K-2 Literacy
Toolkit for Free
Download your free Science of Reading toolkit.
No endless searching. No late nights planning. Just real, effective teaching that gets results. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be.
Our k-2 literacy club allows you to effortlessly implement research-based practices in your reading instruction.
The science of reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing (The Reading League, 2022).
The Science of Reading aims to answer these critical questions that guide how we teach reading and writing:
How do strong reading and writing skills develop?
Why do some students encounter difficulty reading and writing?
How do we effectively assess and teach our students?
The Science of Reading may seem like a new term, but did you know that the research has been conducted for over 50 years?
Research contributing to the Science of Reading can be traced back to more than five decades ago. It has also been backed up by studies in multiple fields such as linguistics, neuroscience, and psychology.
In 2000, the National Reading Panel highlighted the five pillars of reading. These skills are the building blocks of strong readers.
How does the reading brain work? It's a team effort!
The science of reading tells us that our brain has a special way of processing words. When we read, different parts of the brain work together. One area recognizes individual sounds, one recognizes letters, another matches them to sounds, and another connects them to meaning.
Scarborough's Reading Rope
Teach Both Ends of the Rope
Scarborough’s Reading Rope shows how different reading skills work together. It has two main strands: word recognition (decoding, sight words, phonological awareness) and language comprehension (vocabulary, background knowledge, language structure, and more).
At first, these strands may seem separate, like loose threads. But as kids practice reading, they twist together into a strong rope, helping them become fluent readers! If any strand is weak, reading becomes harder—that’s why we need to teach both ends of the rope.
Science of Reading Book Recommendations
7 Mighty Moves
If you want to bring the Science of Reading to life in your classroom, this book is a must-read! Lindsay Kemeny shares practical, research-backed strategies that are easy to implement and truly make a difference.
The Knowledge Gap
This book completely changed the way I think about literacy instruction. Wexler explains why background knowledge is key to reading success and how we can shift our teaching to close the gap.
How to Plan Differentiated Reading Instruction
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to plan small-group reading lessons, this book will be your new best friend! It lays out a clear, research-based framework that makes differentiation manageable.
Uncovering The Logic of English
English spelling isn’t as random as it seems! This book helps make sense of our language's structure, giving you tools to better support students with decoding and spelling.
Reading for Life
Lyn Stone breaks down the science behind reading in a way that’s both insightful and practical. If you're looking for evidence-based ways to help struggling readers, this book is packed with valuable strategies.
Read Alouds for All Learners
If you’re not already using read-alouds to boost literacy across subjects, this book will convince you why you should! Molly Ness shows how to make read-alouds a powerful tool for every learner in your classroom.
Science of Reading Research, Support, and Resources– We've Done the Work for You!
With Literacy Unlocked, you can rest easy knowing every lesson and resource is grounded in research and fully aligned with the Science of Reading.
Created by a former teacher who knows what makes learning stick—and is excited to help teachers spark reading success for every student!
As a Literacy Unlocked member, you'll gain instant access to resources that develop foundational skills and deepen comprehension.
Phonological Awareness research and resources that support: Concept of Word, Rhyming, Syllables, and Onset & Rime.
Phonemic Awareness research and resources that support: Isolating Sounds, Blending, Segmenting, Phoneme Addition, Phoneme Deletion, and Phoneme Substitution.
Alphabet and Sound Wall research and resources. We provide embedded mnemonics cards, sound wall materials with real mouth motion cards, explicit alphabet instruction, assessments, centers, and more.
High-frequency words research and resources. We provide high frequency word slides, heart word vs. flash word explanation slides, home connection letters, high-frequency word brochures, posters, and practice pages.
Phonics research and resources. We provide phonics assessments, scope and sequence, lesson plans, phonics slides, phonics comics, decodable passages, and more.
Morphology research and resources. We provide morphology slides, posters, and practice pages.
Vocabulary and comprehension research and resources. We provide interactive read-aloud activities for 300 read-alouds, vocabulary activities and support, comprehension passages, and more.
Year-Long Whole Group Resources for Foundational Skills
With your subscription, you’ll get access to a range of whole group instructional resources, including our Sound Wall, Whole Group Phonics Slides aligned with the Science of Reading, and Whole Group Heart Word Slides for reinforcing high-frequency words. Plus, you’ll receive any and all future whole group resources as they become available.
- Research-backed: Consistent routines for easy planning.
- Curriculum-Friendly: Works with any curriculum.
- Systematic: Organized scope and sequence for cohesive instruction.
- UFLI Aligned: Follows a structured, research-based approach.
- New resources are added each month
Year-Long Whole Group Resources for Comprehension Skills—The Book Nook
Your membership includes the The Book Nook—a growing library of 300+ carefully selected read-alouds. Designed to strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking, it supports the upper strands of Scarborough’s Reading Rope to help students make meaning from text.
- Strategic stop points & guided questions that deepen comprehension
- Explicit vocabulary support to enhance language development
- Opportunities for rich discussion—students ask and answer questions
- Designed to build listening & oral language skills
- New read-alouds added every month
Year-Long Small Group Activities: Explicit, Systematic Lesson Plans & Resources
In your membership, you’ll find year-long small group instruction resources that are systematic, explicit, and easy to implement. These tools are designed to create a structured, engaging learning environment where every student has the support they need to thrive all year long.
