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The latest research and most effective teaching tools for better early literacy instruction
Literacy Unlocked explores the pivotal role of early literacy instruction in shaping a child's reading development and overall academic success. Shifting the focus from reactive intervention to a proactive approach that addresses problems before they arise, this book equips readers with research-backed insights and practical, accessible strategies to implement the science of reading to ensure future generations excel in literacy. Each chapter includes a link leading readers to supplementary online materials that can be utilized in instruction. Written by Amie Burkholder, K-5 literacy coach and CEO of Literacy Edventures, a popular early literacy learning platform, this book explores ideas including:
Cutting to the crux of better literacy instruction in simple language that anyone can understand, Literacy Unlocked is an essential resource for K-5 teachers, administrators, instructional assistants, reading specialists, and literacy coaches.
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Seitenzahl: 319
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
CHAPTER ONE: Embarking on Your Reader's Journey
What the Research Says
What the Brain Imaging Says About Students Who Struggle
Why All of This Is Important
How We Can Support This Rewire
Practical Tips for Implementation
Orthographic Mapping: The Key to Automatic Word Recognition
Bringing It All Together: The Focus of This Book
CHAPTER TWO: Phonemic Awareness in Early Reading Instruction
PA
What the Research Says
Practical Tips for Implementation
Classroom Implementation Actionable Steps
CHAPTER THREE: The Role of Handwriting in Early Literacy Development
Handwriting in Literacy
What the Research Says
Prerequisites for Effective Handwriting Instruction
Daily Routines for Pencil Grip
Consistency Across Teachers
Combining Letter Formation with Literacy Development
Classroom Implementation Actionable Steps
CHAPTER FOUR: Building the Foundation of Letter‐Sound Knowledge
What the Research Says
Tips for Teaching Letter Sounds
Classroom Implementation Actionable Steps
CHAPTER FIVE: From Letter Sounds to Decoding
The Research
Practical Tips for Implementation
Transitioning Students from Letter Sounds to Reading Words
CHAPTER SIX: Building Strong Readers Through Systematic Phonics
What the Research Says
The Importance of a Scope and Sequence in Phonics Instruction
Important Components of a Phonics Lesson
Application of Skills: Connected Texts and Dictation
Classroom Implementation Actionable Steps
CHAPTER SEVEN: Teaching High‐Frequency Words
What the Research Says
Implications for Instruction
Classroom Implementation Actionable Steps
CHAPTER EIGHT: Making Phonics Stick
The Research
Practical Tips for Implementation
Leveled Text
Decodable Text
Moving Beyond Decodables
Dictation
Classroom Implementation Actionable Steps
CHAPTER NINE: Background Knowledge and Vocabulary
Understanding Background Knowledge and Vocabulary
Building Vocabulary and Background Knowledge Alongside Phonics
What the Research Says
Classroom Implementation Actionable Steps
Lesson Plan 1: Room on the Broom—Vocabulary and Read‐Aloud
Lesson Plan 2: Nonfiction Vocabulary and Read‐Aloud
CHAPTER TEN: Bringing It All Together
Fostering a Love for Reading in the Classroom
Gaining At‐Home Support
Explain the Why
Build a Home‐School Connection with a Literacy Night
References
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Index
End User License Agreement
Chapter 1
Table 1.1 Understanding the Larger Components of Phonological Awareness
Chapter 2
Table 2.1 Scaffolded Phoneme Blending Instruction
Chapter 3
Table 3.1 Letter Formation Chants
Chapter 4
Table 4.1 Alphabet Voiced and Unvoiced Sounds
Table 4.2 Continuous and Stop Sounds
Table 4.3 High‐Utility Letters Grid
Table 4.4 Strategic Grouping of Letters
Table 4.5 Letters, Sounds, and Articulation
Chapter 6
Table 6.1 Phonics Rules and Patterns
Chapter 8
Table 8.1 Phonics Pattern Tally
Table 8.2 Phonics Pattern Analysis
Table 8.3 Phonics Pattern Tally in a Leveled Text
Table 8.4 Phonics Pattern Analysis in a Leveled Text
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1.1 Reading in the brain.
FIGURE 1.2 The Simple View of Reading emphasizes the interplay between decod...
FIGURE 1.3 The Reading Rope demonstrates the interplay of word recognition a...
FIGURE 1.4 The disconnect between phonemic awareness and phonics.
FIGURE 1.5 The path to reading: A progression from foundational skills to hi...
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2.1 Scaffolding phoneme instruction.
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4.1 Comparing picture representations for teaching the /g/ sound.
FIGURE 4.2 Comparing picture representations for teaching the /e/ sound.
