How they can help
Build Confidence:
Because the child can decode all the words in the text, they feel successful and more willing to engage with reading.
Reinforce Phonics Skills:
Decodable texts provide structured practice, helping children solidify their understanding of phonetic patterns.
Improve Fluency:
Re-reading decodable texts helps children become faster and more accurate in decoding, which in turn supports comprehension.
Tips!
Selecting Decodable Texts
Look for books that match your child’s current phonics level. For example, if they’ve learned short vowel sounds, ensure the books only include these patterns.
Avoid books with words or phonetic patterns they haven’t yet been taught, as this can lead to frustration.
Re-Reading for Fluency
Encourage your child to read the same text several times over a few days.
Each reading will become smoother, helping them build automaticity and confidence in their decoding skills.
Incorporate Into Daily Reading
Use decodable texts as part of your daily reading routine. For example, read one decodable book during homework time or before bed.
Options for Older Learners
For older children who still struggle with phonics, many publishers offer decodable texts designed for their age group. These books have mature content but retain the phonics-based structure.
Recommended resources
Here are some publishers offering high-quality decodable texts:
www.phonicsbooks.com: A wide range of decodable books suitable for different phonics levels.
Phonics for SEN: Ideal for children with special educational needs.
Rapid Phonics: Designed for older learners and struggling readers.
Collins BigCat: A popular choice for schools and parents.
Project X Code: Engaging, age-appropriate texts for developing readers.
Neutron Stars & Reading Stars Plus by Ransom: Decodable books with content for older learners.
Decodable texts give children a sense of mastery over their reading. They allow children to focus on practising phonics skills without the added challenge of guessing unfamiliar words. This practice helps build strong reading foundations, fluency, and confidence—essential skills for lifelong learning.