Decodables and Why They Matter - Wilson Language Training

What Exactly Are Decodable Books?

Decodable readers are specially designed books that align with the concepts and skills that have been taught—allowing students to independently practice the application of their phonics knowledge to decode words. Practice with decodable text allows readers to build accurate, automatic, and fluent word reading.

Two children are sitting on the floor, reading picture books in a classroom. The child in the foreground, with short blonde hair, is wearing green overalls and gesturing with their hand. The background is slightly blurred, showing bookshelves.

Student with hand raised and teacher smiling at them

Webinar: Decodables and Why They Matter

Discover how decodable text serves as a critical bridge between foundational skill instruction and real-world reading success.

Understand when and why to use decodable books
See how they support struggling readers
Learn how they fit into a larger literacy framework

Watch the Webinar

Beyond the Basics: Explore More About Decodable Text

Take a closer look at what makes decodable text so powerful for early readers—and how to use decodable books effectively to support phonics instruction and reading development.

Bridging Foundational Skills to Independent Reading

Three Text Types to Support Reading Development

Children sitting on floor reading Fundations readers

A royal blue Fundations® drawstring backpack with black cords and a white label for writing a name, shown alongside three illustrated children’s readers titled Ned Heads to the City, Addie the Astronaut, and Etta and Ezra Explore. The books are spread in front of the backpack and display black-and-white cover illustrations.

Classroom-Tested. Student-Approved.

Fundations® Readers and Fundations Backpack Readers make reading success more accessible—at school and at home. Designed to align with Fundations instruction, these decodable books offer engaging stories and intentional skill practice that builds mastery and momentum.

Preview Fundations Readers

Preview Backpack Readers

Better Together—Bundle and Save!

Now through August 31, get 10% off when you bundle a Fundations Readers classroom set with Fundations Backpack Readers. It’s the perfect pairing for reinforcing skills at school and at home.

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Two students with books on their desk as the give a thumbs-up

What Educators Are Saying

“I love that each Fundations Reader allows me to address multiple skills—including vocabulary, decoding, comprehension, and fluency—all in one lesson.” Mary J., FL

“The diversity represented in the Fundations Readers is invaluable. Students need to see themselves reflected in what they read.” Jake D., MN

“Fundations Readers have been a game-changer, boosting confidence and allowing students to practice the skills we’ve worked on.” Anne Marie P., MA

Two children sitting at a classroom table, engaged in reading books. The boy with curly hair is wearing a blue shirt, and the girl with long curly hair and glasses is wearing a purple shirt. Other students are visible in the background.

Need a Closer Look?

Download detailed overviews to help you explore or share decodable resources with your team.

Fundations Readers Flyer

Backpack Readers Flyer

Ready to Empower Your Readers?

Whether you're just getting started or ready to dive deeper, these tools and insights will help your students build confidence—one decodable book at a time.

Explore Readers