The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Decodable Reader
I understand the challenges and frustrations that can come from teaching a child to read, especially if that child is a struggling reader. That’s why I want to introduce you to the decodable books that I found so effective as a teacher and as a parent of two struggling readers.
First of all, what exactly is a decodable reader?
A decodable reader is a book specifically designed for an inexperienced reader to be able to sound out (decode) the words.
An inexperienced or struggling reader does not have a lot of words memorized yet for fluent, easy reading. They have to labourously sound out each word in order to understand what they are reading. On the other hand, fluent readers have many words memorized and do not need to sound out each word.
A new or struggling reader benefits from using a book that uses words that they can decode according to a specific continuum of phonics skills/rules. The child at this reading level benefits from learning a phonics rule and then practicing reading words that use this rule.
When the learner masters this rule and words, they can move on to the next rule and set pf words to practice until they have mastered all the phonics rules necessary for learning to read. This is the learning to read phase.
The next phase is reading to learn where they begin to master concepts and increasing vocabulary skills.
The learning to read phase consists of phonemic awareness skills, alphabet knowledge, phonics rules, decoding words, and learning sight words (which do not follow the phonics rules). The reading to learn phase consists of comprehension skills, vocabulary skills and fluency skills in reading.
Decodable readers fit into the area of learning to read because they are meant to offer practice in a specific phonics skill that a new reader or a struggling reader is needing. The text of a decodable reader needs to be purposefully controlled according to the phonics skills being taught and practiced and in a story format. Sight words can be included but they should be acknowleged and practiced before beginning the decodable reader.
Decodable readers are not suppossed to be great works of fiction. They are just meant to be a way to practice a phonics skill in a book format rather than a worksheet.
Some books pretend to be decodable books but their format and choice of words do not fit the level of skill of the new or struggling readers. This cause immense frustration in the child trying to read the book. When you have a child with a low self esteem about their reading skills already, this is devastating!
I saw this happen all the time in my practice which is why I became very particular about my choices for decodable readers and so should you.
I’ve researched and experimented with thousands of decodable books over my two and a half decades as a Reading Specialist, so you don’t have to go through all that trouble and expense. The following decodable reader choices are the books I used after many years of research for not only all of my students but for all of my own kids! These decodable reader sets can be used individually or in tandem with one of the other sets to build a complete library of decodable readers!
I’ve witnessned first hand the remarkable improvements in reading skills with the correct decodable readers as well as the detrimental effects of poor decodable readers so let’s explore the 3 series which I discovered to be the most effective: The Alphabet Series Starter Set; Dr Maggie’s Phonics Readers; and Reading Blocks Decodable Readers, which I developed to specifically match a particular level and skill in the Reading Blocks reading program.
Alphabet Series Starter Set for Young Readers
If you are looking for the right reading materials to ignite a love for reading in a newbie or to boost a struggling reader’s confidence, the Alphabet Series Starter Set merits your attention. After using countless decodable readers and other decodables, I’ve come to trust this set for its kid-friendly approach to reading instruction as well as its comfortable readability.
The Alphabet Series Set comprises 39 readers with controlled text. This means new readers won’t be stumbling over words which are too difficult at this skill level. Instead, the reader will gradually build their fluency for reading with each reader. It’s all about the reader cultivating skills at their own pace, with books that grow in complexity as their abilities advance.
The reasons I recommend this set are twofold: First, kids genuinely enjoy these books. When children are engaged and entertained, they’re more likely to crave reading time, and that’s half the battle won.
Second, the set is consistent. Rather than overwhelming young readers with irregular reading patterns, it’s tailored to reinforce skills in an accessible format.
Carefully structured books can ease the overwhelming nature of learning to read for some children. With the Alphabet Series, each book introduces new sounds in an incremental sequence that helps to eliminate frustration and improve retention.
Dr Maggie’s Decodable Phonics Readers
When it comes to picking the right tools for teaching children how to read, Dr Maggie’s Phonics Readers stand out. Children can explore a variety of engaging texts that align with their phonics skills, making the learning process both joyful and purposeful. I have guided many young readers through these readers, from the very first book in Set 1 to the last one in Set 4, and the results are always excellent.
