phonics homework books

Phonics-related decodable readers and resources for educators including teachers and home-schooling parents. Support your beginner and catch up readers with these decodable phonic books, workbooks, stories and games for children age 5 upwards.

• Beginner Readers Books to develop language and vocabulary and step-by-step decodable synthetic phonic reading books that ensure reading success from the very beginning. View details New Releases
• Catch-up Readers Age appropriate, hi-interest, decodable phonics books and workbooks for older, struggling readers. Exciting stories and instantly engaging illustrations will interest even the most reluctant of older ... View details
• Games Zero-rated for VAT for sale and delivery outside of EU countries only View details New Releases

It looks like you're browsing from outside the US or Canada

Buy UK edition books

Buy US edition books

• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Additional menu

Reading Elephant

Helping children reach their reading potential.

Effective K-1 Decodable Phonics Books

When elephants migrate, younger elephants often get lost. An older, experienced elephant stops to help. She guides the younger one back to the herd step-by-step. Young readers deserve the same sort of guidance. Our printable phonics books guide young students through each of the most common phonics sounds in a step-by-step fashion.

Learning to read is a great migration. A child’s brain goes through an incredible transformation, linking areas that were previously unconnected. When a child isn’t exposed to science-based reading instruction, this process often goes awry.

Our printable phonics books can help your student learn to read with confidence. Close the gap between your student’s level and potential with gradual, systematic instruction. Our 100+ printable phonics books can gently lead your student toward independent reading.

Systematic Phonics Instruction

Kids that struggle with reading are intelligent. We must teach them in a way that works. Cognitive Science and Reading Research have shown that kids learn best with explicit, systematic phonics instruction. Yet, many classrooms across the world expect kids to guess at words and “catch on.” As a result, many kids struggle with decoding. Our books can help kids learn to read effectively the first time. Our books can also help struggling readers gain ground.

Reading Elephant phonics books are carefully designed for beginners and kids that fall behind in K-2 reading skills. Reading Elephant books are methodically written to ease your student into reading success.

Why can’t I find books my student can read? I’ve gotten every easy reader. My student can’t even read those.

Sound familiar.

Tired of your student’s reading difficulties? Of the tears during reading time? Looking for fun, effective learn-to-read books that match your student’s unique level? Our phonics books are for you.

Reading Elephant phonics books were created to get all kids reading. Many books inadvertently teach kids to guess, memorize and “catch on.” But learning to read is a process. Kids need to build strong foundational skills in decoding and word analysis. Without carefully designed incremental steps, many kids fall behind.

One Sound at a Time

So our printable phonics books introduce sounds one at a time. Kids master one phonics unit before learning another. Sounds are added gradually. Kids read with confidence and build a strong reading foundation.

Reading Elephant offers printable, systematic phonics books that allow kids to practice: short vowels, consonant digraphs, consonant blends, silent e and long vowel phonics sounds.

My student just memorizes books. He thinks memorizing is reading.

All Reading Elephant books encourage kids to read words sound-by-sound. Our books encourage kids to analyze phonetic units. Kids cannot memorize the books because there are no repetitive phrases or sentences. As a result, kids build transferable reading skills. In other words, they can begin reading words in the real world (not just in a book they’ve memorized).

My child looks at the pictures to read. When the picture is taken away, he can’t read the words!

Our pictures are carefully drawn so kids cannot use them to guess at the words. The pictures are there for fun and to color. No child should rely on pictures to read.

Reading Elephant books are a fun, effective, step-by-step guide to reading success.

Print them all from your home computer!

Reading elephant blog.

Our phonics blog provides invaluable insights into the power of phonics-based instruction. Learn why we are so passionate about the power of this learning method.

What are Phonics Skills?

Phonics skills refer to the ability to understand and use the relationship between letters and sounds in a…

Continue Reading What are Phonics Skills?

Kindergarten Level Reading Worksheets

Kindergarten level reading worksheets showed include consonant-vowel-consonant words (ex. hat, pop, lap, bit), consonant digraph words (ex. ship,…

Continue Reading Kindergarten Level Reading Worksheets

What are Continuous Sounds in Phonics?

Continuous sounds are phonics units that can be held or stretched out for a long time. You can…

Continue Reading What are Continuous Sounds in Phonics?

Sounding Out Words for Kindergartners

Do you have a kindergartner that’s learning to read? Kindergartners should read words slowly, elongating each continuous sound,…

Continue Reading Sounding Out Words for Kindergartners

Best Learn to Read Books

If you’re a homeschool parent or classroom teacher you’re probably looking for the best learn to read books.…

Continue Reading Best Learn to Read Books

My Child Can’t Read

The thought, “My child can’t read,” kept Julie awake at night. She didn’t know what to do. Her…

Continue Reading My Child Can’t Read

What do Reading Elephant books offer?

• Systematic text that introduces sounds gradually, and allows kids to practice each new phonetic unit.
• A gentle path toward independent reading.
• A way to build confidence in beginners and struggling readers.
• Fun, amusing stories and pictures.
• Carefully written books that offer extensive practice on common phonics sounds.
• A simple, progressive guide to introducing phonics sounds.
• Extensive review. Kids get to practice old sounds with new sounds.
• Easy access. You can print them all from home!
• A fun path toward independent reading.

What phonics rules do our books cover?

Our phonics books cover a broad range of phonics rules. There are many books in each set. As a result, beginning readers are able to develop fluency (reading speed). Our phonics books cover the following phonics rules:

Our short vowel books allow kids to master short vowel sounds in the following order:

• a_ as in mat, sat, fan, ham, cap
• i_ as in lit, sit, fin, him, kit
• o_ as in got, hot, Ron, hop, cop
• u_ as in cup, hut, fun, hum, tub
• e_ as in met, set, fell, pen, let

Since our books are systematic, kids learn how to read one short vowel word type at a time. For example, short a books include sentences like: “Pam had a bat.” Later, short e books contain sentences like: “The cub ran to the den.”

