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3 Simple Steps To Using Decodable Readers

 Are you ready to start using decodable readers?

If you have been waiting to use decodable readers or are not sure how to get started then you are in the right place.  Using decodable readers can be accomplished in 3 simple steps!

Step #1 Prep and Pick
Your "prep" is using your data to "pick" the right decodable reader for your students.
Just like any instruction, using decodable readers needs direction and preparation.  Review your anecdotal notes and student data to decide what level of decodable reader you will need.  Are your students working on CVC words with short vowels? Do they need practice with consonant blends?  Are they focussing on consonant digraphs?  

Once you can identify the needs, then you can select a text that will provide the appropriate opportunities for practice and application.  This is key!  You want to select texts that give students the opportunity to practice what they have learned in a meaningful and well supported way.  This is why early readers struggle with leveled texts, because they have a multitude of phonics patterns.  Decodable texts have, what we call, "controlled text".  This means that the words included in the text are composed of only the sounds that students would have been directly taught.

Step #2 Support the Reading
Before and During reading strategies reinforce the importance of effective reading strategies.
Yes, you can use the guided reading framework of Before, During, and After reading activities with decodable readers.  Why shouldn't we treating decodable readers as real books?  We want these strategies to transfer into students reading authentic text so why not start the process with books they can actually read so they can "feel" like readers.  

The trick is not overloading or over complicating the process.  You still need to stay focussed on your purpose for the reading.  If you are working on reading strategies and blending accurately, then don't over talk or have elaborate activities.  Keep the focus on the task at hand.  Select meaningful, simple, and effective Before Reading activities that relate directly to the book being used.  Word hunts, sound hunts, mix and fix, and missing letter activities are all a good fit for Before Reading activities when we're using decodable readers.  After all, these students are using this type of text to bolster their ability to read accurately, even guided reading strategies in the early and emergent stages focus on word work activities to start.  

The During Reading activities should all come back to reminders around the desired strategies.  This is where you may refer back to your posters for "Lefty Larry" or "Blendy Wendy".  Give students the opportunity to make the connection between lessons and application, let them see it in action.

Step #3: Making Connections Through Writing
After Reading activities should draw upon students' understanding.  They need direct instruction and constant practice in reading/writing connection to demonstrate understanding and competence at all levels.  When we are using decodable readers....students are still reading for understanding.  Yes, the main focus is on the accuracy and strategy application but why are we doing that in the first place?  Because we want our students to read for understanding.  It is vital that from the beginning they see the connection and get acquainted with how writing about what they've read can deepen their understanding.  Do not make the mistake of dismissing your early readers as unable to engage in writing about the text.  Teach them that this is what good readers do and they will be more prepared when faced with authentic and more complex texts.  This can be as simple as writing a sentence with structural supports or sentence stems.  It does not have to be laborsom or time consuming, in fact it should be the opposite.  It should be simple, connected, meaningful, and achievable.  

That's all there is to it!  What are you waiting for?  You early readers need this now.  Give them the bridge and support they need to apply meaningful reading strategies regularly while experiencing the joy of reading.  There is nothing more gratifying than watching a student who thinks they can't read, have success with a decodable reader and then say "I can read now".  I've heard it and it is music to my ears.  

Visit my TPT store for Early Decodable Readers.  My sets come with all of what was discussed for success.  Each set has 5 readers complete with lesson plans, before, during, and after activities PLUS varieties in each for differentiation. You can do it!  Visit my TPT store Simply Primary for all you need to get started.

Leave a comment if you have a question.  Please follow this blog for the most up to date posts and information.  Follow me on Instagram @simply_for_teachers to get daily tips.

Thank You!
Kristin


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