- Aligned with the Science of Reading
- Follows a systematic scope and sequence
- Can be used alongside any curriculum
- Decodable texts and passages designed to strengthen decoding and fluency—paired with response sheets
- Word mapping mats to support word recognition and decoding practice
- Word ladders for building vocabulary and phonemic awareness
- New resources are added each month
Year-Long Center Activities: Engaging, Skill-Building Practice & Resources
Small group instruction time is crucial—but what does the rest of your class do while you’re meeting with small groups? Centers! With the membership, you’ll access hundreds of engaging, effective, Science of Reading-aligned center activities that keep students learning independently while you teach.
- Aligned with the Science of Reading
- Follows a systematic scope and sequence
- Differentiated to meet diverse student needs
- Can be used alongside any curriculum
- Phonics games that make skill practice fun and interactive
- Partner plays to build fluency and confidence
- Phonics comics bring engagement and learning
- New resources are added each month
Year-Long Home Connection & Independent Activities
With our membership, you can reinforce both foundational and comprehension skills with hundreds of independent practice and home connection activities. These resources make it easy to provide extra support through engaging, meaningful practice.
- Aligned with the Science of Reading
- No-prep activities for easy implementation
- Decodable passages with response questions
- Heart word practice pages
- Learn-at-home literacy binder
- And more!
Plus, You'll Receive Practical PD & Teacher Support
Bite-Sized PD
Watch short, bite-sized PD videos covering how kids learn to read, how to teach specific skills, and how to use the resources inside the club. Plus, you'll have a chance to submit your questions and resource requests ahead of time—we’ll help troubleshoot classroom routines, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way! Stay tuned!
Supportive K-2 Community
Teaching is easier (and more fun!) with a supportive community! Inside our K-2 Literacy Club group, you can connect with other teachers, get support, share wins, and ask questions—all in a space that’s kind, uplifting, and full of cheerleaders who truly get it. Whether you need ideas, encouragement, or just a place to chat, we’re here for you!
Bonus Tools:
As a member, you’ll also get powerful diagnostic assessment tools to pinpoint exactly where your students are and what they need next. This bonus includes phonics screeners, quick skill checks, and our Assess for Success system—all following a systematic scope and sequence for kindergarten, first, and second grade. With these tools, you’ll have a clear roadmap for targeted instruction, making it easy to support every learner without the overwhelm!
Take a Quick Peek Inside the Club
Join Literacy Unlocked and take the guesswork out of literacy instruction —so you can teach with confidence and ease.
With evidence-based, engaging resources at your fingertips, you’ll spend less time searching and more time delivering meaningful instruction that helps students thrive.
24/7 Access to K-2 Literacy Library
Access Thousands of Literacy Activities
Whole Group, Small Group, and Centers—Done!
Bite-Sized PD & Ongoing Support
What Other K-2 Teachers are Saying...
Lite Membership
Starter Access Plan-
Access to literacy resources – phonemic awareness, phonics, decodables, vocabulary, comprehension & more
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New resources added monthly
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Mini-Library of Interactive Read-Alouds
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Engaging Centers – Science of Reading-aligned games, partner plays, & phonics comics
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Independent Practice – No-prep activities, decodable passages, & heart word practice
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Bite-Sized PD – Quick, actionable training to boost your teaching skills
-
Teacher Community – Connect, share, and get support in a positive, uplifting group
-
Aligned with the Science of Reading
Monthly Membership
Most Popular Option-
Access to all past, current & future literacy resources – phonemic awareness, phonics, decodables, vocabulary, comprehension & more.
-
New resources added monthly
-
Yearlong Whole Group Resources – Foundational skills, phonics, & heart word slides
-
Yearlong Comprehension Resources – 300+ read-alouds with guided questions & vocabulary support
-
Engaging Centers – Science of Reading-aligned games, partner plays, & phonics comics
-
Independent Practice – No-prep activities, decodable passages, & heart word practice
-
Diagnostic Assessment Tools – Phonics screeners & skill checks to guide targeted instruction
-
Bite-Sized PD – Quick, actionable training to boost your teaching skills
-
Teacher Community – Connect, share, and get support in a positive, uplifting group
-
Aligned with the Science of Reading
Yearly Membership
Get 2 months free-
Access to all past, current & future literacy resources – phonemic awareness, phonics, decodables, vocabulary, comprehension & more.
-
New resources added monthly
-
Yearlong Whole Group Resources – Foundational skills, phonics, & heart word slides
-
Yearlong Comprehension Resources – 300+ read-alouds with guided questions & vocabulary support
-
Engaging Centers – Science of Reading-aligned games, partner plays, & phonics comics
-
Independent Practice – No-prep activities, decodable passages, & heart word practice
-
Diagnostic Assessment Tools – Phonics screeners & skill checks to guide targeted instruction
-
Bite-Sized PD – Quick, actionable training to boost your teaching skills
-
Teacher Community – Connect, share, and get support in a positive, uplifting group
-
Aligned with the Science of Reading
Joining the club is as easy 1, 2, 3...
