful feedback, and promote literacy through the Science of Reading.
Professional Learning and Development
BHSSC offers innovative training and engagement services that help educators and families work together to support student literacy. From online courses and DISC-informed professional development to Calm Kits and family-focused strategies, each offering is grounded in the Science of Reading and designed to strengthen communication, emotional readiness, and home-school collaboration.
Early Childhood
Free Resources
Early Childhood Projects

SD SFEC

Black Hills Birth to Three
Learning Opportunities
More Services

Family Engagement

Stronger Communities

Out-of-School Time
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