Our step-by-step approach helps struggling readers master all short vowel words.

Next, our consonant digraph books introduce consonant digraphs in the following order:

• sh as in wish, dish, ship, shell…etc.
• th as in bath, math, moth, path…etc.
• th as in then, this, that…etc.
• ch as in chop, chill, chip, Chad…etc.
• _tch as in batch, witch, match, patch…etc.
• _ck as in deck, kick, Rick, chick…etc.
• _ing as in king, ring, sing, wing…etc.
• _ng as in long, song, wrong, strong…etc.
• _ang as in sang, rang, pang, bang…etc.
• wh_ as in when, whale, wheel, whim…etc.

Again, our consonant digraph books are systematic. Each book set focuses on one phonics sound. Thus, the sh digraph books include sentences like: “Shell got on a ship to get fish.” Later, our _ang digraph books include sentences like: “Jill got a pet with fangs.”

Our books teach phonics sounds in incremental steps.

Next, our consonant blends books teach kids to read two letter sounds in a row. Consonant blends words include words like spot, land, track, west, and sand. Our consonant blends books give kids extensive practice with a step-by-step approach that builds confidence.

Consonant blends series now available.

These books introduce your child to consonant letters and sounds – learning to recognize these is a crucial step in reading mastery.

Next, our silent e books teach kids to read the following phonics rules:

• a_ e as in lake, bake, lane, make, mane…etc.
• e_e as in Pete, these…etc.
• i_e as in hive, bike, dive, tile, mile, mine…etc.
• o_e as in hope, cope, hole, rope, rose…etc.
• u_e as in duke, use
• Our silent e books build a strong reading foundation.

Silent E Book Series Now Available!

Reading Elephant silent e books teach kids to read words with an e at the end. It’s the fourth series of our printable phonics books.

Our long vowel books teach kids to read:

• ee as in peek, seek, seem…etc.
• ea as in leave, real, seal…etc.
• ai as in sail, mail, tail…etc.
• _ay as in bay, day, say…etc.
• oa as in boat, soap, boast…etc.
• ow as in glow, slow, row…etc.
• igh as in sigh, light, might…etc.
• _y as in my, cry, fly…etc.
• ____y as in funny, bunny, granny…etc.

Our long vowel series, like all our books, are methodically written. Kids learn one phonics sound at a time. They get to practice extensively.

Give your student a solid reading foundation. Our phonics books give kids the skills to read independently and with confidence.

Phonics Books With a Proven Approach

Reading Elephant phonics books are based on proven approaches and sound research. Furthermore, their sequential, progressive nature eases kids from easy to more challenging reading territory. Kids can have fun with phonics by starting simple and moving methodically toward complex. The gradual progression of the stories allows students to gain confidence. In addition, they build fluency and become more precise readers.

Reading Elephant printable books are easy to use. Simply move through the sets and watch your student master each new phonics sound. In each set, there are numerous stories that allow kids to gain fluency.

Each printable book includes the set number and focus sound, allowing the teacher to easily navigate the product.

Our books are appropriate for kindergarten through second grade, but preschoolers can also learn from the simpler ones. The phonics stories are meant to engage and entertain, all while establishing fundamental building blocks for a bright reading future.

Thank you for visiting Reading Elephant!

• Free Shipping on Orders over $50
• Login / Register My Account

We Make Learning to Read Easy

Empowering Children with Effective Books to Learn to Read.  Trusted by Schools and Homes Worldwide!

Bob Books has Inspired Reading Success for Over 40 Years

Best-Selling Books

Over 10 million copies sold. Bob Books’ amusing stories and simple vocabulary have inspired children to say with pride, “I read the whole book.”

Inspiring Confidence

Created by a teacher, right from the start Bob Books fosters success, confidence, and a love of books in children that are learning to read.

Phonics Made Simple

Bob Books’ proven phonics method simplifies the process of learning to read and provides children with a reading toolkit that will last a lifetime.

Designed for the Very Beginning Reader

Our series is tailored for the very first-time reader, providing a solid foundation that covers all stages of early literacy.

• Phonics-Based Learning : We teach children to blend letter sounds into words. This method not only helps in word recognition but also equips them with a foundational skill they’ll utilize throughout their lives.
• Gentle Progression : Our books introduce new letter sounds, words, concepts at a pace that ensures comprehension. This boosts a child’s confidence, making them eager to read the next book.
• Meeting Kids at Their Level : Bob Books are fashioned to align with children’s needs, ensuring simplicity for ample success, the right length to match their attention spans, and playful stories paired with quirky illustrations that captivate young minds.

What People are Saying

As a former teacher turned parent, i'm impressed, best early readers i have seen, simple, does what it promises, the perfect tool at the right time, educator approved, confidence builder.

1-844-READ- BOB

Get Our Newsletter!

Would you like to hear more from us?  We’ll occasionally send out tips, activities and special offers.  Join the Bob Books family!

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

The Measured Mom

Education resources for parents and teachers

PS PK K 1 2 3

Phonics books

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sharing is caring!

• Pinterest 10895

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:

I created these books back in 2014, before I had done a deeper study of phonics and long before I received my training in Orton-Gillingham (a structured approach to teaching phonics).

I am currently working on a creating a full library of decodable stories.  Find the newer decodable stories here.

