Former first-grade teacher. Forever your literacy bestie.
I'm Lyndsey Kuster, a former first-grade teacher (I still miss those toothless grins) turned curriculum developer, with over 16 years in education. I've spent my career working closely with primary teachers and early readers, especially the kids who struggle with decoding, blending and spelling.
From the kidney table to your literacy bestie.
A teacher first, always.
Small groups, big questions.
I spent years at the kidney table running small groups while the rest of the class needed something meaningful to do. I questioned whether I was teaching the “right” thing. I felt the pressure of knowing that if reading doesn't click early, everything gets harder.
Teachers don't need more stuff. They need clarity.
Lyndsey KusterThe club I wish I'd had.
So I built a home base where research meets 22 wiggly humans on a Tuesday morning. That's exactly what Literacy Unlocked is: resources, plans, read-alouds and real support, all in one place, built by a teacher.
Explicit, systematic and easy to use.
I'm trained in Orton-Gillingham–aligned practices and deeply rooted in the Science of Reading. Everything I create is explicit, systematic and easy to use, so you can spend less time piecing things together and more time helping your students learn to read with confidence.
How I think about teaching reading.
Research-backed and teacher-made, minus the overwhelm. Here's what shapes everything I create.
Explicit + systematic
Every skill taught clearly and in an order that builds, so no reader gets left guessing.
From sounds to stories
Teach confidently from first sounds to fluent, thoughtful readers.
Orton-Gillingham approach
Explicit, multisensory phonics kids can see, say and feel.
UFLI-friendly
Fits right in with the UFLI scope you already teach.
A few fun facts about me.
Kind words from teacher friends.
“My teacher BFF!”“I work with teachers across multiple grade levels, and I always recommend Lyndsey's resources. They're aligned with best practices and work beautifully in any classroom setting.”
Tasha L.“I've been teaching for over a decade, and I can confidently say these are the most well-thought-out resources I've ever used. And for me? No more late nights planning.”
Michelle R.“I've prepared many of her materials to use with my after school tutoring students, and they are always excited when I bring out the folders and task boxes.”
Charity A.
“Pup approved.”Let's teach reading together.
Pick the spot that fits where you are right now. Every path is teacher-made and ready to use.
Literacy Unlocked, your all-access literacy bestie.
All your K–2 literacy tools in one place, with clear routines, plans and support to help you teach reading with confidence.
- Pick your grade and plan your week
- Print and teach your lessons
- Book Nook read-alouds + teacher community
Then $27/month. Cancel anytime by email.
Teaching toolkits
Print-and-go toolkits that go deep on one skill, perfect for small groups and intervention.
Explore toolkits →Free literacy kit
Six Science of Reading resources, ready to print tomorrow. On the house.
Send me the kit →For schools
One login for every K–2 teacher in your building. Purchase orders welcome.
See school licenses →Building Primary Writers
My K–2 writing program for confident, capable young writers.
Meet the program →A few of my favorite reads.
How to Teach With Decodable Passages in a Science of Reading Classroom
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How to Teach Orthographic Mapping with Word Mapping Mats
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