Why Do Decodable Readers Matter in Early Literacy?
Decodable readers are essential tools in early literacy instruction. Unlike leveled readers that rely on context or pictures, decodable texts are carefully crafted using only the phonics sounds and tricky words that the children have been taught. This gives them the power to truly decode words independently.
For educators and parents, especially those working with struggling readers or English Language Learners (ELLs), having a sequential set of decodable readers aligned with phonics instruction, along with comprehension questions or sequencing activities, is critical.
What Makes a Decodable Reader?
A high-quality decodable reader should:
- Follow a clear phonics progression
- Use controlled vocabulary based on the phonemes that have been taught
- Offer engaging content despite the limited word choice
- Include comprehension support (questions, sequencing task, retell, prompts)
- Be available in print or digital formats for flexibility
Resources for Decodable Readers – Unlocking Literacy, One Sound at a Time
✅ The Reading League
What it offers: The Reading League offers resources, professional development, and support for educators and parents to build their understanding of evidence-aligned reading instruction (The Science of Reading). This includes resources such as books and texts, and online learning modules.
- Why it’s excellent: systematic, free, research-based
The Reading League has compiled a very comprehensive list of resources for Decodable Text! (Including Jolly Phonics, UFLI, Heggerty Phonics, Letterland, Sound Wave)
- 🔗 Decodeable Text Sources – A very impressive, comprehensive list of decodable text!
- 🔗 The Reading League
✅ Reading Rockets – Launching Young Readers
What it offers: Reading Rockets is a national literacy initiative that offers free resources and support for parents and educators. They provide information on how children learn to read, why some struggle, and evidence-based strategies to help them succeed.
- 🔗 Using Decodable Books – e.g., What is a decodable book? How to use decodable text. Finding decodable texts.
- 🔗 Reading Rockets
✅ Jolly Phonics Readers
What it offers: One of the most well-known phonics programs globally, Jolly Phonics has color-coded decodable readers that align to their scope and sequence. I have been a Jolly Phonics Trainer since 2002.
- Includes beginner to fluent series with comprehension activities and grammar integration.
- Available in print and digital.
✅ UFLI
What it offers: An explicit and systematic program that teaches students the foundational skills necessary for proficient reading. UFLI provides free decodable passages aligned with its sequence and scope.
- Word work
- High-frequency word practice
- Text for fluency
- 🔗 UFLI
- 🔗 UFLI Decodable Text Guide – This will take you to the UFLI Foundations Toolbox. Check out the toolbox on the left. Then click on Decodable Text Guide, where you will find stories for your child to read and illustrate.
✅ Little Learners Love Literacy
What it offers: Beautifully illustrated, Australian-based decodable readers aligned to a systematic phonics progression. (Paid with some free samples)
- The books follow seven stages based on the introduction of letter sounds.
- Offers “Read & Check” pages for comprehension.
✅ Flyleaf Publishing – Books to Remember
What it offers: Flyleaf Publishing offers authentic decodable literature and evidence-based instructional materials to supplement and enhance beginning reading programs. (Free Online Access)
- Stories are engaging, and many include comprehension and vocabulary activities.
- Free access is available to educators!
✅ The Measured Mom
What it offers: Hundreds of free printable decodable books for various phonics patterns – CVC, digraphs, blends, vowel teams, etc. (Free Printables)
- Includes simple comprehension prompts and sequencing cards.
Tips for Using Decodable Readers Effectively
- Align to your phonic scope and sequence. Choose readers that follow your instructional progression.
- Re-read for fluency. Encourage multiple reads – first for decoding, then for fluency and expression.
- Ask targeted comprehension questions. Focus on sequencing, the main idea, and vocabulary from the story.
- Differentiate for your learners. Some students may need more support with one pheme group before moving on. Others may need vocabulary help.
- Have students retell stories orally. This boosts both comprehension and language development, and is especially important for English Language Learners (ELLs).
Final Thoughts
Decodable readers are one of the most powerful tools you can use to support developing readers. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, homeschooling, or providing intervention, having sequential, decodable texts with comprehension components is a must!
Fortunately, there is a wide array of choices – you don’t have to start from scratch!
What decodeable readers have you used?
Do you have recommendations to share in our community based on your experience? We’d love to hear from you!
Laurie Fyke
Have you seen the student-written emergent readers for sight word practice from Primarily Learning?
