With the wealth of literacy resources available to educators, determining which types of books to use with your students can be overwhelming.
When using decodable books, leveled readers, and authentic books, you may find yourself asking: what are they, how do they differ, and where do they fit in effective literacy instruction?
Let's review their characteristics and roles.
What are the characteristics of decodable books, leveled readers, and authentic books?
In a recent Just Right Reader Science of Reading Symposium, Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson, Literacy Expert and Co-author of LETRS Early Childhood, explained the characteristics of decodable books, leveled readers, and authentic books, when to use them, and which one is critical for early reading practice.
Decodable Books
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Leveled Readers
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Authentic Books
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Read our article, Decodable Books: A Complete Guide, to learn about decodable books, why we use them, and how and when to use them.
Learn more about the characteristics of decodable books, leveled readers, and authentic books:
When should I use decodable books, leveled readers, and authentic books?
As educators create a learning environment that empowers young readers, it’s important to know the role of each book in effective literacy instruction.
Decodable Books
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Leveled Readers
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Authentic Books
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When referring to the Simple View of Reading, decodable books develop and strengthen word recognition, while authentic books and leveled readers are tools for developing language comprehension.
Learn when to use each book type:
Which type of book is critical for early reading practice?
While all three types of books prove themselves useful in their own way, one is critical for early reading success- decodable books.
We know from theScience of Reading research that students must be proficient in word recognition to be successful readers. That means students must gain the skill set to decode words by learning how sounds (phonemes) connect to written letters (graphemes) to form letter-sound relationships and spelling patterns.
Following a rigorous phonics progression, decodables, such as Just Right Reader Decodables, provide the targeted decoding practice students need to become strong readers.
Discover the importance of decodable books:
What makes Just Right Reader Science of Reading Decodables special?
With extensiveClassroom Libraries andTake-Everywhere Packs, students have many opportunities to practice their decoding skills in engaging, connected text, which allows them to become strong readers.
Our Decodables feature:
- An extensive library of 750+ titles in English and Spanish
- Engaging and relatable stories with diverse characters and vibrant illustrations that motivate students to keep reading
- Research-based, rigorous phonics scope and sequence that aligns to all phonics programs and curriculums
- QR codes that link to memorable video lessons in English and Spanish
Watch the full symposium with Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson here.
Reference
Dr. Paulson, Lucy Hart.Literacy Expert and Co-author of LETRS Early Childhood
Symposium on How Do Decodable Books Fit in Learning to Read and Comprehend? What Science Says., January 9, 2024.