K–2 Literacy Block Schedule Aligned to the Science of Reading
Trying to fit everything into your K–2 literacy block can feel like a high-stakes game of Tetris—phonics, writing, small groups, comprehension... and somehow it all has to align with the Science of Reading (SoR).
In this post, you’ll learn how to create a realistic, flexible, and research-based literacy block that fits within 90 to 120 minutes. You’ll get sample schedules, daily breakdowns, practical teaching tips, and free planning tools—everything you need to confidently plan a structured literacy block for K–2.
What Does the Science of Reading Say About Literacy Blocks?
A strong SoR-aligned reading block emphasizes explicit, systematic instruction in:
Phonemic awareness
Phonics
Fluency
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Add writing and small group instruction, and you’ve got all the pillars of a complete, developmentally appropriate block.
But with limited time and often too many programs, the biggest challenge is making it all fit without losing your mind—or your students’ engagement.
Common Roadblocks When Planning a Literacy Block
Designing a Science of Reading-aligned literacy block sounds great in theory—until you sit down to actually plan it. If you’ve ever stared at your daily schedule and thought, “There’s no way this will all fit,” you’re not alone. Here are a few of the most common challenges teachers face—and some mindset shifts to help navigate them.
Not Enough Time
Let’s be honest—very few of us are given the “perfect” 2-hour reading block. Between specials, transitions, behavior needs, and interruptions, most teachers are working with something closer to 75–90 minutes on a good day. And when you’re trying to fit in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and small group instruction, that limited time can feel impossible.
But here’s the good news: when your instruction is intentional and streamlined, you can hit all of the core components in a shorter block. The key is to prioritize what matters most. For example, instead of trying to cram in every single comprehension strategy every day, you might focus deeply on one strategy across the week. Or, instead of fitting writing and comprehension into the same day, alternate them throughout the week. A flexible framework gives you space to adapt—while still honoring the big picture.
Too Many Curricula
It’s no secret that teachers today are often handed a stack of programs with the expectation that they’ll “fit it all in.” You might be juggling a phonics program, a comprehension curriculum, a vocabulary routine, a separate writing program, and small group expectations—each with its own set of lesson plans, materials, and pacing guides. It’s exhausting.
What often gets lost in the shuffle is coherence. Students don’t need five separate programs—they need connected, purposeful instruction that reinforces key skills in multiple ways. If your comprehension program feels disconnected from your phonics work, it’s okay to pause and realign. Ask yourself: Does this activity support decoding, comprehension, or writing in a meaningful way? If not, it may be time to simplify. A skill-based framework, rooted in the Science of Reading, gives you the freedom to focus on what’s essential—and leave behind what isn’t.
Over-Adoption of Materials
We’ve all seen it: a district adopts one program, then adds another to fill the gaps... and then another, just to be safe. Suddenly, you’re drowning in materials, binders, apps, and pacing guides—all meant to support reading, but collectively overwhelming.
While the intention is usually good, over-adoption creates a “more is more” mentality that doesn’t always translate to student success. In fact, it often leads to surface-level implementation, rushed pacing, and burned-out teachers. Instead of trying to use everything, consider focusing on a few high-leverage tools that align with your goals and your students' needs.
Remember: more programs won’t automatically lead to better readers. Consistent, high-quality instruction—delivered with purpose and clarity—will. Sometimes, less truly is more.s.
Sample 90-Minute K–2 Literacy Block Schedule
Whether you’ve got a tight 90 minutes or a more generous 120, the key is designing a block that prioritizes what matters most: explicit instruction, meaningful application, and time for small group support. The following schedule offers a flexible framework aligned to the Science of Reading—so you can adjust based on your students’ needs and your daily time constraints.
How to Adjust Your Block Based on the Time You Have
If you’re working with around 90 minutes, it’s all about keeping things focused. Keep phonics and small groups in your daily routine, then alternate comprehension and writing depending on the day. This lets you stay grounded in the big five—without feeling like you’re rushing through everything.
If your block is closer to 120 minutes, you’ve got a little more room to breathe. That extra time lets you go deeper with the skills you’re teaching—not just add more to your plate. Here are a few ways to make the most of that added time:
Phonics: Extend dictation, add a review game, or loop in multisensory practice
Fluency: Reread decodable texts, use fluency pyramids, or practice phrased reading
Comprehension: Revisit your read-aloud with discussion routines or a response activity
Writing: Launch into writer’s workshop—plan, write, edit, and maybe even share
Small Groups: Meet with three groups or spend a little longer with your highest-need kids
Weekly Planning: Making It All Fit Without the Stress
Here’s something that helps when your days feel packed: zoom out and look at your literacy block across the whole week, not just in isolation each day. You don’t have to do every component every single day to be effective—especially if you’re working within 90 minutes. Instead, think about spreading the key elements out in a way that makes sense and feels doable.
Here’s an example of how that might look:
Monday–Wednesday: Lay the Foundation
Introduce the phonics skill and heart words for the week
Focus on comprehension with a strong read-aloud and vocabulary talk
Build writing stamina with shared writing or short independent responses
Prioritize your highest-need groups during small group time
Thursday–Friday: Apply and Extend
Reinforce phonics with dictation and decodable texts
Revisit the read-aloud for deeper discussion or response activities
Focus writing time on editing, revising, or finishing a final piece
Use small group time to build fluency or support encoding with word work
This kind of rhythm keeps your week balanced without overloading your day. Some days will lean heavier on comprehension, others on writing or phonics—and that’s okay. It all works together when you plan with intention.
Need a starting point for your own schedule?
I’ve put together a set of editable templates to help you map out a 90–120 minute literacy block that works for your classroom. Whether you're tweaking your current routine or building something brand new, these templates will help you plan with purpose and clarity.
