Developing readers use decodable books to apply their phonics knowledge in a structured way. These texts contain words with the phonics patterns students are currently learning or reviewing. This helps students become better readers by giving them lots of decoding practice in an engaging reading experience.

Giving students random decodables is not best practice. Instead, choose decodable books that contain phonetic patterns students have already learned. Explore back-to-school activities that incorporate decodable books and add an extra layer of engagement to keep students learning.

1. Phonics Treasure Hunt

Create an engaging phonics treasure hunt using clues hidden in decodable books. This creates excitement and reinforces decoding skills as students search for specific sounds and patterns.

2. Read, Swap, and Discuss

Start a reading circle where students read and then swap decodable books. Students have discussion to share insights, enhance comprehension, and social interaction.

3. Create Your Own Decodable Books

Students write their own short stories using the phonics skills they’ve learned. This allows them to apply their knowledge in a creative and personal way.

4. Decodable Book Reviews

Students read a decodable book and write a review, sharing it with other students.

5. Decodable Role-Play

Create a role-play activity where students act out narratives from decodable books, deepening comprehension and increasing fluency. This also makes for a great team building activity.

6. Decodable Bingo

Develop a Bingo game using words from decodable books. This game enhances decoding and word recognition as students mark off words while they are reading.

7. Phonics Art Gallery

Have students create colorful art inspired by phonics rules from their decodable books. Hold a classroom gallery walk where students observe artwork and  discuss with each other how their art is connected to their decodable.

To learn more tips about decodables, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]