7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-to-3 Reading Success

by Lindsay Kemeny

In this no-nonsense guide, primary reading expert and classroom teacher Lindsay Kemeny shares seven ways K–3 teachers can modify what they are currently doing to transform their reading instruction. Each chapter focuses on a critical area of foundational reading–from the most efficient ways to teach phonemic awareness and phonics to the most effective ways to boost comprehension. Kemeny clears up confusing terms and concepts and offers up  “do-tomorrow” strategies to help kids acquire reading skills efficiently and successfully transfer those skills to their reading. Readers will find the literacy routines and lessons Kemeny uses every day with her students detailed in the book, along with links to video demonstrations showing how she puts them into practice.

Genres: Teaching, Education, Nonfiction, Professional Development

160 pages, Paperback

Published July 20, 2023

Reviews

[Kylee Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of books about phonics and the science of reading over the last few years. This one might be the easiest to read and has so many great, ready to implement strategies. To my fellow educators: you don't have to take a leap... just make some mighty moves so that your classroom can be the place where every child learns to read. ❤️

[Alecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5.0
Includes research and instructional routines that can be immediately implemented.
1. Teach phonemic awareness with intention
2. Teach phonics explicitly and systematically
3. Teach decoding strategies
4. Use decodable texts for beginning readers
5. Encourage decoding of high frequency words
6. Use meaningful practice opportunities to improve fluency
7. Teach vocabulary and background knowledge to improve comprehension

[Aidan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my first book to help me in my educational journey, this one was stellar. As I’m stepping into my final practicum teaching Grade 2, I found this book held a plethora of resources that I can see myself implementing within my instruction when helping my students with their literacy.

I am very glad to have used this book as part of my research for the year and highly recommend giving it a read if you teach elementary and want to have a stronger literacy program! I feel like literacy is very intimidating (especially for new educators), but this book has immensely eased my nerves!

[Moya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great book for teachers who want to apply science of reading right away in their classroom but don't have much formal training. I've had a full LETRS training and a week-long training with IMSE so I know most of the things discussed in this book. Even so, it's still a good refresher of the science of reading approach for teaching reading. In particular, Kemeny has her own interpretations and/or implementations shared in the book, which are very valuable and help me improve my own teaching practice.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear and simple explanation of both the why and the how for implementing literacy instruction that is based on the science of reading. This would be great for teachers who are resistant to making the change from balanced literacy and for teachers new to the profession who don't understand why everyone is making such a fuss. Kemeny also includes some great suggestions in here for activities that you can use at each stage of instruction. Excellent.

[Madison Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for a book club at school and really loved it!!

[Megan Drozal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! I have so many new ideas to implement in my classroom!

[Shelby Banaszak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the science of reading and overview for somebody who has begun learning the science of reading.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for all elementary teachers that teach literacy! Excellent resource, easy to read with loads of examples & practical ideas!

[James Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished 7 Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny, and wow—this is hands down my favorite book on early reading strategies so far!

Kemeny breaks down seven powerful, research-backed moves that every K–3 teacher can use to help kids become strong, confident readers:
🔹 Be intentional with phonemic awareness
🔹 Teach phonics explicitly & systematically
🔹 Focus on decoding strategies (ditch the three-cueing)
🔹 Use decodable texts for beginners
🔹 Decode high-frequency words instead of just memorizing
🔹 Build fluency with purposeful practice
🔹 Boost comprehension with vocabulary & background knowledge

What I love most is how practical this book is—you can take ideas straight into the classroom the very next day. It’s clear, simple, and powerful.

This one is a must-read for all K–3 teachers. Your students will thank you!

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

To put this review into perspective, I read this as a new first grade teacher with extensive background knowledge of the science of reading.

What sets this book apart from other similar books is the numerous classroom-tested activities that teachers can watch in action (thanks to the linked videos) and immediately put into practice in their classroom (using the linked templates as needed).

This book is eminently readable and practical. Kemeny has really done her research and put it into action with her own children and in her own classroom. Her book will help others do the same. Thanks for writing this!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt a little dated to me… but it could just be the population of students I work with that this felt incomplete. I love the last chapter with actionable ideas - some of which I already do and some I will adapt!
Some of the data in the book just doesn’t work for me and mine, and that’s okay! I bet this works amazing for a large number of kids - I need something a little different at this time is all!

[Tamara Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for primary grade teachers who are looking to shift their practices to reflect the latest research findings in the science of reading. Easily accessible and practicable content makes this book a good guide for how to do better because you know better. As an upper grade teacher, less of the strategies were super applicable to my current classroom, though I was able to utilize many of them with my striving readers in small groups.

[Lise-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

7 mighty moves:
Teaching phonemic awareness with intention
Teaching phonics explicitly and systematically
Teaching decoding strategies
Using decodable texts for beginning readers
Decoding high-frequency words
Focus on meaningful fluency practice
Improving comprehension by developing vocabulary and background knowledge

[Sarah Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for adding instructional practices that support the science of reading and promote growth in students. I love the videos that demonstrate many of the mentioned strategies as well as various resources shared. It's a great book that simplifies the path to meaningful instruction in an easy-to-read format.

[Dorthyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found some techniques I will be trying in my classroom. There were many things I assumed teachers already knew. However, after speaking with other teachers, newer and older, I was informed they weren't taught many of these techniques. 
I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book that I can take notes in and reference quickly.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must-read for teachers.
So much information in easy to understand, clear language. It's short too, which makes it achievable for busy, busy educators!!

This would be great for a book study.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kemeny hit the mark of providing evidence-based strategies teachers can immediately implement in their classrooms. I appreciated this collection of strategies immensely, and plan to make changes based on them. The work has already begun, in fact!

[Turquoise Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given this for Xmas from work - All around Greta book backed with research and simple turn around ideas, plans and strategies. Easy to read and understand in one sitting. You can stop and start from different chapters.

[John & Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Good read foe classroom teachers looking for a little help in changing their practice to reflect what we know about teaching reading that colleges aren't teaching pre-service teachers. Clear explanations and information.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Lindsay provides not just great information, tips, and research, but that she also provides actual ways to implement things into our classroom right now. She also includes videos to visually see how to do some of the things as well. It follows the science of reading. Really well done.

[Trista Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for any teacher. It includes many easily applicable strategies to impact student instruction. They can be easily implemented with videos and downloads to support you. Don't wait! Read it today!

[Sydney Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great place to begin your journey into science of reading. There was not much information that was new to me, but I did like the activity ideas. I am moving from 2nd to first this year, so the activities will be a great addition to my classroom.

[John-karrie Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets into the heart of teaching students to read. It is and easy to read book with easy to implement strategies for transforming your lessons into phonics/phonilogocal awareness/reading time that is both fun and effective. These strategies go hand-and-hand with UFLI.

[Natalie Dube · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has some of the best reading/ language instruction that is actually broken down into ideas, steps, and deliverable concepts. Highly recommend for teachers preK through 4th, or any one working with reading/writing basic instruction

[Liz Friesen]

This is an easy to read book about best practices in reading instruction. It has the science, and also ideas of what that science looks like in a primary classroom. Even if you already incorporate the science of reading in your classroom, you will get new implementation ideas to add in.

[Jgramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read for the new and veteran teacher. The author gives practical teaching tips you could take the next day to your classroom that will profoundly influence your students’ lives.

[Katie Ludes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to making shifts in your classroom to improve reading instruction. Amazing ideas to implement immediately.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, nuanced, respectful of teachers and centered in the real work of classroom instruction.

[Chris Heim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book! It's a must-read for Kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers, reading intervention specialists, and a very useful read for Grade 2 teachers as well.