Each of the four sets in Dr Maggie’s series contains six books, and each book spans 16 pages. Unlike random reading materials that can overwhelm or confuse a child, these readers are never intimidating. Each book introduces new phonics sounds and sight words in a gradual sequence with each book building on the previous ones.
The success of Dr Maggie’s Phonics Readers isn’t just their kid-friendly appeal; it’s also how they cultivate reading skills. Children begin with the basics in Set 1, learning single sounds and simple words, and by Set 4, they are smoothly transitioning into more complex reading challenges.
After spending countless hours with various decodable readers, I can confidently say that these books deliver on their promise. Their structured approach ensures that new readers won’t just memorize words but actually understand the phonics behind them, setting a solid foundation for lifelong reading abilities.
Reading Blocks Decodable Readers
My final recommendation is the Reading Blocks Decodable Readers. They were designed by a Reading Specialist (me) and written with the struggling reader in mind (I had two daughters with dyslexia which is why I became a Reading Specialist in the first place). These readers are also a valuable resource for teachers, providing them with structured materials to support their students’ reading development.
The Reading Blocks Decodable Readers are based on cutting edge brain science on how the brain learns best combined with a systematic step by step phonics approach to reading fluency. They were inspired by my own two struggling readers and developed over many years of working with thousands of struggling readers from grades kindergarten through eighth grade.
The collection consists of 10 decodable readers which contain a total of 32 short stories. Each story contains new phonics skills plus makes sure to include a review of words and sounds from previous books in the collection. Review and repitition are crucial activites to provide the necessary practice for building strong reading pathways in the brain.
This series also contains the complete 1000 Fry sight word list which is needed to become a fluent reader. The Fry sight words are cleverly worked into the story as closely as possible to align with the phonics skills being taught in that level.
Children love to read this collection of decodble readers so reading practice is never an argument. They become more and more confident in their reading abilities with each new level.
Kids are so always so excited to learn to read when they start school. When this skill starts to be more difficult for a child compared to his or her peers it is devestating. Self esteem takes a real hit. Decodable readers are a great way to make reading feel safe again in this scenario. Reading Blocks Decodable Readers ensures your child’s reading success.
Decodable Books FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
As a long-time Reading Specialist, I understand how hard it can be to pick the right decodable readers for your child. The market is filled with options, and each claims superiority. Yet through years of experience, I’ve learned that not all decodable readers are created equal. To help you navigate this, let’s address some of the frequently asked questions.
Q: What is the best decodable text in a decodable reader?
The best decodable text is one that starts at the beginning and gradually introduces phonics skills in an incremental and systematic structure. Practice and review is important as well as all of the Fry sight words.
Q: How do I choose a decodable reader?
Look at the word choices in the decodable reader closely. Do they allow words that use advanced phonics skills above the level of the rest of the reader and can’t be decoded? Does the child seem frustrated and upset by reading the book? Then it’s not a good fit. The child should finish the story feeling confident and proud of their improvement in reading abilities after completing it. Ensure that the connection between the text and the child’s reading level is appropriate. The reader should feel like a human experience, not a frustrating task. Before proceeding with a purchase, consider the security of the reading material in terms of its ability to build the child’s confidence and skills.
Q: Are decodable readers better or different than regular early readers?
All early readers should be introducing phonics in an incremental and systematic approach just like decodable readers but the word choices will usually not be as restricted and controlled as in a decodable reader. Decodable Readers are fun for building confidence and reading fluency in a new reader and a lifesaver for building reading stamina and confidence in the struggling reader.
Q: Where do I start with decodable readers?
Start with these 3 series. They work. You can choose one series or combine all the series to have a library of decodable readers. Once you are successful with any of these you can try other books that won’t be as controlled.
Q: When should you stop using decodable texts?
When the child is reading fluently and with confidence.
Q: What are the main disadvantages of decodable texts?
I don’t think there are any disadvantages to decodable texts. Once a reader is more advanced, they will automatically go for a more advanced text but the decodable one can still offer fluency practice in reading speed, intonation, and just reading for fun.
