The Lit Six

What Every Teacher Needs to Build an Evidence-Based Literacy Block
Nancy Akhavan - California State University, Fresno, USA
The Lit Six
October 2025 | 224 pages | Corwin
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ISBN: 9798348839376
Available from January 0001
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ISBN: 9781071972106
Available from November 2025

Description

Combine research-backed literacy instruction with classroom routines that help students find reading success

As schools embrace the science of reading, implementing evidence-based literacy practices is a must! Yet it can be challenging for busy teachers to know exactly how to put research-based approaches and strategies to work in the classroom.

In The Lit Six: What Every Teacher Needs to Build an Evidence-Based Literacy Block, author Nancy Akhavan provides a framework that equips educators with the tools and strategies to build an effective, research-backed literacy block that engages students and fosters skilled readers and writers. The book shows teachers how to integrate six essential daily elements for their literacy block: (1) read alouds; (2) shared reading; (3) small group instruction and independent reading; (4) language (including vocabulary and morphology); (5) phonemic awareness, phonics, and word work; and (6) writing.

Designed to address the practical challenges teachers face in aligning teaching practices with the latest science of reading research, this book provides actionable solutions to common questions like "What should I teach first?" and "How do I effectively organize my literacy block?" The Lit Six blends evidence-based daily reading instruction with student-centered approaches to help every learner thrive.

Written in Nancy Akhavan's signature straightforward and teacher-friendly style, this book offers

  • A Comprehensive Model: Discover how to integrate six essential components of a successful literacy block into your lessons.
  • Practical Tools for Teachers: Access scaffolds, decision trees, graphic organizers, and detailed guides to jump-start implementation.
  • Flexibility in Application: Learn how to apply research-driven practices that create the foundation for great literacy teaching and can be used alongside mandated curriculums to help you meet the needs of all learners in your classroom.
  • Data-Driven Tips: Discover how to use classroom data to refine instruction and maximize student progress.

This book is your guide to seamlessly blending the art and science of teaching. With The Lit Six, educators can design dynamic literacy blocks that not not align with the research but also respond to the unique needs of their students and foster literacy for all.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About the Author

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Chapter One: Planning an Evidence-Based Literacy Block

  • Oral Language Development First and Always
  • Talking, Reading, and Writing Throughout The Lit Six
  • Time Management and The Lit Six
  • Daily Schedules
  • In Closing

Chapter Two: The Reading Science Supporting The Lit Six

  • The Four Processing Systems Involved in Reading
  • In Closing

Chapter Three: The Writing Science Supporting The Lit Six

  • The Not-So-Simple View of Writing
  • In Closing

Chapter Four: Oral Language Development

  • An Introduction to Oral Language Development
  • Important Skills to Teach
  • Strategies in Action
  • Increasing Exposure to Complex Language Structures
  • Comprehension Strategies
  • Presenting Skills
  • In Closing

Chapter Five: Read Alouds

  • An Introduction to Read Alouds
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Chapter Six: Shared Reading

  • An Introduction to Shared Reading
  • The Skills Involved
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Chapter Seven: Small Group and Independent Reading

  • An Introduction to Small Group Instruction and Independent Reading
  • Skills to Address
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Chapter Eight: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics and Word Work

  • An Introduction to Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, and Word Work
  • Skills
  • Strategies in Action
  • Word Work for Grades 3–8
  • In Closing

Chapter Nine: Language Instruction

  • An Introduction to Language Instruction
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Chapter Ten: Writing

  • An Introduction to Writing
  • Grades K–1 Writing
  • Grades 2–5 Writing
  • Grades 6–8 Writing
  • Writing Instruction—Not Assigning Writing
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Appendix

  • Kindergarten Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Scope & Sequence
  • First Grade Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Scope & Sequence
  • Second Grade Phonics Scope & Sequence
  • Common Roots
  • Most Common Prefixes
  • Most Common Suffixes
  • Elkonin Boxes
  • Summary of Word Reading and Spelling Abilities Based on Ehri’s (2005) Four Phases of Development
  • Wheel Map
  • Ladder Map
  • T-Chart for Organizing Information
  • Get the Gist Graphic Organizer
  • Timeline Organizer

References

References

Index

Index

Description

Combine research-backed literacy instruction with classroom routines that help students find reading success

As schools embrace the science of reading, implementing evidence-based literacy practices is a must! Yet it can be challenging for busy teachers to know exactly how to put research-based approaches and strategies to work in the classroom.

In The Lit Six: What Every Teacher Needs to Build an Evidence-Based Literacy Block, author Nancy Akhavan provides a framework that equips educators with the tools and strategies to build an effective, research-backed literacy block that engages students and fosters skilled readers and writers. The book shows teachers how to integrate six essential daily elements for their literacy block: (1) read alouds; (2) shared reading; (3) small group instruction and independent reading; (4) language (including vocabulary and morphology); (5) phonemic awareness, phonics, and word work; and (6) writing.

