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📖 What Are Decodable Books?
- Sarah Drewicz
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
Decodable books are short texts specifically designed using phonics patterns that your child has already learned. This means your child can sound out almost every word in these books. They are ideal for beginner readers and those who are still developing their reading skills. In this first video below I explain what decodable books are, why they are important, and how to access UFLI's free texts.
⭐ Why Are Decodable Books Important?
Decodable books:
Reinforce phonics instruction
Build strong decoding habits
Reduce frustration and guessing
Help children experience success early on
👶 How to Pick the Right Decodable for Your Child
When choosing a decodable book:
Match the book to skills already taught
Check that most words follow known phonics patterns
What to Do When Your Child Gets Stuck
Even with the perfect decodable book, children will get stuck. Don't stress, those moments are where the most powerful learning happens, if we respond in a way that fosters growth. (the video below will show you how to help a child when they get stuck)
1️⃣ Pause and Wait
Give them a few seconds. Many children need processing time.
2️⃣ Prompt, Don't Tell
Say one or all of the following:
"Touch the letters and say the sounds."
"Say the sounds slowly."
"Now blend it."
3️⃣ Help Them Decode (Only If Needed)
If they're still stuck:
Say the sounds with them and help them blend the word.
🎥 What This Looks Like with a Real Child
Watch as I work with this child to guide them through the decodable passage.
📘 My Recommendations: Decodable Books I Love
When it comes to early reading, these are the decodable books I consistently recommend because they build confidence and reduce guessing.
Decodable Books/Passages I recommend:
⭐ UFLI Decodable Books (free online)
Follow a systematic phonics progression
These passages are fully decodable based on previously taught skills
⭐ Hooked on Phonics Readers (available at local libraries or from their website)
Support blending and segmenting.
Easy for parents to follow and help their child grow as readers.
I recommend the books but not the program. The books are awesome for young readers, and pair them with my UFLI lessons.
⭐ Primary Phonics Readers (purchase from Rainbow Resources)
Follow a great progression with the first book in the series, starting simple with a few words and progressing to longer sentences as you go.
Have simple illustrations.
Longer, so children will often reread them many times.
🧠 Why I Recommend These Decodables
All three of these options:
✔ Support decoding over guessing
✔ Reinforce phonics skills already taught
✔ Help children experience real reading success
✔ Build confidence through accuracy
What to Remember
✔ Decodable books teach children to read effectively by going step by step.
✔ The best decodable book is the one that matches your child's current skill level.
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