Q: When should I start decodable readers?
You can start reading them to your baby even when you are still pregnant. Reading aloud to your children is a magnificent gift you can give them and will offer many rewards. Eventually the child will start to recognize words on their own and become interested in learning to read.
Q: What is the difference between leveled readers and decodable readers?
Q: What is an example of a decodable reader?
All of the above series of books.
Q: What comes after decodable readers?
Leveled readers might come next depending on your situation. I always let the child’s interest and skill level dictate the reading material. The more a child reads, the more he or she will love to read. I always held the theory that when a child was struggling to read they were in the wrong area of the brain for enjoying reading. Once the skill set is mastered they begin to use the picturing area of the brain and reading comes alive. The kids that continue to struggle never get into this area of the brain while reading which is a crime really.
Q: What is the problem with decodable readers?
Decodable readers are great if the word choices are strictly controlled. As a Reading Specialist it was awful to have books that purported to be decodable but included words that were way to advanced for the skill level of the reader. It just causes more frustration in an already frustrated reader. The correct decodable reader makes a difference.
Q: What reading level is appropriate for a 5 year old?
Everyone learns at their own pace. Some 5 year olds will be advanced readers and others won’t be interested in reading yet. Have plenty of good books everywhere, drawing stuff, writing stuff, crafts involving literacy, word walls, abc magnets on refrigerator, etc. Have a household that embraces all things literacy and keep alert for any reading problems. I also knew by January who was struggling with reading in kindergarten. It becomes very obvious. This is the time to look for any problems to become apparent and then act on them quickly.
Q: Are some sight words decodable?
Yes and I loved those as a Reading Specialist!
Q: Should my 5 year old be reading before kindergarten?
See the answer above.
Q: What are sight words?
Sight words are words that appear over and over in all printed material. They are the most common words in print. There are 2 sets of sight words that you hear the most about. The Dolch sight words and Fry sight words. I used the Fry sight words most often and they are all included in the Reading Blocks Decodable Readers.
Q: What is the difference between Dolch sight words and Fry sight words?
The Dolch sight words are a list of 220 words. Fry sight word list has 1000 sight words. I always use the Fry sight word list and they are all built in to the Reading Blocks Decodable Readers as well as the Reading Blocks Reading Program.
Q: What sight words should my child know by the end of Kindergarten?
You can find the 100 Fry sight words for kindergarten here. You can buy the 1000 Fry sight word book on Amazon here.
Q: What sight words should my child know by the end of First Grade?
You can find the list of sight words recommended to know by the end of First Grade here.
Q: What sight words should my child know by the end of Second Grade?
See the answer above.
With these FAQs in mind, you are well-equipped to choose decodable readers that will offer the most benefit to your new reader or struggling reader.
I will summarize the 3 best decodable readers below so you can purchase yours today!
Why Trust Our Decodable Book Recommendations
I understand that as a parent or educator, the choices you make for your reader have profound implications. After dedicating over a quarter-century to reading instruction and seeing countless books in action, I can confidently recommend the following decodable book series. The recommendations shared here aren’t just products; they are tools forged from experience and success.
It’s a simple promise: The decodable readers that I recommend are not only selected for their ability to build reading skills effectively, but also for their track record of creating confident, happy, and proficient readers. Your investment in these books is safeguarded by a foundation of trust built on empirical evidence and educational expertise. Turn the page to a brighter reading future for your child or students with decodable readers that are proven to deliver results.
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Reading Blocks Decodable Readers
Written and Illustrated by Veronica McCarthy, M.Ed, Reading Specialist
Why We Love These Decodable Readers
They were designed by a Reading Specialist and written for the struggling reader. These readers can be used with or without the Reading Blocks Reading Program. They incrementally introduce and offer practice for each phoneme and phonics skill necessary for fluent reading. The words and skills are built step by step through the practice of phonics and sight word reading.