Designed to address the practical challenges teachers face in aligning teaching practices with the latest science of reading research, this book provides actionable solutions to common questions like "What should I teach first?" and "How do I effectively organize my literacy block?" The Lit Six blends evidence-based daily reading instruction with student-centered approaches to help every learner thrive.

Written in Nancy Akhavan's signature straightforward and teacher-friendly style, this book offers

  • A Comprehensive Model: Discover how to integrate six essential components of a successful literacy block into your lessons.
  • Practical Tools for Teachers: Access scaffolds, decision trees, graphic organizers, and detailed guides to jump-start implementation.
  • Flexibility in Application: Learn how to apply research-driven practices that create the foundation for great literacy teaching and can be used alongside mandated curriculums to help you meet the needs of all learners in your classroom.
  • Data-Driven Tips: Discover how to use classroom data to refine instruction and maximize student progress.

This book is your guide to seamlessly blending the art and science of teaching. With The Lit Six, educators can design dynamic literacy blocks that not not align with the research but also respond to the unique needs of their students and foster literacy for all.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About the Author

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Chapter One: Planning an Evidence-Based Literacy Block

  • Oral Language Development First and Always
  • Talking, Reading, and Writing Throughout The Lit Six
  • Time Management and The Lit Six
  • Daily Schedules
  • In Closing

Chapter Two: The Reading Science Supporting The Lit Six

  • The Four Processing Systems Involved in Reading
  • In Closing

Chapter Three: The Writing Science Supporting The Lit Six

  • The Not-So-Simple View of Writing
  • In Closing

Chapter Four: Oral Language Development

  • An Introduction to Oral Language Development
  • Important Skills to Teach
  • Strategies in Action
  • Increasing Exposure to Complex Language Structures
  • Comprehension Strategies
  • Presenting Skills
  • In Closing

Chapter Five: Read Alouds

  • An Introduction to Read Alouds
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Chapter Six: Shared Reading

  • An Introduction to Shared Reading
  • The Skills Involved
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Chapter Seven: Small Group and Independent Reading

  • An Introduction to Small Group Instruction and Independent Reading
  • Skills to Address
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Chapter Eight: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics and Word Work

  • An Introduction to Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, and Word Work
  • Skills
  • Strategies in Action
  • Word Work for Grades 3–8
  • In Closing

Chapter Nine: Language Instruction

  • An Introduction to Language Instruction
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Chapter Ten: Writing

  • An Introduction to Writing
  • Grades K–1 Writing
  • Grades 2–5 Writing
  • Grades 6–8 Writing
  • Writing Instruction—Not Assigning Writing
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing

Appendix

  • Kindergarten Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Scope & Sequence
  • First Grade Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Scope & Sequence
  • Second Grade Phonics Scope & Sequence
  • Common Roots
  • Most Common Prefixes
  • Most Common Suffixes
  • Elkonin Boxes
  • Summary of Word Reading and Spelling Abilities Based on Ehri’s (2005) Four Phases of Development
  • Wheel Map
  • Ladder Map
  • T-Chart for Organizing Information
  • Get the Gist Graphic Organizer
  • Timeline Organizer

References

References

Index

Index

SAGE Publishing Logo

The Lit Six

What Every Teacher Needs to Build an Evidence-Based Literacy Block


October 2025 | 224 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 07/05/2024 9781071972106 $39.95
Lifetime 27/10/2025 9798348839376 $36.00

Combine research-backed literacy instruction with classroom routines that help students find reading success

As schools embrace the science of reading, implementing evidence-based literacy practices is a must! Yet it can be challenging for busy teachers to know exactly how to put research-based approaches and strategies to work in the classroom.

In The Lit Six: What Every Teacher Needs to Build an Evidence-Based Literacy Block, author Nancy Akhavan provides a framework that equips educators with the tools and strategies to build an effective, research-backed literacy block that engages students and fosters skilled readers and writers. The book shows teachers how to integrate six essential daily elements for their literacy block: (1) read alouds; (2) shared reading; (3) small group instruction and independent reading; (4) language (including vocabulary and morphology); (5) phonemic awareness, phonics, and word work; and (6) writing.

Designed to address the practical challenges teachers face in aligning teaching practices with the latest science of reading research, this book provides actionable solutions to common questions like "What should I teach first?" and "How do I effectively organize my literacy block?" The Lit Six blends evidence-based daily reading instruction with student-centered approaches to help every learner thrive.

