By the time you finish reading this post, you will have all the reasons you need to start using decodable text in the classroom. I will let you in on the magical secret that are decodable readers and why they are the cherry on top of any good Science of Reading Based approach.
Benefits of Using Decodable Readers in the Classroom
There are many benefits of using decodable readers in your literacy instruction but I am going to just share 5 of my favorites.
1. Decodable Text Force Readers to Use Decoding Skills
By using decodable text you force readers to use decoding skills. The best decodables have little to no picture support forcing students to rely on the text. Students may start by guessing based on the first letter or letters. However, once they realize you have carefully selected the text based on spelling patterns the student has been explicitly taught and mastered the gain new confidence.
2. Readers Apply their Knowledge of Phonics Skills
One of the best ways for readers to practice and reinforce their explicit phonics skills is to apply them to decodable readers. Decodable readers are books specifically designed to contain words that can be sounded out using the skills that the reader has already learned. This makes them ideal for readers who are just beginning to learn phonics, as well as those who are struggling to master more difficult sound-spelling patterns. In addition, decodable readers provide a low-stress way for readers to practice since they only need to focus on sounding out the words previously introduced and practiced. As a result, decodable readers offer a number of benefits for readers of all levels.
3. Fluent Decoding leads to Fluent Readers
When it comes to reading, fluent decoding is essential. Fluent decoding is the ability to read words accurately and quickly. It’s what allows readers to move beyond simply recognizing individual words to understanding what they’re reading. And it’s a key ingredient in reading fluency. Reading fluency is the ability to read smoothly, with expression, and at a reasonable rate. When readers can decode quickly and accurately, they can focus on meaning, which leads to better comprehension. So if you want to work on improving students’ reading skills, aim for fluent decoding. It’s the foundation of fluent reading – and fluent reading is essential for comprehension. Decodable Fluency Pages and Decodable Readers are both great for this.
4. Decodables are especially beneficial for students with reading disabilities like dyslexia.
These students often have difficulty with some of the key skills needed for reading, such as being able to break words down into their individual sounds. As a result, they often struggle with decoding words when they see them in print. Decodables can help these students by providing them with opportunities to practice their decoding skills in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, decodables can also help to build students’ confidence by giving them a sense of success as they are able to read the words in the book.
5. The Research Supports Using Decodable Readers in the Classroom
Many research studies have shown that students who use decodable readers make significant gains in their reading abilities more than those who do not use them. Additionally, research has shown that students who use decodable readers are more likely to become fluent readers. Decodable readers help students to learn to read by giving them a step-by-step approach to reading. First, they learn the individual letter sounds. Then, they learn how to blend those sounds together to make words. Finally, they learn how to read the words in context (the decodables). This research-based approach is effective with students of all ages and abilities.
Want to try a decodable free to see what I am talking about? CLICK HERE
I hope you are enjoying this series on Decodable Books.
Here are the other posts in case you missed them
How to Choose the Right Decodable Readers for your Students
My Routine for Using Decodable Readers in Kindergarten.
PIN FOR LATER