When the full set of decodable books with custom illustrations is complete, these older books will disappear. This is because the newer books are far superior; not only do they tell actual, interesting stories, but they also have a better way of introducing high frequency words and follow a superior scope and sequence.

How to assemble

Print the pages front to back, starting on page 2. (Page 1 is my Terms of Use – be sure not to print it or they will all be messed up!)  I like to print on light or medium cardstock .

Each book will be two full sheets of paper, front to back.  Cut on the horizontal center of each book.  (I love our paper cutter ! I’ve used it for years.  A little pricey on Amazon, but you might be able to get it at Michaels with a coupon.)

Fit the pages together in their proper order.

Staple on the fold with a long-armed stapler .

Click on each link to enter your email address and get the book emailed to you.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Free Reading Printables for Pre-K-3rd Grade

Join our email list and get this sample pack of time-saving resources from our membership site! You'll get phonemic awareness, phonics, and reading comprehension resources ... all free!

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

Reader Interactions

122 comments.

June 2, 2016 at 9:10 am

Have you made a phonics book for long I “ie” spelling pattern (as in “tie”)?

Anna Geiger

June 2, 2016 at 9:35 am

Hi Rebecca! No, I didn’t, because I couldn’t think of enough words in that pattern to fill a booK!

June 2, 2016 at 9:50 am

words: 1. Tie 2. Lie 3. Pie 4. Cries 5. Die (not an ideal word…but it could be singular of “dice”) 6. Spied 7. Fries 8. Tied 9. Dried 10. Tries

I know that the -ies and -ied are mixed in with suffixes, but I thought it would still be a great way to practice the “ie” spelling pattern.

Let me know what you think!

June 2, 2016 at 10:19 am

This series of books is complete, but I’ll keep this in mind for future game or activity. Thanks!

April 20, 2016 at 11:47 am

HI! My students love your books and so do I. Can you make a set for silent consonants, such as “wr”, “gn”, and “kn”? Thanks!

May 2, 2016 at 4:33 am

Hi Courtney! This set of books is complete, but I do hope to create separate printables for reinforcing beginning digraphs in the coming months.

April 17, 2016 at 1:50 pm

thank you so much Anna! I tried to make some thing easy and simple to read like this for my son. gave up after 2 hours. it’s not easy. your hard work has helped me a lot ! bless you

April 19, 2016 at 4:54 pm

I’m so glad to help you out, Nadia!

April 20, 2016 at 2:07 am

i do hope you would also sell a curriculum with math and science in it for toddlers and preschool!! will surely buy that!!

i lovvvvve everything!!!

May 2, 2016 at 4:35 am

Hi Laura! I don’t anticipate selling math/science curricula, but my theme packs are full of math and (when applicable) science activities. You you see an overview of the packs here: https://www.themeasuredmom.com/preschool-kindergarten-themes/

April 11, 2016 at 12:05 am

My students love the books and can’t wait to learn to read the next one. Thank you so much for providing such good materials to support emergent readers. It is very effective too!

Well done, Anna!

April 11, 2016 at 4:56 pm

It’s wonderful to hear that your students enjoy them, Elida!

Jamiela Ismail

April 6, 2016 at 1:28 pm

thanks so much for a wonderful resource. my kids love them. thanks once again.

You’re very welcome Jamiela!

Merryn Thorp

March 9, 2016 at 5:44 pm

Such an amazing resources to use at home. I also plan on using these to tutor a little girl. I love that each book focuses on a particular digraph allowing the child to achieve real success in learning to identify it within words. Thank you so much for making this freely available.

March 11, 2016 at 4:01 pm

You’re very welcome, Merryn! I’m glad you like them!

March 5, 2016 at 9:12 am

Thanks for the books, they`re excellents resources for an english teacher..

March 9, 2016 at 10:06 am

You’re very welcome, Julissa!

February 29, 2016 at 4:18 pm

I am not getting from where I get the book to print. its shows one page Please help your stuff is awesome..

March 1, 2016 at 9:10 pm

Hi Vineeta! I’m not exactly sure what you’re asking. If you want to get to the post to print a book, click on the brown link on this page. Then scroll down once you get to the post. At the end of it you’ll find a link to download that particular set.

February 23, 2016 at 7:14 pm

Hello Anna , English study with my 3 year old daughter, thank you very much for sharing it helps me alot 🙂

February 23, 2016 at 7:17 pm

Greetings from southern Spain – Malaga City

February 26, 2016 at 10:51 am

You’re very welcome! It’s always fun to hear about people from other continents using my resources!

February 22, 2016 at 6:06 pm

These are so great! I am a first year teacher and I can’t wait to use these.

February 26, 2016 at 5:31 pm

I hope you get a lot of use out of them, Jordyn! Enjoy the rest of your first year – there’s nothing quite like it!

Courtney Wright

February 3, 2016 at 2:49 pm

Your book are a great addition to our school in Turkey. I’m an English teacher here and we just started to introduce phonics into our lessons. I’ll be using them in my private lessons also.

Thank you so much, The students are going to love these!

February 3, 2016 at 2:50 pm

February 4, 2016 at 8:41 am

Yay! So glad to hear you and your students can use them, Courtney! 🙂

February 2, 2016 at 11:55 pm

Thank you so much. These books are amazing and wonderful. They help me a lot. I am a teacher from Malaysia. Thanks.

I’m so glad you cna use them, Jamilah!

Alagbalaafin Olaide

January 17, 2016 at 2:54 pm

This is wonderful. In fact, you have a big heart.Thanks so much How can I get the books?

January 18, 2016 at 4:59 pm

Click on the brown link to get the blog post which tells about the set. Then scroll down to the bottom of the post, where you can download it.

