Decodable texts

Back to School: Getting to Know Your First Grade Readers

It’s Back to School time! Looking for some fun reading tips and activities your children will love? This post offers free printables that will make the first weeks of school a success for students and teachers! Essential Back to School Assessments for Early Readers Back to School is an exciting time for primary students! First…

Decodable Books | Decodable texts | Instruction

How Will I Know When It’s Time to Stop Using Decodable Texts?

We are often asked, “At what skill or mastery level should I stop using decodable texts?” The answer varies based on each student. Before we jump into the answer, there are some basic understandings that must be addressed as to WHY the use of decodable texts in beginning and struggling readers is non-negotiable. Six Basic…

comprehension | Decodable texts

How Do Decodable Texts Support Reading Comprehension?

Not only do decodable texts support reading comprehension, they can actually increase comprehension! We hear it all the time. “The purpose of reading is comprehension and focusing on code gets in the way of that.” We beg to differ. Let me tell you a true story.

Beginning Readers | Decodable texts | Emergent readers

Decodable Nonfiction Books for Beginning Readers

Kindergarten and First Grade readers love to read nonfiction. Many of these kiddos are emerging readers who often have trouble accessing traditional nonfiction texts. That’s why it’s important to include decodable nonfiction books in your reading instruction.

What is a Closed Syllable and Why is it Important?

Teaching beginning readers about the closed syllable is an important first step in reading success. Kindergarten, First Grade, and emergent readers benefit from lessons that include explicit, systematic instruction of the syllable type, both in isolation and in connected text (decodable readers).

Decodable texts | Instruction

How to Determine the Decodability of a Text

As we explained in a previous post, decodable texts are one of three types of important texts for beginning readers. Decodable texts help build important neuronal pathways mapping sounds to print. When students have an opportunity to apply their new learning to connected text, it builds confident, capable readers. When selecting decodable texts to reinforce…