Structured Literacy & the Science of Reading
When it comes to teaching early readers, intentional and engaging practice makes all the difference, and strong reading development starts with foundational literacy skills. Research behind the Science of Reading tells us that children need explicit, systematic instruction in phonics to become confident readers, and teachers know that having resources that are both effective and easy to use is essential.
In my district, we use the Fundations® Curriculum, but I was needing more activities that I could use during my small groups or intervention, and that could easily be added to my Literacy Centers.
That’s why I created these resources that are designed to support structured literacy instruction while keeping students motivated through hands-on, interactive learning.
All of these activities follow the Fundations® Level K scope and sequence for Weeks 1–12, making them a great supplement to the existing instruction.
The activities focus on:
* Letter identification
* Letter-sound correspondence
* Beginning sounds in words
* Handwriting and letter formation
* Automaticity and fluency
Each activity was designed to be flexible so you can pick and choose exactly what you want to focus on.
Beginning Sounds Board Games
These games give students repeated practice identifying beginning sounds in words. Students say the picture name aloud, isolate the initial sound, and connect it to the correct letter—all while playing a fun, low-prep game.
Letters & Sounds Board Games
Perfect for reinforcing letter identification and letter sounds, these board games help students build confidence and automaticity through repeated exposure and oral practice.
Roll & Write Letters
This activity combines phonics and handwriting practice. Students roll a die, identify the letter, and practice writing it correctly—supporting both letter recognition and proper letter formation.
Beginning Sounds Picture Sorts
Picture sorts are a powerful structured literacy tool. These sorts help students listen for, identify, and categorize beginning sounds, strengthening their phonemic awareness in a hands-on way.
Roll & Read Letters & Sounds
This resource targets fluency and automaticity. Students roll a die, identify the letter, and/or say the sound, giving them repeated, intentional practice aligned with the Science of Reading.
How These Resources Support Early Readers
✔ Aligned with Fundations® Level K (Weeks 1–12)
✔ Supports structured literacy instruction
✔ Builds foundational literacy skills
✔ Encourages repeated practice for automaticity and fluency
✔ Engaging, hands-on, and student-friendly
These resources are easy to prep, simple to use, and highly effective—making them a go-to option for busy teachers who want meaningful practice without extra stress.
Each activity can be found individually in my TPT store, or there is also a money-saving BUNDLE available!
If you’re looking for phonics activities that are research-based, curriculum-aligned, and kid-approved, this collection was created with you (and your students) in mind. 💛