Foolproof Decodable Readers Routine

Now that you know what decodable readers are, the benefits of using them, and how to select just the right one, let’s explore how to integrate them effectively into your whole group and small group instruction. The way decodable readers are used will vary depending on the grade level and the phonics progression of your students. While whole group instruction can be effective in Kindergarten, it may not be as beneficial in later grades, especially if most students are not on grade level with their phonics skills. Regardless of the grade, small group instruction is where decodable readers can have the most impact. Let’s dive into my foolproof decodable readers routine.

Whole Group

In Kindergarten, whole group instruction is often the starting point for introducing new concepts. This is where decodable readers can really set the stage for success. During whole group, the goal is to provide a structured, supportive environment where students can begin to apply their phonics knowledge in a controlled, guided setting. Here’s how you can incorporate decodable readers:

1. Pre-Reading Activities: Before jumping into the text, review the target phonics patterns. For instance, if you’re working on CVC words, briefly highlight the letter-sound correspondences students should look for in the story.
2. Modeling: As you read aloud, point to the words on the page. This allows students to visually connect the letters to their corresponding sounds, reinforcing the phonics patterns they are learning.
3. Group Practice: Have students read short sections aloud as a group, providing prompts and support as needed. Focus on fluency with simple, decodable words, and encourage students to sound out unfamiliar words using their phonics skills.
4. Repetition: Re-reading the decodable book multiple times helps with fluency, confidence, and retention of the target phonics patterns.

Small Group

While whole group instruction serves as an introduction, small group instruction is where the magic happens, especially when it comes to differentiation. In small groups, you can meet the students where they are and provide targeted support.

Here’s how you can make the most of decodable readers in small groups:

1. Grouping by Skill Level: Small group instruction is ideal for addressing specific phonics needs. After assessing your students’ phonics skills use the results from your phonics screener to identify areas of challenge for students. Then group them according to their level. For example, one group may need more practice with CVC words, while another group may be ready to work on blends. Tailor your decodable readers to meet the exact skill levels and needs of each group.
2. Assess and Provide Support: Use ongoing assessment. After whole group direct instruction assess decoding and encoding and make new groups accordingly. For example, if a student struggles with vowel teams or digraphs, select a decodable reader that targets those specific patterns. This will allow students to practice exactly what they need, with your support to reinforce the skill. Don’t be afraid to change a student’s group.
3. Targeted Practice: During small group instruction, students can read decodable texts that align with the specific phonics patterns they’re working on. As students read, provide targeted support, helping them with strategies such as decoding unfamiliar words by applying known phonics rules.
4. Active Engagement and Independent Practice: Encourage students to read aloud during small group instruction and provide opportunities for independent decoding practice. As they encounter unfamiliar words, prompt them to use phonics strategies to figure out the word, building their decoding fluency.

By using decodable readers in small groups, you can meet students where they are and provide them with the targeted practice they need to succeed. Ongoing assessment is key to ensuring that each student receives the appropriate level of support to master their phonics skills.

Decodable Reader Routine

Step 1: Review the Target Phonics Skill

Begin by briefly reviewing the phonics skill for the day, whether it’s blending, vowel teams, digraphs, or other phonics patterns. Remind students what they’ve learned and what to look for in the text.

Step 2: Practice Blending Key Words in Isolation

Before starting the book, practice blending key words that align with the skill you’re teaching. Say the individual sounds of the word and have students blend them together to say the word (e.g., /c/ /a/ /t/ = cat). Do this for a few words that appear in the decodable reader to build confidence and focus on the target phonics pattern.

Step 3: Review Previously Taught Heart Words

Go over any previously taught heart words (irregular high frequency words) that might appear in the book. These are words that don’t follow typical phonetic patterns, like “the,” “said,” or “have.” Remap using the Heart Word Method if necessary.

Step 4: Read the Decodable Book Together

Now that students are prepared with the key words and heart words, begin reading the decodable book as a group. Point to the words as you read, encouraging students to decode and blend as you go along. Provide support for tricky words and reinforce the phonics skills being practiced.

Step 5: Independent Reading and Rereading

After reading the book together, allow students to reread the book independently. This reinforces fluency and gives them practice decoding on their own. Offer individualized support to students who may need more guidance. This is a great time to do a quick running record to check for mastery of decodable text at this skill level.

Step 6: Encoding Assessment

End the lesson with an encoding assessment. Have students spell words from the story, focusing on the target phonics patterns they practiced. As students spell, watch for the correct application of the phonics skill, such as proper letter-sound correspondence. This gives you valuable insight into each student’s ability to encode words. Which reinforces the learning and provides you with data to guide future instruction.

This is my decodable readers routine which I have found to be highly effective in K-2. Try it out in your classroom and let me know how it goes.

Need a FREE decodable reader to try this out with CLICK HERE.

I hope you are enjoying this series on Decodable Books.

Here are the other posts in case you missed them

What are Decodable Readers?

Benefits of Using Decodable Readers

Choosing the Best Decodables for Your Students

My Routine for Using Decodable Readers in Kindergarten – this post

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