Are you a teacher who advocates for leveled readers, or do you have a passion for decodable texts? Allow me to present my case for “Why Use Decodable Texts Over Leveled Readers”. Dive in and discover more!
Leveled Readers
Even though leveled readers are found frequently in kindergarten curriculum, I am not a fan!! A significant characteristic of leveled readers is their strong emphasis on illustrations and contextual hints. For example, when children see a picture of a cat alongside the word “cat,” it helps them connect the visual depiction with the written term. Thus relying more on the image than on the letters that make up the word. This reliance on visual cues can sometimes lead to a superficial understanding of reading. Students may become accustomed to guessing words based on pictures rather than truly decoding them. While these books can engage your little learners and spark interest, they may not always promote the foundational skills necessary for proficient reading.
Decodable Readers
Decodable readers concentrate on a specific phonics pattern, reinforcing it throughout the short book. While these readers do include illustrations, the images serve to enhance the text rather than aid in reading comprehension. The student must actively decode the words, which reinforces their phonetic understanding and builds confidence as they progress.
Use Decodables!!!
From my experience, emergent readers tend to be more successful when they have access to books designed for repetitive reading that feature genuinely decodable words they are currently learning. This repetition is crucial; it solidifies the connection between sounds and letters, helping to build a strong foundation for future reading skills. Decodable books provide abundant opportunities for practicing decoding and word recognition, allowing little learners to see their progress as they become more fluent in their reading abilities.
Additionally, I believe that decodable texts should cater to the abilities and stamina of little learners. Books that are too challenging can lead to frustration, while those that are too easy may not provide the necessary growth opportunities. It is important to strike a balance, ensuring that students are both challenged and supported. By focusing on decodable readers, we equip beginning readers with the tools they need to become confident and competent readers, fostering a lifelong love for reading that will serve them well in their academic journeys.
Truely Decodable Readers
As a teacher of Little Learners, I often felt frustrated by the limited choices available for my small groups and early readers. The leveled books I found were often not developmentally appropriate, containing far too many words that were not decodable.
This led me to create Decodable Reader Books – BUNDLE, which are designed to be developmentally suitable. This collection features books filled with decodable words that target specific phonics skills, including CVC, Word Families, Digraphs, Blends, Silent E/CVC, Long Vowels & Vowel Teams, and R-Controlled Vowels, along with high-frequency words. Each book also includes an optional post-reading sheet.
I hope that after exploring the distinctions between leveled and decodable readers, you’ll return to your beginning readers equipped with new insights, ready to intentionally teach your little learners with purpose and fun!!!
