Curriculum                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Decodable Texts and Young Readers

When children begin their reading journey, they need more than just exposure to books—they need the right kind of books. That’s where decodable texts come in. These specially written books are a powerful tool that support the way children learn to read by matching the phonics skills they are being taught in class.

What are Decodable Texts?

Decodable texts are stories that use words made up of letter-sound patterns (phonics) students have already learned or been exposed to. For example, if a child has just learned the short “a” sound, they might read a story with simple words like cat, sat, and ran. This lets them practice decoding (sounding out) words using what they know—without relying on pictures or guessing.

Why are they important?

• Reinforces Phonics Instruction: Decodable texts are carefully written to include words that follow specific phonetic patterns students have already learned, allowing them to apply and reinforce those skills in context.
• Builds Confidence: Because students can successfully read most of the words in decodable texts, it boosts their confidence and motivation to read.
• Improves Decoding Skills: These texts give students repeated practice in sounding out words, which strengthens their ability to decode unfamiliar words over time.
• Supports Reading Fluency: As students gain mastery over decoding, they can read more smoothly and automatically, a key component of reading fluency.
• Limits Guessing: Unlike predictable texts, which rely on pictures or context clues, decodable texts encourage children to use letter-sound knowledge rather than guessing.

Example of a Decodable Text:

Sam had a cat. 

The cat sat on a mat.

Sam ran to the cat.

The cat had a nap.

Why is this Decodable?

Almost every word uses simple phonics patterns (CVC: consonant-vowel-consonant) that a beginning reader can sound out using basic skills.

Example of a Non-Decodable Text:

Sam loved his fluffy kitten. Every morning, he raced downstairs to find her curled up on his favourite chair. She purred happily when Sam picked her up.

How can this present challenge when reading?

Words such as "loved," "fluffy," "every," "morning," "raced," "downstairs," and "curled" require advanced decoding skills, memorisation, or guessing from context and pictures — much harder for a student who hasn't learned those patterns yet.

How can you help at home?

• Encourage your child to sound out unfamiliar words instead of guessing.
• Celebrate their success with decodable texts—even short, simple books are meaningful practice!
• Read aloud books above their reading level to build vocabulary and a love for stories.