85. How to Use Decodable Books (and When to Move Beyond Them) with Elise Lovejoy, Express Readers

In this episode, Elise Lovejoy tackles one of the most important topics in early literacy instruction: how to use decodable books effectively – and how to thoughtfully bridge students from controlled text into authentic reading.

Elise explains why decodable texts are such a critical tool for early reading development. She also, though, emphasizes an important truth: decodables are not the entire literacy experience; they are one piece of a larger instructional puzzle.

In this episode, you’ll hear Elise discuss practical ways teachers can maximize decodable books for phonics practice, build comprehension within decodable texts, and scaffold students toward more complex and authentic reading experiences.

You’ll also gather actionable routines teachers can use during small-group instruction, how to help students develop flexibility when encountering unfamiliar spellings, and the signals that students may be ready to move beyond tightly controlled text.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why decodable texts are essential for practicing newly taught phonics skills
2. The difference between using decodables intentionally vs. using them like leveled readers
3. Why comprehension should still be addressed within decodable texts
4. Practical small-group routines for using decodable books effectively
5. How to help students develop flexibility with spelling and pronunciation
6. Signs that students are ready to move beyond tightly controlled text
7. Why teachers should use decodable texts and authentic texts side-by-side

Resources Mentioned:

1. The Teachers Table
2. Lyn Stone’s Book: Foundations for Life

Connect with Elise Lovejoy of Express Readers:

1. Website: Express Readers
2. Instagram: @expressreaders
3. LinkedIn: Express Readers
4. Facebook: Express Readers Inc.

Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

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