From leveled readers to pattern books, and from authentic texts to decodables, where do we begin? This post will break down what decodables are and how we use them. Read on for more information about the Science of Reading and Decodables.
What are Science of Reading Decodable Readers?
Science of Reading decodables are written to focus on a specific phonics pattern. Decodable readers help students to read at a high level of accuracy to support their fluency. Meaning, the words in decodables are tappable, or able to be sound out.
What is the Difference Between Leveled Readers and Decodable Readers?
While leveled readers include story words that at times are irregular, decodables always play fair, meaning that students can apply their word attack skills on them.
Do Decodable Readers Work?
Yes! Decodables are easier to match with systematic instruction and require no guess work for students.
Which 2 Components of Reading Instruction are you Teaching when your Students are Reading Decodable Books?
When using decodables, students are applying their phonics skills and strengthening their fluency skills.
How Do Decodable Books Teach Reading?
Decodable support reading skills because they provide opportunities for students to practice what they are working on in isolation to text. By increasing their accuracy, they are able to comprehend more!
Why are Science of Reading Decodable Readers Important?
Decodable’s are important because they help to solidify skills, while also building student confidence and stamina. When students can apply their understanding of a phonetic pattern into text, they are a step closer to mastery! Eventually, with continued practice, they can generalize these skills into more authentic texts.
What Makes a Good Decodable Reader?
A good decodable reader emphasizes the application of the alphabetic principle, rather than vocabulary and comprehension. So- the more decodable, the more confident a developing reader will be!
5 Steps to Implement Decodable Readers
Below are 5 steps for implementing decodable readers in your classroom.
1. Identify the Key Skill
What is the focus? Words with blends? Long vowel sounds? Determining the key skill will guide the chosen decodable.
2. Preview Words
Present a handful of words from the story that they can preview. Students can tap these out and feel excited when they get to the words in the story!
3. Practice High Frequency Words
Are there high frequency words that are irregular in the story? Tell the students. Keep the decodable fair, so preview any words that do not follow the rules!
4. Read Passage to Self
Have students read the passage to themselves first. What words were tricky? Were they pointing to each word as they read?
5. Read Passage Aloud
Now it is time for the student to read aloud! You can time students as they read to track their fluency, also known as Oral Reading Fluency.
In closing, we hope you found this information about science of reading decodable readers helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:
