• Overview of this Blog:

    Have you ever watched a child's eyes light up as they successfully read their first sentence? Or perhaps you've seen the frustration on a parent's face as they struggle to help their child make sense of unfamiliar words? These moments highlight the critical role that phonics and decodable readers play in early literacy development. As educators and parents, we often find ourselves grappling with questions about the best approaches to teaching reading.

    Here, we’ll tackle your burning questions and clear up any confusion. We’ll break down what phonics is, why it’s essential, and the perks of using decodable books. By the end, you’ll be ready to support a child’s reading journey, turning them into confident readers who not only decode words but also savour the stories they read.

View our Decodable Readers Scope & Sequence here:

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 Table of Contents:

1. What is Phonics?

2. What are Decodable Readers (phonic books)?

3. How are Decodable Readers used?

 

1. What is Phonics?

Phonics Definition:

Phonics is a method of teaching reading and spelling that focuses on the relationship between letters and the corresponding sounds they make. By learning phonics, individuals can decode (break down) words by segmenting them down into their individual sounds, making reading more accessible and enjoyable.

 

Why is Phonics Important?

Phonics provides readers with the tools to decode unfamiliar words, leading to improved fluency, spelling and comprehension. Decoding is the ability to apply phonics skills to correctly pronounce words. By understanding the relationship between sounds and letters, readers can decode foreign words independently, leading to improved reading fluency, comprehension, and overall literacy.

 

Phonics Instruction

Phonics instruction typically starts with phonemic awareness, where learners recognise and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. Subsequently, learners progress to phonics instruction, where they learn to connect these sounds with the letters that represent them. This systematic approach lays the foundation for proficient reading and spelling.

 

Summary:

  • Phonics focuses on the relationship between letters and their sounds, aiding reading and spelling.
  • Phonics enables individuals to decode unfamiliar words by breaking them into sounds, making reading more accessible.
  • As learners advance, they systematically link sounds with corresponding letters, laying the groundwork for strong reading and spelling skills.

 

 

2. What are Decodable Readers (phonic books)?

What are Decodable books?

Decodable readers, also known as phonics books, are specially designed texts that emphasise the relationship between letters and sounds. These books are carefully crafted to ensure that the words within them can be decoded using the phonics skills being taught. Decodable readers typically progress in difficulty as learners advance in their phonics knowledge.

 

Why use Decodable books?

Decodable books provide beginning readers with opportunities to practise their phonics skills in context. By reading decodable texts, learners can apply the letter-sound correspondences they've learned, gradually increasing their reading fluency and comprehension. These books offer a scaffolded approach to reading, supporting learners as they progress from simple to more complex texts.

 

Who should use Decodable books?

Decodable books are beneficial for learners at the early stages of reading development, including preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary students. These books are particularly useful for individuals who are learning to decode words and need structured support in applying phonics skills to reading.

 

Summary:

  • Decodable books, also known as phonics books, emphasise the relationship between letters and sounds, and are carefully crafted to ensure that the words within them can be decoded using the phonics skills being taught.
  • Decodable books offer structured support for beginning readers to practise phonics skills in context, enhancing reading fluency and comprehension gradually.
  • Decodable books are beneficial for early learners, including preschoolers and kindergarteners, who are in the initial stages of reading development and require structured support in applying phonics skills.

 

3. How are Decodable Readers used?

Digital vs. Physical Phonics books

Digital books may provide interactive features and multimedia elements that engage learners, while physical books offer tactile experiences and opportunities for shared reading experiences. The choice between digital and physical phonics books depends on individual preferences and instructional contexts.

 

Phonics Teaching Resources

A wide range of phonics teaching resources is available to support educators in delivering effective phonics lessons. These resources may include homework and in-class phonics activities, worksheets, flashcards, and online platforms designed to reinforce phonics skills and promote literacy development.

ePlatform Digital Libraries offers both Decodable Readers (digital phonics program) and SuperLit Readers (physical decodable books). 

For more information on Phonics Activities, Click here.

 

How to choose the right Phonics Program for your child / students

To select the appropriate phonics program for your child or students, consider the needs of the student/s, alignment to the curriculum or educational standards, and instructional approach. It is also important to evaluate the program’s additional offerings including the resources available.

Every SuperLit Reader comes with an accompanying worksheet that can be completed as a homework task or as revision. The Decodable Readers series is the digital version of SuperLit and also includes accompanying worksheets!

 

Summary:

  • Digital vs. Physical Phonics books offer different advantages: digital books engage learners with interactive features, while physical books provide tactile experiences.
  • Phonics Teaching Resources encompass a variety of materials such as activities, worksheets, and online platforms, supporting educators in delivering effective phonics lessons and promoting literacy development.
  • When choosing a Phonics Program, consider factors like student needs, curriculum alignment, and instructional approach, as well as additional resources offered. SuperLit Readers (available in physical form) and Decodable Readers (digital phonics program) come with accompanying worksheets for further practice and revision.
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