Decodable Books

Table of Contents

Why Are Decodable Books Helpful?

Follow Reading Rules

Decodable books are designed specifically for children who are still learning to read. They focus on words that follow the reading rules. Eighty-seven percent of the English language follows a set of phonics rules that make reading predictable. The other 13% of words are irregular and usually depend on children memorizing words. Decodable books are carefully written to introduce new phonetic sounds systematically so that the reader can build upon their knowledge gradually.

Create Independence 

Decodable books give your child the best chance at reading independently. They can apply the reading rules to words and read on their own. The words are predictable and build incrementally. It is difficult to want to engage in activities that exhaust your brain and you still end up unsuccessful. Decodable books encourage children to read independently because they are capable of getting through the book.

Foster Confidence

One of the key benefits of decodable books is that they allow children to experience success when reading. Because the books are carefully designed to match a child’s current level of ability, they are more likely to be able to read the words on the page. This can be a huge confidence booster, and can help to motivate children to keep practicing. This allows students to focus on their growth instead of their struggles.  

Catch-Up To Peers

Decodable books can be an effective way to help struggling readers catch up to their peers. By giving them access to books that are designed to support their learning needs, parents can help their children to build the foundational skills they need to become successful readers.

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Resources

Below are three of the best decodable book sets to choose from. They range in difficulty depending on where your child is on their journey.

Bob’s Books: Bob’s Books have been around for over 40 years. The book levels start at emerging readers in the pre-reading stage and build to developing readers working on long vowels and digraphs. This bestselling set of books uses short and simple sentences, with engaging illustrations to help children learn to read. They are perfect for beginners.

Whole Phonics: Whole phonics books are a great option for leveled, decodable readers. The series begins with books that cover CVC words and have between 2 and 4 words per sentence and page.   Their highest level has about 40-50 words per page and covers suffixes, compound words, and vowel combinations. The illustrations are also highly engaging and make them a great option for readers.

Simple Words Books: Simple Words Books offers decodable chapter books, perfect for older students who don’t want to read “baby” books. They are highly decodable but don’t have all the bright illustrations of a children’s book. Each chapter book has at least 5,000 words total and includes at least 19 chapters.

Will you be using decodable books with your children? Let us know in the comments or reach on our let’s connect page!

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