We all understand how crucial it is to help young readers master foundational phonics skills – and what a challenge that work often can be. With this need in mind, The Reading Writing Project at Mossflower developed Daypack Decodables as a resource to help students grow to be proficient and enthusiastic readers. These low-cost, carefully structured books not only make phonics accessible, but they are also engaging and offer plenty of opportunities for students to practice and progress.
What Are Daypack Decodables?
Daypack Decodables is a series of 120 texts designed to support young readers as they progress through stages of phonics development. They are designed with young learners in mind and focused on developing kids’ early reading skills through a carefully crafted, sequential approach.
Here’s what makes these books an invaluable resource:
Affordability: Daypack Decodables are low-cost, making it easy to build a library of decodable books without stretching the budget. Because they are so affordable, they are perfect for book baggies, classroom libraries, or take-home reading.
Sequential Scope and Sequence: These books are structured to introduce phonics skills in “little steps.” Instead of presenting all blends at once, they roll out one blend at a time, which makes it easier for students to master each skill before moving on to the next.
Practice, Practice, Practice! Each book includes many chances for students to apply their new skills, allowing students to solidify phonics patterns through repeated exposure before moving onto the next phonics pattern. Repetition helps students build a strong foundation as they encounter increasingly complex texts.
Fun, Engaging Characters: Students will delight in following the stories of Mabel, Rasheed, and Gus – engaging characters they might recognize from our Reading and Phonics Units of Study. These familiar faces and fun stories help make reading feel less like a task and more like a shared adventure.
Incorporating Daypack Decodables in Your Classroom
Daypack Decodables are incredibly versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of instructional activities. Here are some ways to maximize their impact:
Book Baggies
Because they’re so cost-effective, they are perfect for student book baggies. Curate each student’s baggie based on the student’s current phonics level, adding decodable books that target the specific sounds and word types the student has mastered. As students progress in their phonics assessments, you can continuously update their book baggies with new decodable books that reflect their growth. This personalized approach allows students to practice independently, at their own level.
Home Lending Program
This series is great for at-home reading programs. Send students home with decodable books matching their reading skills, creating a bridge between school and home practice. This helps families to support phonics development at home and reinforce the skills learned in class.
Small Group Instruction
Use Daypack Decodables for your small group instruction. Each set includes a lesson plan with a warm-up, book introduction, and comprehension questions, which provide you with a ready-made structure for each session. Start with a quick warm-up, introduce the book to prepare students for the reading, and use the comprehension questions to reinforce understanding and encourage discussion.
Coaching Conferences
Use these books during one-on-one coaching conferences to provide targeted support. Try giving students books that are slightly beyond their current level. Sit with them, coach them through the challenging parts, and encourage them to apply the phonics skills they’ve learned. Afterward, leave each student with an appropriate book for additional practice. This approach gives students a gentle push to reach new levels of reading proficiency while building their confidence.
Ready to Bring Daypack Decodables Into Your Classroom?
How are you using decodable books in your classroom? Try out some of these strategies and discover how Daypack Decodables can help your students grow as readers. Share your insights and experiences with your colleagues, or write to us and let us know!