January 10, 2016 at 6:53 pm

I LOVE your phonics readers. I use them EVERY week with my first graders! Do you have a qu- words book? I didn’t see one but I thought I’d check! Thanks for the great resources!

January 10, 2016 at 7:50 pm

I’m sorry, no – I focused on word families and medial long vowel digraphs, etc. rather than beginning blends and digraphs.

Mary-Angela

January 8, 2016 at 10:54 am

I would like to get these books printed off at a staples copy and print center so that they are one card stock and they can cut everything for me… but the pdfs are locked and so when i upload them to the staples website it won’t let them print the books. I think this is what is happening anyways…. any chance i can get an unlocked version?

January 8, 2016 at 10:58 am

Actually I’d be violating the Terms of Use for the clip art I purchased if I supply an unlocked version – so I can’t do that. I have many people print my locked pdf’s at Staples without any trouble. Do you want me to send you an e-mail giving you permission to print them? I’m not sure if that’s the issue, but your issue, but I’ve done that for people who are physically at a copy center.

January 8, 2016 at 11:12 am

thanks for the quick response… I just tried again and it worked this time 🙂

January 10, 2016 at 7:49 pm

Very glad to hear it! 🙂

January 8, 2016 at 7:17 am

Hi Anna, I love all of your little books! I use them all the time with my struggling readers at school. I would like to make some of my own on specific things that were are working on in school. I was wondering if you use a template for making these books and if so, if you would be willing to share it with me so I can create some of my own? Thanks!

January 8, 2016 at 10:59 am

I’m sorry, Dana, but I don’t do that for copyright reasons. I create them in MS Publisher using text boxes. You could do the same in Powerpoint or another similar program. (I do not recommend MS Word.) My favorite font is KG Primary Penmanship, which you can download for free at TPT. (I pay a small fee for commercial use.)

January 6, 2016 at 8:24 pm

Thank you so much! Those books are amazing. I am a teacher from Hong Kong. I found it hard to teach ESL kids phonics, and your work definitely inspires and helps me a lot! 🙂

January 6, 2016 at 8:31 pm

You’re very welcome, Sharon – I’m so glad you can use them! Our family spent a semester in Hong Kong about five years ago when my husband was teaching there. We lived in Mei Foo. It was a special time!

December 25, 2015 at 4:45 pm

Thank you so much for your good heart for people. You have done a great job.

December 30, 2015 at 6:58 am

Thank you, Joshua!

December 18, 2015 at 4:45 pm

What an amazing site! These books are wonderful!

December 19, 2015 at 3:28 pm

Thank you, Lyndsey!

December 15, 2015 at 1:17 am

Do you have any opinions for purchasing these books pre-assembled? I’ve looked at a lot of phonics readers sets, and this looks like the closest match to what I’m looking for. Very excited to have found you!

No, I’m afraid not, Maile. I don’t intend to sell them pre-assembled. That’s too much for this busy mom! 🙂

mrs. Tweedie

December 7, 2015 at 12:44 pm

Thank you Anna. I am homeschooling my 7 yr old bright daughter. Your work is a blessing to me. I need not look any further. God bless you. Mrs. Tweedie

December 7, 2015 at 8:25 pm

I’m so glad you’re finding things you can use here! Thank you so much for your kind comment. 🙂

November 23, 2015 at 4:32 am

Greetings from South Africa …………Thank you for these awesome booklets . Great in helping my boys remember their sounds

November 28, 2015 at 2:31 pm

You’re very welcome, Foula!

November 23, 2015 at 4:31 am

Greetings from South Africa …………Thank you for these awesome booklets . Great in helping my boys remember the sounds

November 13, 2015 at 8:44 pm

Could you please tell me how I can download all your magic books? thank you!

November 13, 2015 at 8:50 pm

You have to click on the link to each blog post from this page. Then scroll down to where it says “download your free books HERE” or something like that. Click on HERE. If the file doesn’t pop up on your screen for you to print, check for tips here:

https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/

November 13, 2015 at 8:39 pm

Thank you for all the fantastic books! They are just so helpful for my six-year old girl. I’m a Chinese mother now teaching my daughter phonics.

October 3, 2015 at 9:47 pm

Thanks a lot for your WONDERFUL Books. It’s easy to use.

I’m a teacher from Thailand. I’ve downloaded your books already and I’ll use your books to teach my students. I think they have fun to READ it. and They can read. Thank you very much for your kindness.

October 4, 2015 at 5:40 pm

You’re so welcome – thank you for your note!

October 3, 2015 at 4:29 am

I am sure this is gonna help my daughters a lot. Thank you so so much!!

October 4, 2015 at 5:39 pm

You’re very welcome, Rabia!

September 25, 2015 at 8:53 pm

I came across your stuff thanks to pinterest and I can’t wait to print and read them with my 4 year old (misses the traditional school cut off but he is ready for this, gonna homeschool anyhow) Thank you for all the work you have put into these

September 29, 2015 at 2:22 am

You’re very welcome, Jen – I’m glad you can use them!

August 31, 2015 at 1:40 pm

Thank you so much for the wonderful effort. My son is 3.5 and is autistic. Your books has done the miracle. He has started reading now. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It helped me in bringing my son’s interest out and adding some more colours in his world. With the pictures he will slowly understand what he is reading in the near future. Plz keep up the gr8 work.

September 3, 2015 at 12:20 pm

I’m so glad these are helpful for your son!

September 17, 2015 at 4:09 am

Thank you very much for all these resources, it is helping my kids in a special way, they had difficulties in speaking English because we are in a French zone and they are doing English education.

