Why I Wrote Literacy Unlocked — And Why It’s the Book I Wish I Had as a New Teacher
Let’s be honest — teaching kids to read shouldn’t feel this hard. But between conflicting programs, changing mandates, and an overwhelming stream of “Science of Reading” advice, it often does.
Years ago, I remember sitting in a professional development session and thinking, “This all sounds good… but what do I actually do with it on Monday?”
That question stuck with me — and it’s the reason I wrote Literacy Unlocked.
This book was written to bridge the gap between research and real classrooms. It’s for the teacher with 24 students and 10 minutes to plan. It’s for the coach trying to guide their team with clarity. And it’s for anyone who wants to teach reading with both confidence and heart.
What’s Inside Literacy Unlocked
Each chapter of Literacy Unlocked blends research, real-life application, and simple strategies you can use right away — whether you’re at the small group table or leading schoolwide PD. You’ll also find free printable resources with each chapter to help you bring the ideas to life with less prep and more impact.
How the Brain Learns to Read
In Chapter 1, we explore how the brain recycles existing systems — originally designed for speech and vision — to become a reading machine. You’ll learn exactly why phonics instruction is essential and how to build the neural pathways that make reading possible for all students, not just the naturals. The free printables in this chapter include visual models and explainer charts you can use with your team or your students.
Phonemic Awareness That Actually Sticks
Phonemic awareness without print can work — but research shows the real gains come when we connect sounds to letters early and often. You’ll learn when and how to add print, how to make the most of blending and segmenting, and how to move phonemic awareness from oral warm-ups into meaningful reading and writing routines.
Free resources in this chapter include PA lesson templates and sound-by-sound scaffolds.
Explicit Phonics and Letter-Sound Instruction
Strong phonics instruction isn’t just about a scope and sequence — it’s about delivering it clearly, systematically, and with purpose. In this chapter, we dig into how to teach letter-sound relationships explicitly, introduce sound-spelling patterns, and help students apply them through reading and writing. You’ll learn how to model, guide, and scaffold phonics routines that support every learner — especially those who struggle.
**The free printables include phonics lesson templates, sound spelling cards, and routines you can use in whole group, small group, or intervention.
The Missing Link: Handwriting
This one surprises people — but fluent handwriting is more than neat letters. It frees up cognitive space and directly supports phonics and spelling development. We’ll talk about letter formation routines, posture and grip, and how to build handwriting into your daily schedule without sacrificing instructional time.
Printables include formation guides, handwriting routines, and fine motor warm-up activities.
Decodables Done Right
You’ll learn how to choose decodable texts that truly match your phonics scope and sequence — and how to spot leveled texts that look decodable but aren’t. We’ll also walk through how to integrate decodable reading into your day without making it feel robotic. This chapter’s printables include a decodable evaluation checklist, fluency tracking tools, and parent handouts that explain why decodables matter.
Building Background Knowledge and Vocabulary
Decoding isn’t enough — kids need language to understand what they read. This chapter shows you how to build content knowledge and academic vocabulary alongside your phonics instruction, even if you feel short on time. You’ll get ideas for simple read-aloud routines, oral language warm-ups, and vocabulary strategies that stick. The printables include Tier 2 word lists, knowledge-building templates, and comprehension talk prompts.
Who This Book Is For?
Literacy Unlocked was written for the educators who want more than theory. It’s for teachers, coaches, and families who are ready for answers — and ready to take action.
If you’re:
A K–2 teacher wondering where to begin with structured literacy — this book will give you a clear, research-backed roadmap to build your block from the ground up.
A reading coach or instructional leader helping others shift from balanced literacy — you’ll find the language, models, and real-life examples that make the science accessible for your team.
An interventionist or support specialist trying to align Tier 1 and Tier 2 — you’ll get practical tools to strengthen instruction, bridge gaps, and use data to guide next steps.
A homeschooling parent who knows something isn’t clicking — but doesn’t want to waste another year trying to piece it all together on your own.
Literacy Unlocked is for anyone who wants to move from confusion to confidence — and from “I hope this works” to “I know why this works.”
Why This Work Matters
This book is more than a guide to best practices. It’s a call to action — and an invitation.
An invitation to stop second-guessing yourself.
To replace overwhelm with clarity.
To trade in buzzwords for understanding.
And to finally feel equipped to give every student the explicit, supportive instruction they need to become skilled, confident readers.
Because here’s what I believe:
When we know better, we can do better. And when teachers are given the right tools, support, and knowledge — they can become the reading teacher every child deserves. Whether you're just beginning or deep into your shift toward structured literacy, this book was written to walk alongside you.
What People Are Saying About Literacy Unlocked
"Literacy Unlocked supports elementary teachers to act on the science of reading with field-tested lesson plans and teaching strategies that Amie Burkholder has used and found to work in real classrooms."
— Stephanie Stollar, Ph.D., Founder of Reading Science Academy
"If you're looking to understand both the 'why' and 'how' of early reading instruction, Literacy Unlocked is your book. Amie breaks down the research in a way that makes sense, and her sample lessons are pure gold — you'll walk away knowing exactly how to put these practices into action in your classroom!"
— Anna Geiger, The Measured Mom
"This is the book I wish I had my first year of teaching. It’s practical, research-based, and written with so much heart."
— Ashley D., First Grade Teacher
"Amie doesn’t just explain the Science of Reading — she shows you how to use it with real students, real lessons, and real confidence."
— Melissa S., Reading Coach
"This book changed how I approach literacy in my classroom. I finally feel like I understand what I’m doing — and why it matters."
— Jasmine R., Kindergarten Teacher
Grab the Book + Bonus Resources
Literacy Unlocked is available now wherever books are sold — and I hope it earns a place on your desk, your planning table, and in your conversations with colleagues.L
Free printable tools from every chapter
Book study discussion guides
Planning templates to help you take action right away
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Let’s unlock literacy — together.
