This post is all about leveled readers and decodable books.
Leveled Readers vs decodable books: Which is best?
Leveled Readers vs Decodable Books… Let’s discuss it!
As we teach our children how to read, we have to decide what types of books will be best. Two common options include leveled readers and decodable books.
In this post, let’s discuss what exactly these types of books mean. Are they beneficial to your child? Are they necessary to help build reading skills?
We can explore some of the benefits that leveled readers and decodable books have for young readers. Then, we will talk about some of the drawbacks as well. That way, you can decide what will work best for you and your family.
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All About Leveled Readers
Definition of leveled readers
Leveled readers are books that are categorized into different reading levels. The books are in alphabetical order from A to Z – with A being the “easy” books and Z being the more difficult.
With leveled readers, the goal is to provide a child with a book that is a good fit for their current skill level. You move up to the next reading level as your skills increase. They are designed to increase your child’s ability to reading independently.
Leveled readers typically come in sets. The sets usually will look something like the photo. You’ll have a set of “A” books, “B” books, etc.
WHY LEVELED READERS CAN BE PROBLEMATIC
LEVELED READERS LIMIT A CHILD’S ABILITY TO DECODE (SOUND OUT WORDS)
Leveled readers typically contain words that are not easy to decode. Because these words in the books can be difficult to sound out, children have a tendency to rely on context clues, picture clues, and just simply guessing at the words.
These are not solid reading skills. We should try our best to not encourage our kids to do this.
So, what should they do instead? Have them focus on sounding out the word. If the word they are struggling with has a spelling pattern that they don’t know yet, you can either tell them the word or quickly explain the pattern and move on.
lEVELED BOOKS aren’t “authentic”
Leveled readers are carefully written to match a specific reading level. So, they may not include authentic language. This type of text can limit your child’s exposure to language-rich text.
EMPHASIS on “Reading levels”
When we put too much emphasis on reading levels, there can be a stigma associated with a lower reading level. This can be really problematic for your child.
It’s important to recognize that every child learns at their own pace. As parents and educators, we should encourage a love for reading without relying on inconsistent reading levels!
What leveled readers don’t teach
Leveled readers are rather limited in what reading skills they teach. There are a few reasons for that
.These types of books have a predictable sentence structure. Let’s look at an example so you can see what that looks like.
I grabbed this book from Reading A-Z. Reading A-Z has many wonderful books, and I highly recommend checking them out if you’re looking for access to online books.
This book is called “Go Animals Go” and features a predictable sentence structure.
Let’s look at the first few pages below.
Do you notice the predictable sentences?
It goes: The [animal] is in a [vehicle].
It doesn’t seem really complicated, right? Let me point out the issue though. When our early readers are reading a book like this, they are most likely using the picture to guess what the animal and the vehicle are in the sentences.
The issue with using picture clues is that it’s not really reading. A beginning reader is not likely to have learned about the /oa/ vowel team just yet. So, what are they doing instead? They are using picture clues to “read.”
HOW to use Leveled Readers
Leveled readers are not my go-to recommendation when you’re looking for books to help your child to read because of the reasons listed above. However, these types of books do not need to be thrown out! You can still use these types of books.
Read Aloud Books
You can use these leveled readers as read-aloud books. That means your child will listen as you, the adult, reads the story to them. While you are reading to them, you can work on their listening comprehension skills by asking them questions while you’re reading.
Stuck on what questions to ask while you’re reading to your child? This post talks about different questions for children while reading together.
Vocabulary
Leveled readers provide a great opportunity to work on new vocabulary words. While you’re reading (either together or independently), make sure to review the meaning of new words. This helps children connect these new words to their prior knowledge to help deepen understanding.
Fluency
Leveled readers can help build fluency. Be sure to explain any unique phonics rules as they are reading. While they are reading, they can work on reading with expression or reading with accuracy.
All about decodable books
Definition of Decodable Books
Decodable books are books that contain words that match up to specific phonics skills. This allows young readers to
practice applying their phonics skills to text.
These types of books will start with simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words and get progressively more difficult. These decodable books can cover many different types of phonics patterns, including consonants, vowels, blends, digraphs, and more!
How Decodable Books Help Readers
Controlled vocabulary
Decodable books used controlled vocabulary, which means they choose a limited set of words that match the phonics skills being taught. This is great because it helps early readers feel more confident while reading!
Also, this type of controlled vocabulary gives children plenty of repeated practice. It is so beneficial for children to learn about phonics skills and have the opportunity to practice reading them as well.
Gradual Progression
Decodable books are designed to help readers gradually progress through phonics skills. That means that the words chosen in decodable books are chosen carefully!
This helps learners build their skills at their own pace. It prevents our little readers from getting overwhelmed. The result is a more fluent, skilled, and confident reader!
Confidence and engagement
Because decodable books are carefully selected to match the phonics skills that are being taught, they are generally easy to read. That doesn’t mean that the books themselves are too easy! It just means that our children are reading a book that they will be successful with.
This success in reading boosts confidence. They are able to read words without constant assistance, which can be so empowering.
Popular Decodable Books Series to Explore
There are many decodable books out there that are both engaging and effective. Here are some popular book series that you may want to consider adding to your library.
BoB Books
This is a well-known series that is great for early readers. These books have short and simple stories with controlled vocabulary. The illustrations are not very overwhelming either. A perfect series to help your emerging reader!
FLyleaf Phonics
These are pricey, but they are a great addition. These books have engaging stories with controlled vocabulary.
The Yak Pak
Decodable comic books! How neat is that? These would be a great addition for reluctant readers who gravitate toward graphic novels.
Whole Phonics
These decodable sets have colorful images and engaging storylines. They cover a wide range of phonics skills and offer various levels of difficulty to suit different reading levels.
Drawbacks of decodable books
Decodable books offer so many benefits! However, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of.
One limitation is that decodable books may have limited content and repetitive storylines. This is because these books are likely not going to include words that do not fit into a specific phonics pattern.
Another limitation to think about is
time to compare and contrast
Let’s summarize. Leveled readers are going to offer a wider range of texts at different reading levels. However, depending on reading levels is not the best way to monitor your child’s progress.
Decodable books, on the other hand, give your child the opportunity to practice their phonics skills directly. These books, however, may not be too appealing to older readers.
Overall, decodable books and leveled readers have their own unique place in supporting your child’s reading journey. It’s important to know the purpose behind these two types of books.
