Researchers agree that decodable text is meant to be used during a short window, when students are first learning to sound out words. Studies have shown some benefits for early readers. When kids read decodable books, they're more likely to try to decode—to sound out the words.

At what point does a child no longer require Decodable books?

Decodable reading books should be used to support a high-quality phonics programme. With optimal teaching through systematic synthetic phonics, most children will no longer require books that are matched to their phonic knowledge by the end of Year 1/Primary 2.

At which reading stage are Decodable texts appropriate?

Decodable text should be used during small group instruction to provide practice for students to read by sounding out the words. It is the application of the phonics that has been taught.