The Science of Reading is everywhere right now—but figuring out how to actually implement it in your classroom can feel overwhelming. With so many programs, strategies, and resources available, it’s hard to know where to begin.
Whether your school has fully embraced Science of Reading practices or you're just starting to make the shift, having the right tools can make all the difference. The good news? You don't have to spend hours searching for resources that align with evidence-based reading instruction.
From supplemental activities to comprehensive instructional materials, we've gathered the resources that make it easier to bring Science of Reading principles into your daily lessons. These classroom-tested tools help students build the foundational skills they need to become confident, successful readers.
Ready to simplify your planning and strengthen your literacy instruction? Here are five must-have Science of Reading resources for your classroom.
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There are so many SoR-aligned resources out there! It can get complicated and confusing. Let me make it simple for you!
Resource 1. Sound Wall
Sound walls give students a visual tool to help them learn and organize phonemes. They provide valuable support as students develop their reading skills. With so many sound wall components, the Sound Wall Set-Up Teacher Guide is the best place to begin.
The dynamic sound wall cards and mouth images make it easy to create a sound wall in your classroom. Digital Teaching Slides are perfect for whole-group lessons, while Student Phoneme Practice Sheets offer hands-on learning for whole group, small group, or independent practice.
You can add a sound wall reference chart to student binders, display it in a center, or hang it in the classroom for easy access. Setting up a sound wall may seem overwhelming at first, but our step-by-step teacher guide and resources make the process simple and manageable.
2. Decodable Books
If you're wondering how to prep for small group instruction, look no further than my decodable readers! With everything you need for science of reading-aligned teaching, decodable readers provide your students with the resources they need to build confidence and master literacy skills.
There are two decodable readers for each phonics skill, along with picture cards, word mapping mats, and an independent practice page. Each decodable book aligns with an easy-to-follow routine that includes a phonological awareness warm-up, a set of decodable and high-frequency words to map before reading, and a 7-page story.
With three different comprehension pages for each book, you can select the one that is at your students' level. Use the Decodable Books Organization Dividers to keep your decodable books organized and ready to use in your small groups.
3. Phonics Instructional Slides
When teaching whole group phonics activities, instructional slides are a great solution! They allow the whole class to learn together and provide interactive opportunities for students to apply what they are learning.
Phonics Instructional Slides include warm-up activities, sound spotlight slides, and do-it-together activities that keep students engaged. Have students bring their whiteboards to the carpet, and participate along with the slides on the screen. This science of reading activity is a must-have resource that is great for both reviewing and teaching new phonics concepts.
4. Heart Words Printables
An effective way to practice heart words with your students is to use the science of reading heart word printables! With three bundles that each include a set of 100 words, you will have a complete set of heart word printables for your students. Or, there is also an editable option! This science of reading activity is a must-have addition to your classroom instruction because you can edit the resource with any high-frequency word.
5. Syllable Division Posters
Learning syllable division is an important part of the science of reading, but it can be challenging for students. Providing a visual for learners and displaying Syllable Division Posters in the classroom can be helpful. This Syllable Division Posters resource includes full-size posters, as well as smaller student-size guides that can be put on a ring or added to a resource notebook.
In addition, teaching students the seven different types of syllables will help them build their reading skills. The seven syllable types are explained with visuals on these Syllable Type Instructional Posters. Students will benefit from extra practice with syllable division by using Syllable Division Printables. These no-prep printable activities provide a variety of ways for students to practice dividing and understanding syllables.
Building a strong Science of Reading classroom doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. With the right resources in place, you can provide explicit, systematic instruction while saving valuable planning time.
Whether you're introducing phonemic awareness, teaching phonics skills, or supporting students as they become confident readers, these five science of reading must-have resources can help create a literacy-rich classroom where every student has the tools they need to succeed.
Written By: Sarah Cason
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