In the context of reading instruction, what is an essential feature of decodable text?

Decodable text is specifically designed to support early reading development by providing text that aligns closely with the phonics instruction students have received. An essential feature of decodable text is that it comprises sound-symbol relationships that have already been taught to the students. This focus enables beginning readers to apply their knowledge of letters and sounds to read words independently.

When students encounter text that includes only the phonetic elements they have learned, they build confidence and skills in decoding, which is fundamental to their reading development. This approach allows for successful engagement with the text, promoting practice in sound-letter relationships without overwhelming learners with unfamiliar or complex vocabulary that could impede understanding and fluency. By strategically using familiar sound-symbol pairings, decodable texts support the gradual process of learning to read, ensuring that children can focus on mastering their decoding skills without needing to rely on guessing or context clues.