Free Literacy and Engagement Interventions from the Branching Minds Library

The Branching Minds Support Library has hundreds of research-based supports and interventions. You can find the perfect intervention by sorting for:

• Student Insight Survey results

• Topic

• Tier Level

• Grade Level

• School or District recommendation

AND, our Learning Sciences department evaluates each resource using
ESSA’s Tiers of Evidence. These tiers can provide districts with great insights into how interventions and supports work. Keep in mind that it’s important to review the data for the context in which an intervention or support will be utilized. An intervention program can be incredibly popular, but may not be appropriate for specific settings, grade levels, or targeted skills. After all, popularity isn’t everything! 

Here are a few that could be applied to any subject or grade level:

Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizers

Literacy intervention for students in grades 3-12

Graphic organizers can be used to help students compare and contrast two topics. They help students organize their ideas while they compare and contrast, supporting students with reading comprehension and writing.

Download the PDF

How to Implement:

1. Select and print a graphic organizer for students to use. When selecting a graphic organizer, consider the student's age and abilities to ensure the resource is appropriate. Or, provide students with a selection of different graphic organizers to choose from.
2.  When introducing a graphic organizer, provide students with scaffolding and support to teach them how to utilize the handout.
3.  Graphic organizers can be done as a whole class, with students in small groups or pairs, or individually, depending on the needs of your class.
4.  You can also complete some of the graphic organizer prior to passing it out. (This allows you to to use the organizer as a form of guided notes.)

• Compare and Contrast Organizer A
• Compare and Contrast Organizer B
• Compare and Contrast Organizer C

Research Base:

• Quasi-experimental studies (i.e., studies without random assignment) have shown that graphic organizers can improve reading comprehension skills among students with learning disabilities. 

• Kim, A. H., Vaughn, S., Wanzek, J., & Wei, S. (2004). Graphic Organizers and Their Effects on the Reading Comprehension of Students with LD A Synthesis of Research. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37(2), 105-118.

• Manoli, P. & Papadopoulou, M. (2012). Graphic Organizers as a Reading Strategy: Research Findings and Issues. Creative Education, 3, 348-356.

Alternative Modes of Completing Assignments

Any subject intervention for students in grades 2-12

Alternative options for completing assignments is a strategy to help engage students who are reluctant to complete assignments or struggle with traditional assignments. Providing alternative options helps students demonstrate their learning and  encourages them to be more engaged. This is an excellent strategy for differentiation.

Download the PDF

How to Implement:

1. Provide students with alternative assignment choices and let each student pick the type of assignment they want to complete.

2. Be sure to include rubrics for alternative options so all expectations are clear.

3. Explain to students that the options all require a similar amount of work – they should pick the option they would enjoy working on the most.

4. You can select options that are appropriate for your class and that you are comfortable assigning. Some example options could be:

• Create and present a powerpoint
• Give an in-class demonstration
• Engage in an in-depth student-teacher discussion
• Make a comic book, put on a play, or perform a song
• Create a podcast episode discussing the material and answering questions
• Make a review game (i.e., Kahoot, Quizziz, or Quizzlet) and lead the class in playing the game

Related Resource: 5 Alternatives to Homework (That Help Teachers Out, Too)

Research Base:

Evidence suggests that using multimedia assignments, instead of traditional writing assignments, can improve student engagement. 

Clayton-Pedersen, A. & N. O'Neill. (2005). Curricula Designed to Meet 21st-Century Expectations. In D. Oblinger and J. Oblinger (Eds.), Educating the Net Generation (pp. 9.1-9.16). EDUCAUSE. Retrieved April 25, 2007, from http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/pub7101i.pdf

Mitchell, M. (2003). Constructing Multimedia: Benefits of Student-Generated Multimedia on Learning. Interactive Multimedia Electronic Journal of Computer-Enhanced Learning. Retrieved April 25, 2007, from http://imej.wfu.edu/articles/2003/1/03/index.asp

Find “Just Right” Interventions With the Branching Minds Intervention Library

The Branching Minds Intervention Library isn't just a list of interventions; it's a dynamic tool that helps you to identify and deliver personalized, evidence-based support. For more information about the Branching Minds library along with 15 of our most-used interventions, check out this guide Finding and Using Evidence-Based MTSS Interventions: A How-To Guide, or request a demo below.