FIGURE 4.3 Mouth movements for consonant pairs.
FIGURE 4.4 Integrating letter‐sound instruction with letter formation and ar...
FIGURE 4.5 Articulation of the letter sound /t/.
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6.1 Short vowel sounds in closed syllables.
FIGURE 6.2 Visual mnemonics for “c” and ”k.”
FIGURE 6.3 Digraphs versus blends.
FIGURE 6.4 Silent “e” and “r”‐controlled vowels.
FIGURE 6.5 Vowel teams in one sound.
FIGURE 6.6 Three‐minute phonemic awareness warm‐up.
FIGURE 6.7 Auditory drill chart.
FIGURE 6.8 Visual drill cards.
FIGURE 6.9 Blending drill.
FIGURE 6.10 Vowel‐intensive strip.
FIGURE 6.11 Word chaining card.
FIGURE 6.12 Word reading cards.
FIGURE 6.13 Fluency grid.
FIGURE 6.14 Word mapping.
FIGURE 6.15 Decodable text sample.
FIGURE 6.16 Dictation practice.
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7.1 The parts of the brain responsible for reading.
FIGURE 7.2 Organizing HFWs.
FIGURE 7.3 Mapping a heart word.
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
Begin Reading
References
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Index
End User License Agreement
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Amie Burkholder
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Welcome! I'm thrilled you've picked up this book and are ready to embark on a journey that I, too, have traveled. For years, I worked in the world of balanced literacy, confident that I was helping my students succeed. But as time went on, I began to notice gaps—students who struggled to become confident, independent readers despite my best efforts. Something wasn’t clicking. I realized that if I wanted to truly unlock literacy for all my students, I needed to shift my approach and dig deeper into what the research said about how children learn to read.
That shift—from balanced literacy to structured, research‐based practices—was more than a change in teaching methods; it was a turning point that reshaped the entire trajectory of my classroom. As I began to see the impact of using science‐backed techniques, it became crystal clear that understanding how the brain processes reading and applying evidence‐based strategies could truly unlock the potential in every young learner. The difference in my students' progress was undeniable. Since making this shift, I've committed myself to bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that teachers can access and apply what we know about effective literacy instruction.
This book is the result of that journey—a culmination of years spent refining practices, learning from research, and, most importantly, witnessing firsthand how these shifts can transform the lives of young readers. Through these pages, I hope to share what I’ve learned so that you too can confidently merge research with your daily practice and, in turn, unlock literacy for the students in your care.
As educators, we often hear the notion that kids don’t have to love reading—they just have to be able to do it. And, yes, we are facing a literacy crisis in our country, where it is essential that every child learns to read. But I believe that the process of learning to read doesn’t have to be a chore. We have the opportunity, as educators, to make reading fun and engaging, even while sticking to the research‐based practices that ensure success. The joy of reading should not be lost along the way, and it is our responsibility to help foster that joy, turning reluctant readers into enthusiastic learners.
One thing I want you to know about me is that I am not just a researcher standing on the sidelines—I am a practitioner. I am in classrooms every day, working with students and supporting teachers. I live and breathe this work, just like you. My perspective is rooted in the real‐world challenges and triumphs of the classroom. I’ve walked in your shoes, and it’s important to me that you know that this book is written by someone who is right there alongside you, facing the same daily realities.
Each chapter in this book is structured with the same purpose: to give you a clear path from foundational knowledge to practical application. Every chapter includes the following:
Introduction:
An overview of the key concepts
Research:
A dive into the latest findings and studies that underpin the practice
Practical tips for implementation:
Concrete strategies for applying the research in your classroom
Classroom implementation actionable steps:
Step‐by‐step guides and activities to bring these ideas to life
I’ve also provided companion materials, available at www.literacyedventures.com/literacy-unlocked, to support your journey with additional resources designed to make implementation seamless. You can unlock all the companion resources with the code JOURNEY.
But most important, this book was designed to be more than just something you read once and put on a shelf. It’s a daily reference, a guide you can turn to whenever you need support, clarity, or fresh ideas. The strategies and resources here are meant to be low‐prep, easy to implement, and immediately useful—so you can take what you learn and put it into practice the very next day.
Think of this book as your literacy coach in your back pocket. My goal is for you to pick it up and think, "Yes! Now I get it." I want you to feel empowered—not just with knowledge but also with actionable steps that make a real difference in your teaching.
This book is not just about research—it’s about empowering you with the tools, strategies, and confidence to make a difference in your classroom. Together, let’s transform literacy instruction for our youngest learners. They deserve to not only learn how to read but also to love the process along the way.