Written in Nancy Akhavan's signature straightforward and teacher-friendly style, this book offers

  • A Comprehensive Model: Discover how to integrate six essential components of a successful literacy block into your lessons.
  • Practical Tools for Teachers: Access scaffolds, decision trees, graphic organizers, and detailed guides to jump-start implementation.
  • Flexibility in Application: Learn how to apply research-driven practices that create the foundation for great literacy teaching and can be used alongside mandated curriculums to help you meet the needs of all learners in your classroom.
  • Data-Driven Tips: Discover how to use classroom data to refine instruction and maximize student progress.

This book is your guide to seamlessly blending the art and science of teaching. With The Lit Six, educators can design dynamic literacy blocks that not not align with the research but also respond to the unique needs of their students and foster literacy for all.


Table Of Contents:

  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Author
  • INTRODUCTION
  • Chapter One: Planning an Evidence-Based Literacy Block
  • Oral Language Development First and Always
  • Talking, Reading, and Writing Throughout The Lit Six
  • Time Management and The Lit Six
  • Daily Schedules
  • In Closing
  • Chapter Two: The Reading Science Supporting The Lit Six
  • The Four Processing Systems Involved in Reading
  • In Closing
  • Chapter Three: The Writing Science Supporting The Lit Six
  • The Not-So-Simple View of Writing
  • In Closing
  • Chapter Four: Oral Language Development
  • An Introduction to Oral Language Development
  • Important Skills to Teach
  • Strategies in Action
  • Increasing Exposure to Complex Language Structures
  • Comprehension Strategies
  • Presenting Skills
  • In Closing
  • Chapter Five: Read Alouds
  • An Introduction to Read Alouds
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing
  • Chapter Six: Shared Reading
  • An Introduction to Shared Reading
  • The Skills Involved
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing
  • Chapter Seven: Small Group and Independent Reading
  • An Introduction to Small Group Instruction and Independent Reading
  • Skills to Address
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing
  • Chapter Eight: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics and Word Work
  • An Introduction to Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, and Word Work
  • Skills
  • Strategies in Action
  • Word Work for Grades 3–8
  • In Closing
  • Chapter Nine: Language Instruction
  • An Introduction to Language Instruction
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing
  • Chapter Ten: Writing
  • An Introduction to Writing
  • Grades K–1 Writing
  • Grades 2–5 Writing
  • Grades 6–8 Writing
  • Writing Instruction—Not Assigning Writing
  • Strategies in Action
  • In Closing
  • Appendix
  • Kindergarten Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Scope & Sequence
  • First Grade Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Scope & Sequence
  • Second Grade Phonics Scope & Sequence
  • Common Roots
  • Most Common Prefixes
  • Most Common Suffixes
  • Elkonin Boxes
  • Summary of Word Reading and Spelling Abilities Based on Ehri’s (2005) Four Phases of Development
  • Wheel Map
  • Ladder Map
  • T-Chart for Organizing Information
  • Get the Gist Graphic Organizer
  • Timeline Organizer
  • References
  • Index

Recent Product Reviews:

“In your hands, you hold a comprehensive guide to a much-needed framework integrating the art and science of evidence-based reading instruction. With her thoughtful inclusion of oral language, Nancy Akhavan gives teachers and school leaders the blueprint to comprehensive, student-centered ELA blocks. For anyone in school buildings who has wondered, ‘How do I cover it all—every day for every student?’—this book shows you why and how.”
Molly Ness, author and teacher educator, Dirigo Literacy
“One of the most brilliant educators, Dr. Nancy Akhavan, has blessed us with The Lit Six, a practical, research-backed framework that transforms literacy instruction by organizing six essential components around oral language development. The book artfully bridges theory and practice, offering specific strategies and time allocations that make evidence-based literacy instruction accessible to K–8 educators. This comprehensive guide gives teachers the structure and confidence to build effective literacy blocks that serve all learners.”
Patty McGee, co-author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar
“The Lit Six framework, detailed in this wonderful book, offers a clear, flexible roadmap for teachers, grade levels, and districts. Rather than a scripted program, it supports thoughtful, research-aligned curriculum design. It empowers educators to build comprehensive literacy plans that are practical, customizable, and rooted in real classroom needs.”
Leah Mermelstein, literacy consultant/coach and author of “We-Do” Writing
“Nancy Akhavan has been a trusted learning partner for many of our California schools and County Offices by providing cutting edge tools and knowledge that can be applied immediately. The Lit Six framework has helped increase daily coherence for teaching and learning within and across the grade levels. Essentially, Nancy’s framework and resources make common sense common practices.”
JoDee Marcellin, Director of District to District Program, California Education Partners
“I’ve used Nancy Akhavan’s Lit Six framework in my work with schools, and it consistently sparks meaningful change in classrooms. Grounded in the science of reading, its clear structure and practical strategies make it easy for teachers to implement, leading to stronger literacy instruction and measurable gains for students.”
Robb J. Christopherson, EdD

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