Decodable Books

Decodable Books are designed to help students review and apply their expanding knowledge of sound/spelling correspondences. These short, easy stories help students experience success with reading virtually from the beginning of first grade. 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 nondecodable high-frequency sight words.
• Have your students read the title, browse, and then discuss what the story is about.
• Read the Decodable Book. Students should:
  • - Read a page silently, and then read the page aloud.
  • - Blend decodable words and refer to the Sound/Spelling Cards as necessary.
  • - Repeat this procedure for each page.
• Respond to the story. Students should:
  • - Discuss hard words.
  • - Retell the story.
  • - Respond to questions by pointing to the answers.
• Reread the Decodable Book (partner reading, choral, turn-taking, and the like) to build fluency.