7 Decodable Series for Young Readers
Decodable books serve as invaluable tools in early literacy instruction, providing young readers with carefully scaffolded texts designed to reinforce phonics skills and promote reading fluency.
With a plethora of options available, selecting the right decodable series can be a daunting task for educators and parents alike. From engaging narratives to captivating illustrations, decodable series offer a diverse range of reading experiences tailored to the needs and interests of emerging readers.
In this article, we explore seven standout decodable series that have garnered acclaim for their ability to engage young readers while supporting their journey toward literacy proficiency. Whether you're seeking captivating stories, interactive learning experiences, or culturally diverse representation, these decodable series offer something for every young reader.
Sounds and Letters
Sounds and Letters. . . well, it’s just like it sounds! Each book covers the phonics of a letter, or combination of letters, by using fun words and real-life photos to engage beginner readers. These books are perfect for introducing essential sounds and letters and the many ways they are used in language.
Phonics Fun
Reading is a blast in these hilarious books! Learn about letter sounds with sentences that get more complex as you read. The wacky rhymes and colorful art will make phonics fun! Award-winning author Brian P. Cleary uses his trademark wit and humor to engage emergent readers in these phonics-based books. Each book hones specific skills and builds readers’ confidence.
Comic Decoders
Through an engaging format and friendly characters, Comic Decoders aids young readers in mastering their consonants and vowels with easy-to-read text that is perfect for beginners. Each book builds on the last, challenging children as the stories progress. Children will enjoy decoding parts of the books through pictures and symbols, making for a fun reading experience.
Tas & Friends
With a gang of cute characters, Tas and Friends introduces simple words that are perfect for helping beginners to master their reading skills. Each story builds phonics and decoding skills and is ideal for pre-reading in classrooms and home.
Reading Gems Phonics
Reading Gems Phonics is for children who are learning their letters and sounds. Simple, engaging stories provide gentle phonics practice. Each book includes phonics-based activities and games to aid comprehension and extend learning. Designed to support a child’s learning at school. Featuring original stories, delightful characters and humorous illustrations, these books have been designed to put the fun back into reading.
Early Bird Decodables
Emergent readers will delight in these silly and simple stories, featuring decodable words. With two tales in each book and charming illustrations, readers will have fun while developing reading skills. Resources include a finger-tracing letter activity, picture glossary, and high-frequency sight words list for each story.
Red Rocket Readers Decodable Explorers
Red Rocket Decodable Explorers offer a structured literacy approach at the emergent level. Readers will grow in confidence as they progress from the first book to the last, acquiring new skills and putting them to work in an authentic way.
Like all Red Rocket Readers, the new Decodable Explorers feature colorful, entertaining illustrations that support the text, launch oral discussion, and develop student comprehension. The classic story structure (tension, climax, and resolution) ensures children will want to engage with the texts.
These decodable book collections play a crucial role in supporting early literacy curriculum, especially in the context of phonics instruction. Here are several ways in which decodable books contribute to early literacy development:
Phonics Reinforcement: Decodable books are designed with a controlled vocabulary that aligns with the phonics skills being taught in a systematic manner.
Building Decoding Skills: The primary purpose of decodable books is to help students apply their phonics knowledge to decode words independently.
Reading Fluency: As students become more proficient at decoding, they enhance their reading fluency— the ability to read with accuracy, speed, and expression.
Comprehension Support: Since decodable books use controlled vocabulary, students can focus on comprehension without being hindered by unfamiliar words.
Systematic Progression: Decodable books are often organized in a systematic and sequential manner, aligning with the progression of phonics skills in the curriculum.
Reinforcing Spelling Patterns: Exposure to consistent phonetic patterns in decodable books helps reinforce spelling patterns, aiding students in both reading and spelling words correctly.
Increased Reading Confidence: Success in decoding words within the context of decodable books contributes to increased reading confidence among early learners.
Differentiation: Decodable books can be selected or designed to meet the diverse needs of students. Different levels of complexity allow for differentiation, ensuring that each student progresses at an appropriate pace.
The collections above support all modern Science of Reading-based curriculum programs, including Benchmark, Savvas, Wit & Wisdom, Wilson, Wonders, Learning without Tears, McGraw-Hill and more. Download our flyer to see which decodable books support your curriculum!