September 21, 2015 at 10:44 am

You’re very welcome!

August 25, 2015 at 1:31 pm

Thank-you for making such great free phonics reading books that go past the initial lessons. My grade one and two students will get a lot of use out of these.

I’m so glad you can use them, Teresa!

August 17, 2015 at 3:53 pm

Hi, Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful resource. It is just what I need to help a few students in my grade 3 class this fall, that have still not had success with reading. I am looking forward to using all of the phonics and sight word books.

I was just wondering if you had a checklist made for these books so that I can keep track of their progress. If not that is totally fine, I was just trying to save some time.

Thanks again for all the wonderful books! Krista

August 18, 2015 at 11:35 am

I actually don’t have a checklist, Krista. I’m glad you can use these!

August 16, 2015 at 10:41 am

Thank you so much for such an amazing resource. This is just what my daughter needed:)

August 18, 2015 at 11:34 am

You’re very welcome, Donna!

July 17, 2015 at 12:44 pm

All I can say is THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!! I have been looking for books like these for a while now.

July 22, 2015 at 5:50 am

Hurray! So glad you can use them, Gail. 🙂

Melinda McNutt

May 27, 2015 at 5:41 pm

I am preparing the complete phonics booklets for use in the program that will be at our church this summer. This program is a day camp-like program with college interns conducting the program but with a reading element using volunteers to help inner city/at risk kids maintain their reading levels. So many of them are not at grade level and I am hoping that these phonics books can be used to boost their current reading levels – especially new 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders who are behind. I have already used some of these with private tutoring students with great success! I only discovered them about a month ago but I am very impressed. And thank you Anna for sharing these at no additional cost beyond the printing. Finding children’s books with limited phonics elements is difficult and that is what these struggling readers need to gain confidence in reading.

June 2, 2015 at 7:55 pm

Thank you so much, Melinda, and for all the edits you’ve sent my way. I’m saving them for a time this summer when I can tackle them all at once.

May 26, 2015 at 4:16 pm

Thank you so much for these readers. I downloaded some about a month ago and my son really enjoys using these. They are filling in a gap for his reading and have been a huge help, so I came back for more. I am so glad you have your website on each book, because I was having a hard time remembering where I had found them. Thanks again!

I’m really happy these are helping your son, Jenny! I know that it’s hard to find “in between” materials when kids need some review work. So glad these work for you!

May 25, 2015 at 10:07 am

Would love to know when set 23-24 of the phonics books will be available. Can’t wait to use the this summer for our summer school at home b

May 28, 2015 at 7:21 pm

Hi Priscilla! These are actually already done and included in the Phonics book bundle pack that can be purchased in my shop. I just have to write the posts! If you are close to them and the posts still aren’t done, drop me an e-mail (via the contact form) or just write a comment. I’ll make sure to get them done in time for you!

May 24, 2015 at 12:02 am

Thank you very much sir .Your resources are very useful for me and my son.

May 28, 2015 at 7:20 pm

I’m so glad you’re finding things you can use here!

May 20, 2015 at 5:08 am

Wow! An awesome website. Ever since I discovered the measuredmom, I have never looked elsewhere. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much, Maryam!

May 3, 2015 at 9:22 pm

I am so thankful for your few resources. I teach Kindergarten, and I was so pleased to find such great FREE resources available with the exact skills that my students need to practice.

May 10, 2015 at 8:36 pm

Yay! So glad you and your students can use them, LaMareshia!

April 28, 2015 at 4:25 am

Thank so much for such wonderful materials. You are such a generous soul!

April 29, 2015 at 1:21 pm

You’re very welcome, Mae! I hope you enjoy them!

April 14, 2015 at 9:48 am

Wish you had books on initial blends!

April 14, 2015 at 9:52 am

This series is complete, and I won’t be adding new phonics books – however, I’ve shared beginning blends clip cards and beginning blends bingo, both of which are great for helping kids learn beginning blends. I will be sharing more blends resources along the line.

https://www.themeasuredmom.com/free-clip-cards-beginning-blends/

https://www.themeasuredmom.com/help-child-learn-beginning-blends-digraphs-bingo/

This Reading Mama also has some freebies for teaching blends:

http://thisreadingmama.com/free-blend-bingo-word-game/

http://thisreadingmama.com/free-beginning-blend-bingo/

April 8, 2015 at 7:25 am

Thank you so much for the resource. It’s amazing. Am sure it will work out wonders for my kids.

So glad you can use these, Anupama!

Emily Canibano

March 30, 2015 at 12:19 am

These are great, I am in my first year as a PreK-K teacher, with three of my own little readers too, and am always looking for phonetic books. Thanks for making these accessible – I usually spend hours making things like these on my own – we may actually get more family outings now 🙂

April 7, 2015 at 3:10 pm

Hello, Emily! I’m so glad to help you out a little and maybe get you some more time with your family. That’s definitely one of my big goals – to save teachers time! It’s a rewarding but time consuming occupation, for sure. 🙂

March 12, 2015 at 5:51 am

Do you have digraph books? I love your printables! Tracy

March 15, 2015 at 6:44 am

I do not have any books to teach the beginning digraph sounds, no. Many books teach the middle digraphs (ee, ea, etc.).

If you hop over to thisreadingmama.com, she has been creating a lot of printables for teaching digraphs, so you might want to check those out!

Thao Nguyen

March 11, 2015 at 8:18 pm

Dear MM, Much appreciate for your useful materials. We are in Viet Nam so ” The English Phonics” is so important for younger starters . As now, i am getting to teach my 5 year-old girl. These books are wonderful!!!

March 15, 2015 at 6:43 am

I’m so glad you can use them, Thao – all the way over in Vietnam!

