Decodable Books are designed to help students review and apply their expanding knowledge of sound/letter correspondences. These short, easy stories help students experience success with reading once they've learned some sound/letter correspondences. Each story supports your instruction in each new phonic element and incorporates elements and words that have been learned earlier.

Although the primary purpose of the Decodable Books is to provide practice reading the words, it is important that students always attach meaning to what they are reading. Very simple questions are included in the Teacher's Editions to check both understanding and attention to words.

Reading Decodable Books

• Teach new high-frequency sight words; review ones previously introduced.
• Read the title, pointing to each word.
• Have students browse, commenting on the illustrations and making predictions about the story.
• Read the Decodable Book without stopping.
  • - Have students follow along with you, pointing to words in their book as you read.
  • - Answer any questions students might have about the story.
• Read the book again as students read along with you.
  • - Read the title aloud, and have students read it with you.
  • - Have students read along with you, pointing to words in their books as they read.
  • - Discuss any high-frequency words or decodable words that students find interesting or were problems.
• Read the book again, having the students read the book chorally.
• Have students take turns reading different pages aloud; continue this through the entire book.
• Take time to talk about the book, such as what students liked, their favorite part, and so on. Take time to answer questions.
• After reading, have students answer questions by pointing to the answer in the text.