Sign Up
Select the plan that fits your needs and sign up securely.
Login & Explore
Check your email for a welcome message with your access link, membership login details, and important next steps.
Download
Download, print, and start teaching with confidence!
Have questions about the club?
✔ K-2 Teachers – Easily implement evidence-based literacy instruction with ready-to-use resources.
✔ Literacy Specialists & Coaches – Access a comprehensive library to support teachers and small-group instruction.
✔ Homeschool Parents – Use structured, research-backed materials to teach your child to read with confidence.
✔ Tutors & Interventionists – Find targeted resources for phonics, decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
✔ Special Education Teachers – Support diverse learners with explicit, systematic literacy tools.
✔ ESL/ELL Teachers – Reinforce foundational reading skills for multilingual learners.
If you work with early readers, this membership is for you!
Your membership gives you instant access to a growing library of evidence-based literacy resources for K-2. You’ll find decodable texts, phonics games, center activities, assessments, and more—everything you need to support effective literacy instruction.
Yes, you can cancel anytime by reaching out to us at lyndsey@lyndseykuster.com. However, please note that cancellation is immediate, and you will lose access to the K-2 Literacy Club and all resources as soon as you cancel.
We are dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based resources to help you and your students succeed. While we do not offer refunds once materials have been downloaded, we want you to feel fully confident in your decision to join. If you have any questions about our resources or membership, please reach out—we’re here to support you!
By joining, you gain access to a wealth of resources designed to save you time and enhance your teaching. We’re confident that you will find great value, and we’re committed to helping you make the most of your membership.
Yes! All resources are research-based and align with the Science of Reading, ensuring you have materials that truly support your students’ literacy development.
No worries! If you experience any issues, reach out to lyndsey@lyndseykuster.com and we’ll get you back on track.
Who is the Literacy Unlocked Membership right for? Let’s get straight to the facts!
The Literacy Unlocked Membership is designed to give you everything you need to succeed: research-backed tools, easy-to-implement strategies, and a community of like-minded educators.
You're a K-2 teacher, reading specialist, parent, grandparent, or tutor needing literacy support.
You're ready to stop burning your nights and weekends searching for literacy resources and creating lessons.
You’re feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there and just need a straightforward place to start.
Join the All-Access Literacy Club
Lite Membership
Starter Access Plan-
Access to literacy resources – phonemic awareness, phonics, decodables, vocabulary, comprehension & more
-
New resources added monthly
-
Mini-Library of Interactive Read-Alouds
-
Engaging Centers – Science of Reading-aligned games, partner plays, & phonics comics
-
Independent Practice – No-prep activities, decodable passages, & heart word practice
-
Bite-Sized PD – Quick, actionable training to boost your teaching skills
-
Teacher Community – Connect, share, and get support in a positive, uplifting group
-
Aligned with the Science of Reading
Monthly Membership
Most Popular Option-
Access to all past, current & future literacy resources – phonemic awareness, phonics, decodables, vocabulary, comprehension & more.
-
New resources added monthly
-
Yearlong Whole Group Resources – Foundational skills, phonics, & heart word slides
-
Yearlong Comprehension Resources – 300+ read-alouds with guided questions & vocabulary support
-
Engaging Centers – Science of Reading-aligned games, partner plays, & phonics comics
-
Independent Practice – No-prep activities, decodable passages, & heart word practice
-
Diagnostic Assessment Tools – Phonics screeners & skill checks to guide targeted instruction
-
Bite-Sized PD – Quick, actionable training to boost your teaching skills
-
Teacher Community – Connect, share, and get support in a positive, uplifting group
-
Aligned with the Science of Reading
Yearly Membership
Get 2 months free-
Access to all past, current & future literacy resources – phonemic awareness, phonics, decodables, vocabulary, comprehension & more.
-
New resources added monthly
-
Yearlong Whole Group Resources – Foundational skills, phonics, & heart word slides
-
Yearlong Comprehension Resources – 300+ read-alouds with guided questions & vocabulary support
-
Engaging Centers – Science of Reading-aligned games, partner plays, & phonics comics
-
Independent Practice – No-prep activities, decodable passages, & heart word practice
-
Diagnostic Assessment Tools – Phonics screeners & skill checks to guide targeted instruction
-
Bite-Sized PD – Quick, actionable training to boost your teaching skills
-
Teacher Community – Connect, share, and get support in a positive, uplifting group
-
Aligned with the Science of Reading
Founded By Educator & Curriculum Developer Lyndsey Kuster
Hi! I’m Lyndsey Kuster, a former first-grade teacher turned literacy coach and curriculum developer with 16 years of experience in education. Trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, I’m passionate about helping students unlock the magic of reading.
I’ve supported over 2 million teachers worldwide through my evidence-based, engaging literacy resources that empower educators and enhance classrooms. I’m committed to sharing my knowledge and helping teachers build the skills and confidence they need to make literacy instruction both effective and enjoyable.
My mission is simple: to ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed in reading—and every teacher feels empowered to make it happen!
