I was told I need to have my child read decodable text. What is decodable text? Why should beginning readers read decodable text? Why is decodable text recommended for students? How does decodable text help students establish necessary phonologic reading skills? How do I find decodable text for by beginning reader?

In reading instruction, the term ‘decodable’ refers to words containing only the phonetic code the child or student has already learned.  We often think of ‘decodable’ text as phonetically simple words and text. Although decodable text is simple in the beginning when the child has limited knowledge of the phonemic code, decodable text expands as the child learns more of the phonemic code. 

In beginning reading, it is important for the child to read phonetically decodable text because it allows the child to apply correct phonologic processing skills. If you have the child read text that is NOT decodable (contains sounds they have not yet learned) the child is unable to use correct phonologic processing and often resorts to incorrect strategies that lead to reading difficulties.  To become a proficient reader, the child MUST develop and practice correct phonologic processing. Decodable text provides the child material he has the skills to decode correctly.  Decodable text allows the child to use and develop correct print to sound phonologic processing pathways and avoid the potential of developing incorrect reading strategies.  Decodable text helps children build necessary skills!

For additional information about decodable text, why decodable text is important, how to determine if text is decodable, how to find decodable text for your student to practice, and instructions for making your own inexpensive decodable books, see the article Decodable Text Explained: What Decodable Text is, Why Decodable Text is Important in Beginning Reading and How to Select Decodable Text

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Additional information, articles and resources on teaching students to read proficiently is located on the Free Reading Information page of the Right Track Reading website.

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This information was written by Miscese Gagen a mother with a passion for teaching children to read proficiently by using effective methods. She is also a successful reading tutor and author of the reading instructional programs Right Track Reading Lessons and Back on the Right Track Reading Lessons. The purpose of this information is to empower parents and teachers with information on teaching children how to read. We CAN improve reading proficiency, one student at a time!  Additional information is located at www.righttrackreading.com ~ Copyright 2005, 2006, 2007 Miscese R. Gagen