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Welcome to the Laurie's Learning Tree blog, your go-to resource for engaging, research-based strategies for early literacy and foundational math. Here you'll find practical, easy-to-implement activities designed for educators, parents, and homeschoolers working with students in grades K–2.

Decoding the Love of Learning

As a longtime educator, content creator, and the voice behind Laurie’s Learning Tree, I've learned that every child deserves to feel confident and successful when learning to read. Our blog provides the right tools, strategies, and support to make that happen.

Engaging Minds with Proven Methods

Your Partner in Education

Whether you're a classroom teacher looking for decodable resources, a parent supporting a new reader, or a homeschooler planning a phonics-based curriculum, you’ll find creative tools, guided tutorials, and themed activities right here. We are grounded in the Science of Reading, and the blog offers practical, easy-to-implement activities that support phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and math fact fluency.

BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS USING THE SCIENCE OF READING IN K-2 CLASSROOMS & HOMESCHOOL 

 

Back-to-School Tips: Using the Science of Reading in K–2 Classrooms & Homeschool

The beginning of the school year is an exciting time filled with new routines, fresh supplies, and eager learners ready to grow. For K–2 teachers and homeschooling parents, it’s also the perfect opportunity to set the foundation for strong reading success. By using the Science of Reading (SoR), you can create structured, joyful literacy experiences that help every child become a confident reader.

 

Here are some back-to-school tips and ideas to make your year successful:

 

1. Start with Phonemic Awareness Every Day:  Before children can read words, they need to hear and manipulate sounds. Build short, daily activities into your morning routine:

  • Clap out syllables in names during circle time.
  • Play “I Spy” with beginning sounds (e.g., I spy something that starts with /m/!).
  • Use sound blending games: say /s/…/u/…/n/ and have kids blend to say sun.

Small, consistent practice strengthens the brain pathways that make reading easier later on.


2. Introduce Phonics in a Clear Sequence:  Follow a systematic phonics sequence so children build skills step by step. For example, begin with simple CVC words (cat, dog, sun) before moving into digraphs (ch, sh, th) and long vowels.

👉 Tip for parents: Focus on one sound pattern at a time and provide multiple practice opportunities through word building, games, and decodable books.

 

3. Use Decodable Texts for Reading Practice:  At the start of the year, children benefit most from decodable readers—books that match the phonics patterns they’ve learned.

  • Replace predictable “patterned” books with decodables to build accuracy and confidence.
  • Pair reading practice with encoding (spelling) activities to reinforce the same skill.        

This approach gives kids immediate success while preventing guessing habits.


4. Incorporate Multi-Sensory Learning:  Children learn best when they engage multiple senses. Try:

  • Sand or salt trays for letter writing.
  • Magnetic letters to build words.
  • Movement games (jump to the correct vowel sound, hop for rhyming words).

Multi-sensory instruction strengthens retention and makes lessons fun!


5. Build a Strong Home-School Connection:  Whether you’re a classroom teacher or homeschooling parent, families play a huge role in literacy success.

  • Share weekly word lists or phonics skills with families.
  • Encourage parents to practice reading aloud daily for just 10 minutes.
  • Provide easy games or activities that reinforce classroom learning at home.

 

6. Focus on Joy, Not Just Mastery:  The Science of Reading provides the “how” of teaching, but joy fuels the “why.”

  • Celebrate small wins (sounding out a new word, spelling a tricky pattern).
  • Add themed activities for seasons or holidays to keep lessons fresh.
  • Include read-alouds of rich children’s literature to build vocabulary and love for books.

 

Final Thought:  Back-to-school is the perfect time to build strong reading habits that last all year. By combining the Science of Reading with engaging, hands-on learning, you’ll give children the tools they need to become confident, joyful readers.

If you’re looking for ready-to-use phonics lessons, decodable books, and interactive literacy activities, check out Laurie’s Learning Tree for resources designed with K–2 students, check out Laurie's Learning Tree on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@LauriesLearningTree and visit my TPT Store!