March 8, 2015 at 11:34 am

Hello, I just wanted to thank you so much for these books!!! These will be perfect for my son!

March 15, 2015 at 6:42 am

I’m so glad you can use them, Sandra!

March 5, 2015 at 5:27 pm

Thank you so much for these materials. I’m in the process of starting a child care business and appreciate these wonderful resources to help me get started.

March 6, 2015 at 5:22 am

You’re very welcome, Hilary!

February 27, 2015 at 12:31 pm

Anna 🙂 Thank you i love it so mush

i can not find ( ull ) book ?

February 28, 2015 at 7:41 am

Hello, Noura!

Are you looking for books with words that end with ull? Like dull, for example? I don’t have a book like that because there are so few words that end that way.

March 3, 2015 at 10:20 pm

okay anna , thank you 🙂

February 16, 2015 at 3:02 pm

These are absolutely stunning. They are so beautifully designed and a very high standard. I love them!! And will definitely share with all the Homeschooling Mamma’s I know, Thank you for blessing us with these offerings of your time and talents!

February 19, 2015 at 10:31 am

Thank you so much for your kind words, Olga – and a double thank you for sharing my site with other homeschooling parents! 🙂

February 12, 2015 at 2:09 am

These are the great books I could ever get. Thanks a ton. Keep up great work. God bless.

February 12, 2015 at 4:39 pm

Thank you, Nilam!

February 8, 2015 at 2:28 am

thank you for all the books.

Caris Maloney

January 23, 2015 at 6:49 pm

These books are wonderful! My daughter is almost done reading the McGuffey Primer and heading into the McGuffey First Reader. It is so hard to find books that fill the gap of her style of reading. I can’t tell you how excited I am for these books. I have already downloaded your 1st set and just downloaded the last book of this series! THANK YOU!

January 28, 2015 at 5:35 pm

Yay, I’m so glad to hear these are right up her alley, Caris! I know just what you mean, trying to find books that fill the gap. There just aren’t enough of those!

January 18, 2015 at 4:21 pm

Thank you for all these books so invaluable for starter reading. My granddaughter will have great benefit from them. Thank you so much Catherine

January 23, 2015 at 5:21 am

You’re very welcome, Catherine! I hope she enjoys them!

[…] to Read with Phonics by Starfall Free Phonics Book Printable by Measured Mom  Free Phonics Lessons by Lesson Index Phonics Printable and worksheets by […]

[…] these books are confidently read with your child, I strongly recommend The Measured Mom’s Word Family Phonics Readers and Sight Word Readers.  These will both set your child up for success in reading past these […]

[…] these books are confidently read with your child, I strongly recommend The Measured Mom’s Word Family Phonics Readers and Sight Word Readers.  Theses both will set your child up for success in reading past these […]

[…] If you’re looking to save money and print out a free resource, The Measured Mom has created mini phonics books for each word family. I absolutely love these books, particularly because of their large text. A […]

[…] https://www.themeasuredmom.com/free-phonics-books/ […]

[…] you plan on using this curriculum, you will want to check out these phonics books from The Measured Mom. They were made to use alongside the Reading the Alphabet […]

Science of Reading Resources

Popular freebies.

Get instant access to science of reading workshops and over 2000 printable resources!

Become a Member

• No Nonsense Phonics Skills
• Literacy Blog

‘DfE Validated’   No Nonsense Phonics

We are delighted to announce that No Nonsense Phonics has been fully validated by the DfE as of July 2021

What’s in the No Nonsense Phonics Skills Starter Kit?

• 6 copies of each of the 9 Pupil Books (54 books)
• Teacher Book for each of the 9 Pupil Books with guidance and comprehension questions for the 109 Mini Stories presented throughout the 9 Pupil Books
• 6 copies of laminated A4 tabletop alphabetic code chart
• USB stick containing additional resources

What’s on the USB stick – FREE with the Starter Kit?

• Video guidance
• Guidance ‘How to use the supporting material’
• Correlation Charts (National Curriculum for English KS1 and KS2; Letters and Sounds, DfES 2007)
• Entry Point Assessment resources
• Giant Alphabetic Code Chart
• Giant Alphabet Poster
• Mini (tabletop) Alphabet
• Colour-coded Frieze Cards for each level
• Colour-coded additional Word Posters for each level
• Say the Sounds Posters

What other resources are available for No Nonsense Phonics?

While you can print off additional resources from the No Nonsense Phonics Skills Starter Kit  ‘ s USB stick for FREE, we also supply a full range of hard-copy, ready-made resources:

• A4 Frieze Sheets
• A5 Flash Cards
• A4 Alphabet Tabletop Chart
• Giant Alphabetic Code Chart (Pull-up or Hang-down)
• Mini Code Cards (playing card size)
• Phonics Home Study Pack – **Discontinued – see Parent and Tutor Packs below**
• Sounds Mats (set of 4)
• A4 Alphabetic Code Tabletop Charts
• Optional Pupil Book 2+
• Optional Pupil Book 5+

Parent and Tutor Packs

For the convenience of home-schooling parents and tutors, we have created easy-to-order ‘packs’. These include a copy of the ‘No Nonsense Phonics Skills’ Pupil Books and Teacher Books, Mini Code Cards of the letter/s-sound correspondences featured in each Pupil Book, A4 Alphabet and Alphabetic Code Chart, and the Phonics Reading Books of the featured code.

Phonics Reading Books

Our Phonics Reading Books series is available as hard-copy books and via an ‘Ebookshelf’.

