At AIR Language, we believe that literacy and oracy are interconnected pillars of language development. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new decodable books—a thoughtfully designed set of decodable texts for secondary English learners. These books are more than just reading material; they’re tools crafted to meet students where they are while fostering measurable growth.
In developing the decodable books, we prioritized four key principles to ensure their effectiveness:
1. Engaging and Mature Storylines
Too often, decodable books for older learners fall into the trap of being too simple or juvenile. We wanted to break that mold by creating stories that respect the maturity and curiosity of secondary students. Each book in this series offers a cohesive storyline that captivates readers without feeling childish. Whether it’s tales of overcoming challenges, solving mysteries, or navigating friendships, these stories are relatable, inspiring, and age-appropriate.
2. A Commitment to Phonics: Specific Sounds on Every Page
These books are laser-focused on phonics instruction, emphasizing specific sounds on every page. By spotlighting these sounds in a consistent way, the books give learners ample opportunity to practice and master them in context. This design ensures that students don’t just learn to decode—they build confidence in applying their skills while reading.
3. High-Frequency, Functional Vocabulary
Language learning is most effective when it’s practical. That’s why the vocabulary in our decodable books centers on high-frequency, functional words that students can use in their daily lives. From greetings to descriptions and action verbs, the words are chosen to help learners communicate effectively, both in and outside of the classroom.
4. Very Low Lexile Levels for Maximum Focus
We’ve intentionally kept Lexile levels low, allowing learners to focus on the phonetic patterns and sounds they’re trying to master. By reducing the cognitive load of comprehending complex text, students can zero in on the foundational skills they need to succeed. This approach ensures they aren’t overwhelmed and are instead motivated to keep progressing.
Building Literacy and Oracy Hand in Hand
Decodable books exemplify our commitment to creating materials that balance literacy (reading and writing) with oracy (speaking and listening). As students read, they’re not only decoding text but also internalizing sounds, vocabulary, and language patterns that empower them to communicate with confidence.
We’re excited to see how the decodable books will support secondary English learners on their journey toward language proficiency. If you’d like to learn more about this series or see how AIR Language can support your classroom, let’s connect!
Together, we can help every learner find their voice—and their confidence—in English.
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