The greatest predictor of academic success across all content areas is a child’s ability to decode letters into meaningful words. Letters represent speech sounds. When arranged in specific ways, the speech sounds represent words that supply meaning. According to the latest science in reading, an accomplished reader does not recognize whole words, but has mastered the phonemic map in order to automatically decode speech from letter symbols. As a librarian, I encounter students every day who claim to hate to read. But I wonder if they simply have not mastered the phonemic skills that make understanding so effortless for accomplished readers. If your child is just learning to read or is older but reluctant to read, consider guiding him or her to success through decodable books that emphasize practice with the rules of phonics.
Orton Gillingham Decodable Readers by Kate Mendoza
Designed with struggling readers in mind, these books provide targeted instruction for decoding letter/sound patterns.
Red Rhino Books by Saddleback Publishing (various authors)
This series features high-interest topics that will appeal to older students while emphasizing practice with essential phonics skills. Each book is styled in paragraph form with engaging line drawings sprinkled in to break up the text and encourage reluctant readers to bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books.
Red Rocket Readers Decodable Explorers by Leanna Koch
Through fun illustrations and topics ranging from simple fiction to informative nonfiction, this series reinforces phonics skills while capturing kids’ interests.
Easy Reader Classics Collection by Memoria Press (various authors)
For students that are familiar with the phonics rules and ready to practice fluency, this series of books introduces them to classic, timeless stories in a format through which emerging readers can succeed.
Step Into Reading and I Can Read series (various authors)
Familiar characters, colorful artwork, and simple language help students build confidence as they practice sound patterns and common sight words. Many of these titles are available at our local public library!