Wand Phonics

The ‘Phonics Reading Books’ are also aligned with the ‘Wand Phonics’ digital, interactive programme (written by Debbie Hepplewhite and published by Wand Education). ‘Wand Phonics’ has full audio and is validated by the DfE when used in a ‘blended’ way with ‘No Nonsense Phonics’ and/or the ‘Phonics International’ programmes.

Testimonials

We have many testimonials for No Nonsense Phonics – please feel free to investigate more on ‘Debbie Hepplewhite’s Literacy Blog’ –  click on the link below.

“We have been using No Nonsense Phonics for two years and absolutely love them. The materials are a fantastic, easy to use resource for both adults and children alike. The children thoroughly enjoy using the books and look forward to their daily phonics lesson with great anticipation. We particularly like the focus not only on the sounds but on the handwriting and it has had a dramatic impact on the progress that the children have made this year. The books are easy to follow and are clearly set out. The children’s confidence has soared using No Nonsense Phonics and this can be seen in both their reading and writing.

Senior leader, “upon first using the nnp materials it became apparent how much harder the children were working in their phonics lessons – and they loved it secondly, we were interested in adopting a systematic synthetic phonics programme which supported children’s early reading but also developed handwriting and spelling – the approach of nnp certainly addresses all of these areas. for teaching staff, no nonsense phonics and phonics international have provided everything they need to deliver high quality and consistent phonic lessons across eyfs and ks1 and ks2, from pupil books, wall friezes, flash cards and display materials which are used across school to create consistent learning environments and provide support for children’s reading and spelling across the curriculum…, gavin morris, primary and special needs teacher, “a highly skilled and experienced eyfs teacher told me she had ‘fallen in love with phonics teaching again’ after working with debbie and seeing what it can achieve for children. our phonics screening check results rose from 78% in 2017 to 94% in 2018., rachel field, see the full range of hard-copy resources in our online shop., our awesome team.

Debbie Hepplewhite MBE FRSA

No Nonsense Phonics programme author, trainer and consultant

Internationally renowned for her knowledge and expertise in the field of foundational literacy, Debbie has crafted yet more magic with the No Nonsense Phonics programme.

Managing Director of Phonics International Ltd……and admin assistant!

David will be your first port of call on most occasions should you have any questions of a ‘technical’ nature. He isn’t fooled into believing he’s equipped to answer your ‘educational’ questions though –  and will pass them on to Debbie like hot potatoes to ensure that you get the correct expert advice every time.

Strategist and consultant

The newest addition to our team, Gavin’s forensic brain is helping to keep the Phonics International ship on course!

Any Questions?

We pride ourselves in being easily accessible to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the No Nonsense Phonics range of resources – or even just about phonics provision generally. Fill out the form below and someone will get back to you as soon as possible – usually the same day!

Your email Telephone (optional)

Your message

Phonics International Limited, Maes Y Bedw, Aberporth, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 2HS

[email protected]

+44 (0) 1635 8000 33

©  2024 . Phonics International Limited

Written by three practising teachers, our books are designed to engage and enthuse beginner and reluctant readers. The highly-structured phonic sequence ensures reading success and building of confidence from the very beginning.

10 exciting books and a workbook providing reading, spelling and comprehension activities.

A true-to-life adventure with an ecological subtext that will engage both girls and boys. 10 books introducing alternative vowel spellings.

This series of 10 books introduces more alternative spellings for vowel sounds. Each has 16 full colour pages with exciting stories and illustrations.

12 entertaining stories with contemporary illustrations for older ‘catch-up’ children building their reading skills at cvc level.

Take advantage of our special offer and save on postage on all purchases of £100 or more. Includes all books and games. *UK Shipping Only.

A 10 books series that allows the reader to build reading stamina and make the important step towards understanding meaning purely from text.

Books for beginner readers. By the end of Unit 7, all the initial sounds of the alphabet will have been introduced, before the reader is encouraged to read words with four or five sounds.

Age-appropriate quest stories with fabulous illustrations take each pupil from CVC and CVCC word level text, through to consonant digraphs with a separate book for each grapheme.

In line with Government guidelines, our books have been validated for use with Sounds-Write®, McKie Mastery Power Phonics™ SSP programmes. Read more about how to use our books with any Phonics programme .

Popular Products View all

Latest News View all News

UK schools & organisations wishing to order by invoice, please read the information regarding our new process. Dismiss

Phonics Books

A Nice Ice Cream

It's a very nice day for an ice-cream! Learn to read the long 'I' sound in our new Storyberries phonics reader.

Dream of the Sea

Dean has a dream of the sea... learn to read the long 'e' sound with our free phonics book!

Jane and Jake Run A Race

Learn how to read the short and long 'a' sound with our free phonics book!

Fluffy Duck In The Tub

Learn to read the short 'u' sound with our free phonics early reader!

Stop the Spotty Dog!

Spotty dog is stealing socks! Learn to read the letter 'o' with this free phonics early reader!

The Big Pink Pig

Pig is friends with a Gorilla who loves vanilla! Learn to read the letter 'i' with this free phonics early reader!

Did You Ever ?

Learn to read the 'e' sound in this fun free phonics reader.

Dad Can Nap

Learn to read with the 'a' sound in this first phonics reader by Storyberries.

Over 6,200 homeschool resources and growing!

24 Sets of Free Printable Phonics Books

Published: February 13, 2018

Contributor: Jeannette Tuionetoa

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Don’t miss out on 24 sets of free phonics books for your beginning readers. Each phonics book is a collection of sentences highlighting a particular phonics pattern and sight words. 

Free Printable Phonics Books

These sets are simple and perfect for children just starting to sound out words. The Measured Mom provides instructions to assemble the books. There are over 130 pages for your child to practice with!

