Discover how decodables build real word fluency and where to find free resources. These “magical” books are the missing piece of the puzzle for many struggling readers.
Many parents feel a deep sense of isolation when their bright, articulate child struggles to read. Beth Bevars, the Executive Director for Programming at TeachMyKidToRead.org, lived this firsthand with her daughter, Maggie.
For years, Beth’s family dealt with what they called the “Maggie Mystery”. Maggie was a lovely, intelligent child, yet by seventh grade, she was still reading at a first-grade level. Despite seeking help through various school districts, the struggle remained a problem.
The turning point came when Maggie finally received the right services and discovered decodable books. By the end of eighth grade, she was literate, and by college, she had transformed into someone who actually read for fun.
I had been so frustrated by the struggle of getting Maggie the services that she needed... it took a decade!
If you aren’t familiar with the term “decodable,” you aren’t alone. Even Marion Waldman, the founder of Teach My Kid to Read, didn’t know what they were until her own daughter struggled to read.
Decodable books, informally called decodables, are phonetically aligned to a reading program so that what a child is learning in their phonics lessons is exactly represented in these books. Marion describes them as “training wheels” for reading. Decodables provide:
A common misconception is that you need a private tutor or an expensive specialist to find these resources. TeachMyKidToRead.org is working to bridge the gap between libraries and evidence-based literacy for children.
Librarians are not necessarily reading specialists, but they are world-class curators of information. When a library understands the Science of Reading (or Structured Literacy), they can provide:
Hi-Lo stands for High Interest, Low Reading Level. These books are designed for older students (middle or high school) who need mature content (like stories about jobs, social issues, or history) but require a simpler reading level.
Think of these as a tool of allyship for dyslexic students.
Pro-Tip: Every state has a Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL). This is a free national library through the Library of Congress that provides audiobooks and Braille resources without the long wait times often found on apps like Libby.
It’s essential for struggling readers to see themselves in the stories they read, a concept known as Windows and Mirrors.
When children read about characters who also struggle with reading, or who face similar challenges, it builds resilience. It reminds them that they are not alone and that learning to read, while hard work, is a goal they can achieve.
Reading is a journey that you don’t have to walk alone. By using decodables and partnering with your local library, you can help your child move from frustration to fluency. If you are ready to stop the guessing game and start building your child’s reading confidence, take action today:
Many parents don’t realize that an ESA account (Educational Savings Account) is essentially the state giving you back your tax dollars to spend on education that works for your child, such as 1:1 Orton-Gillingham tutoring. What is an ESA account? When you send your child to a public school, the
I recently sat down with Hillary Summerbell, one of several powerhouse dyslexic entrepreneurs. Hillary built a thriving career long before she could comfortably read a single business contract. It’s easy to feel like the clock is ticking for your dyslexic learner, especially in the high-pressure years of middle and high
