New Decodable Readers in enCORE Elementary

enCORE Elementary now includes a brand new library of decodable readers! These readers are specifically designed to support students as they build foundational reading skills aligned with the Science of Reading.

What Are Decodable Readers?

Decodable readers are carefully written texts that use only the letter-sound relationships (phonics), or sight words, a student has already learned. This means every word in a decodable reader can be ‘sounded out’ or read by sight, reinforcing decoding skills and word recognition skills, and building confidence.

Decodable texts prioritize phonics-based word recognition. This allows students to apply what they’ve been explicitly taught, strengthening the connection between letters and sounds in a meaningful, authentic reading experience.

Why Decodables Are Important in Early Literacy Instruction

Early reading success depends on developing strong decoding skills. Research has shown that students who can accurately and automatically decode words are better equipped to comprehend what they read.

Decodable readers provide:

• Immediate application of phonics instruction
• Targeted practice with high-frequency sound-spelling patterns
• Increased confidence and independence
• Reduced cognitive load so students can focus on decoding and fluency

They’re especially essential for students with disabilities, who often need multiple, structured opportunities to master and generalize phonics and word recognition skills.

Grounded in the Science of Reading

The Science of Reading is a comprehensive body of literacy research that outlines how students learn to read. It emphasizes systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary, and scaffolded support to build fluency and comprehension.

Decodable readers are supported by research and align with these principles by:

• Reinforcing phoneme-grapheme correspondence (sound-symbol correspondence)
• Supporting orthographic mapping (process of storing words in long-term memory)
• Encouraging blending and segmenting practice
• Offering controlled text for targeted skill development

Our new decodable readers were developed with these principles at the core, supporting our commitment to research-based literacy instruction for students with disabilities.

What’s New in enCORE Elementary?

Beginning August 28, educators using enCORE Elementary will gain access to a comprehensive set of decodable readers integrated directly into the curriculum. Here’s what you’ll find –

• Over 60 decodable titles (with more in development!), thoughtfully sequenced to match enCORE’s phonics scope and sequence
• Explicit connections to enCORE phonics and sight word instruction, so students can read texts that directly reinforce the skills they’re learning
• Engaging, age-respectful content that is appropriate for a range of developmental levels and interests
• Printable PDFs and digital access, offering flexibility for whole-group, small-group, or independent reading
• Accompanying vocabulary support, sight word flashcards, and comprehension practice

These readers are a natural extension of enCORE’s standards-first, adapted core curriculum, designed to make high-quality literacy instruction more accessible for students with complex learning needs.

Why This Matters

When students have access to the right texts at the right time, it transforms their experience of reading from frustrating to empowering. For special education classrooms, decodable readers offer a path toward literacy that’s structured, attainable, and deeply affirming. With the addition of these new decodable readers, TeachTown continues to invest in the tools and resources that matter most for student success.

Log into enCORE Elementary to explore the new Decodable Readers and see how they can elevate your early literacy instruction.