If you’re a homeschool parent or classroom teacher you’re probably looking for the best learn to read books. A beginner needs decodable books (phonics books) that introduce phonics sounds one at a time. That way, kids can gradually master each new phonics sound. Choose at least 2 phonics books series. If you find 2 or more great phonics series, kids can gain access to more text and a broader vocabulary, as different authors use different words and sentence structures.
It can be difficult to find the best learn to read books, as many phonics books include stilted language, lack plotlines altogether, or are tedious to get through. In the beginning, children can only read short a sentences like, “Sam sat on the map.” From there, kids learn short i and can read sentences like, “Tim and Sam ran to the mat.” These sentences should gradually become more complex, and the child will learn to read more and more phonics sounds. Since books are written methodically and with a limited word bank, authors often struggle to create engaging stories that are also grammatically correct.
In this post, I’ll go over the best learn to read books. I’ve used these series with many struggling readers and dyslexic kids. I’ve also used them to teach my own child how to read.
1. Primary Phonics
Primary phonics have stood the test of time. They’ve been around since 1993, because they’re cute, effective and grammatically correct: these are difficult qualities to find in decodable books. In addition, they’re true decodable books, meaning they introduce phonics sounds gradually.
Primary phonics readers allow children to slowly master the phonics sounds. The pictures are cute, but they don’t give the words away to the child or encourage guessing. They are an excellent addition to any decodable phonics books library, whether if it’s for your child or your classroom.
2. Reading Elephant Phonics Books
Our printable decodable books were designed for beginning kindergartners and dyslexic students. Our stories introduce one phonics sound at a time. Since there are multiple books in each set, kids have plenty of stories to master each new phonics sound. In addition, our books encourage constant review, ensuring that kids stay strong in old phonics sounds they’ve learned. Our step-by-step approach helps kids master sounds successfully and confidently.
Reading Elephant Phonics books are on Cathy Duffy’s homeschool phonics books list.
Our step-by-step printable books are available in our shop.
Our phonics stories also include lots of pictures. They’re printable so kids can color them. The stories make sense, and include quirky characters like Snappy the cat who loves to hang from the curtains and Ken the dog who hates baths. Since many decodable books lack a coherent story, we set out on a mission to make learning to read fun. Kids can enjoy the stories and learn new phonics sounds incrementally.
3. All About Learning Press has some of the best learn to read books as well.
All About Learning Press books are popular among homeschoolers. They have lots of stories to help your child learn to read. They’re stories are decodable so children can sound out each word. In addition, they include colorful pictures. Some of their stories and sentences can be a bit long for a beginner. However, you can divide up the content as you wish.
4. Bob Books Sets 1 & 2
A lot of people are confused about Bob Books, as Sets 1 & 2 are decodable, but the remainder of the series may include some guessable text. Thus, if you’re looking for true decodable books, check out Sets 1 & 2. These sets are cute, decodable and fun for kids.
5. Dr Maggie’s
Dr. Maggie’s has some cute phonics books, but the series isn’t the most complete. These are great supplemental materials for beginning kindergartners. I like some of her books that include consonant digraphs like sh and _nk. Her decodable stories can help kids master some kindergarten level phonics sounds.
It’s helpful to have about 2-3 phonics books series on hand. That way, kids have enough content to master each new phonics sound. In addition, this gives kids exposure to various writers, as authors tend to use different writing styles.
If you want a more complete best learn to read books list, check out The Reading League’s Decodable Text Source List.
For our step-by-step printable phonics books, enter our shop.
Leave a Reply