What You Should Know About This Collection
A decodable reader is a book specifically designed to help early readers learn and practice how to read step by step by decoding specific sounds and words in a precise order of introduction. This helps to alleviate the frustration of trying to read words that are too difficult for the beginner or struggling reader.
This series contains a total of 32 decodable readers in a set of 10 books. An optional eleventh book contains all the sight words in each of the 32 levels. All of the 1000 Fry sight words are organically built into the structure of this set of decodable readers. Sight word practice works hand in hand with phonics to build fluent readers.
The Reading Blocks Decodable Readers are based on cutting edge science and brain research on how the brain learns best. These strategies are combined with an incremental and sequential introduction to the phonics elements necessary for fluent reading.
Repetition and review is built in to ensure strong reading pathways are built in the brain. These decodable readers help to develop strong, confident fluent and happy readers.
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Dr Maggies Phonics Readers
Written by Margaret Allen, Illustrated by Susan Banta
Why We Love These Decodable Readers:
These decodable readers do exactly what they are suppossed to do! They offer a short and directed reading practice experience that covers all the phonics skills in bite sized portions.
There are no surprise undecodable words. They show you the phonics sounds and sight words that are present in the text before you start reading.
You can practice each sound and sight word before starting to read which right away gives you an important headstart to success.
When a reader feels successful while reading the book, he/she is way more receptive and willing to read.
The reader needs to experience more and more success during reading which encourages them to practice more and more reading which helps to build the pathway way in the brain for reading fluency.
What You Should Know About These Decodable Readers:
This is a series of 24 books in all that cover all of the early reading phonics skills in bite sized portions. Each book is 16 pages long and follows the same format which also takes the stress of unfamilar out of reading. The reader knows what to expect with each book. The illustrations are simple and cute. The phonics skills gradually advance according to a preplanned pathway and each skill is introduced on the inside cover to practice before beginning the book.
Dr Maggie’s Decodable Readers Set 1 contains 6 books and covers: short a vowel sound and consonant sounds: m, f, s, r, h, t,c. The six readers are: I Spy, Hap and Cap, Top Job, Mom!, Pom-Pom’s Big Win, Pug’s Hugs, and Jet It, Get It, and a parent guide.
Dr Maggie’s Decodable Readers Set 2 contains 6 books and covers incrementally advanced phonics skills in an easy to read format which includes short and long vowels, blends and digraphs. The book titles include: Click, Click, The ABC Bags, Sing-Song Sid, Draw and Share, Truck Tricks, Dave and Jane’s Band.
Dr Maggie’s Decodable Readers Set 3 contains the titles: Pete’s Street Beat, Twice as Nice, The Little Green Man Visits Pine Cone Cove, Mr. Noisy at the Dude Ranch, Sad Sam and Blue Sue, Out to Gumball Pond.
Dr Maggie’s Decodable Readers Set 4 contains the titles: Splish, Splash, Barney Bear’s Party, The Rainy Day Band, Cat and Dog at the Circus, Jo Jo in Outer Space, and Riddle and Rhyme with Apron Annie.
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The Alphabet Series
Written by Fances Bloom, Illustrated by Mary Geiger
Written by Sylvia Davison. Illustrated by Holly Davison.
The Alphabet Series is perfect for both new and struggling readers. This set includes 39 controlled-vocabulary readers designed to accompany the Recipe for Reading program. You’ll find volumes 1, 2, and 3 in this comprehensive starter set.
Why We Love This Set of Decodable Readers
Kids love these books, which makes reading practice enjoyable rather than a chore. The controlled vocabulary ensures that each book is at the right level for young readers, making it easier to build confidence.
What You Should Know About This Set of Decodable Readers
Each reader in this set introduces new reading skills in a fun and engaging format. The repetitive practice helps reinforce what children have learned, making it easier for them to remember and apply new skills.
Decodable Readers For Everyone
Decodable readers are a fantastic way to practice and grow reading skills that actually stick.
Our recommendations are based on over 25 years of research and real-world experience. With these choices, you can rest assured that you’re not wasting time or money on ineffective resources.
Are you ready to give your child the best head start in reading? Purchase some decodable books today and watch their skills soar!
Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading!