When you are working on word building activities with your new readers, it’s fun to print books that they can color and make their own. You can use phonics books to help with consonant blend activities and for sight word practice . 

Scroll down to downlaod the free printable phonics books from Measured Mom.

Phonics & Reading Resources for Kindergarten

If you are working on teaching phonics to your students, you may find these free phonics sound cards helpful. 

Free Phonics Charts

If you are looking for a good phonics chart that you can print from home for free, then you’ll love this list. 

Phonics Reading for Kindergarten

If you are looking for phonics reading for kindergarten , these printable resources are a must-have. 

This big list of free printable phonics books gives you a lot of options for what type of printable phonics flip books you want to print and use with your beginning reader. 

Printable Books for Emerging Readers

Emerging readers are books that help younger children learn how to read and sound out new words. These books often feature colorful illustrations and simple text. They can also include a bank of sight words to help kids recognize those words they’ve already learned.

Don’t miss our list of 190 free printable books for beginning readers .

Free Printable Phonics Books PDF

Click here for The Measured Mom’s 24 sets of free printable phonics books for your beginning readers.

Jeannette Tuionetoa

Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!

Related resources

50+ Free All About Me Printable Worksheets for Kids

Free Printable Charts and Posters for Preschool Learning

Free Printable Lacing Cards for Early Learners

The Best Tips for Teaching Preschool at Home

Fun Printable Placemats Kids Can Color {By Theme}

Letter Z Worksheets and Printable Alphabet Activities

• Children's Books
• Education & Reference

Sorry, there was a problem.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera, scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video, download Flash Player

Follow the author

Daily Word Ladders and Vocabulary Builder for Grades K-1: Interactive Kids Weekly Workbook to Improve Reading, Spelling, and Phonics | 100+ Engaging Reproducible Fun Sight Word Book Activities to Boost Early Literacy Skills with Puzzles & Games Paperback – Aug. 13 2024

Purchase options and add-ons.

Are you ready to watch your child soar in reading and spelling with excitement? Do you want an educational tool that transforms learning into an adventure they can’t wait to embark on every day?

Parents and teachers, envision a world where your child’s eyes light up every time they open a book! Developed by seasoned educators who specialize in early childhood literacy, "Daily Word Ladders and Vocabulary Builder for Grades K - 1st" is crafted to make learning an exhilarating experience.

Our team has poured years of classroom experience into this indispensable resource, ensuring it is both fun and effective.

In this book, you will discover:

• Joyful Word Play: Transform reading into a daily game that keeps your child coming back for more, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
• Effortless Spelling Mastery: Through dynamic, hands-on activities that make spelling practice feel like playtime.
• Vocabulary Expansion: Engage with cleverly designed word ladders that naturally broaden your child’s word bank.
• Sound-Symbol Relationship: Interactive puzzles that seamlessly build phonemic awareness in an enjoyable manner.
• Confidence Building: Watch as your child’s confidence grows with each rung they climb, making learning rewarding and fulfilling.

Worried that your child might find these activities too challenging or boring? Even if your child has struggled with traditional learning methods, this book’s playful approach ensures they stay engaged and eager to learn.

Don’t wait to give your child the gift of joyful learning and reading success. Start their journey to literacy mastery today and see the difference a little fun can make!

Unlock your child’s potential and make learning an adventure they’ll love!

• ISBN-10 1953149596
• ISBN-13 978-1953149596
• Publication date Aug. 13 2024
• Language English
• Dimensions 21.59 x 0.64 x 27.94 cm
• Print length 109 pages
• See all details

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Polymath Panda (Aug. 13 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 109 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1953149596
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1953149596
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 345 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 21.59 x 0.64 x 27.94 cm

About the author

Polymath panda.

At Polymath Panda, our mission is to turn education into an exciting journey for kids. We believe learning should be fun and engaging, sparking curiosity and joy in every child. By understanding what captivates their imagination and what challenges them, we create materials that balance fun and education perfectly.

Shaped by feedback from parents and teachers, our resources are practical and delightful. Each book we produce is crafted with creativity and meticulous attention to detail, reflecting our commitment to children’s well-being and growth.

Polymath Panda stands out by making learning an adventure. We inspire children to explore, dream, and achieve their best selves. With us, education fosters a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Join Polymath Panda in transforming education into a joyful and rewarding experience for every child.

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

No customer reviews

• Amazon and Our Planet
• Modern Slavery Statement
• Investor Relations
• Press Releases
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Sell on Amazon Handmade
• Advertise Your Products
• Independently Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon Cash
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns Are Easy
• Manage your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Registry & Gift List
• Customer Service

• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Interest-Based Ads
• Amazon.com.ca ULC | 40 King Street W 47th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 3Y2 |1-877-586-3230

Barack Obama reveals summer 2024 playlist, book recs: Charli XCX, Shaboozey, more

Just like his fellow Democrat Kamala Harris , Barack Obama is having a "brat summer. "

The former president shared the songs he's been rocking out to this summer with his annual summer playlist, which he revealed on Instagram on Monday.

Electropop singer Charli XCX , whose latest album "Brat" spearheaded the "brat summer" trend on social media, made the cut with her song "365." Vice President Harris, who is running in the 2024 presidential election, recently embraced "brat summer" in her campaign online.

Other singers who landed on Obama's playlist include country breakout star Shaboozey ("A Bar Song (Tipsy)"), popstar Billie Eilish ("Chihiro") and hip-hop singer Tommy Richman ("Million Dollar Baby"). Past favorites 2Pac and The Rolling Stones also earned spots.

"With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix," Obama wrote. "I hope you find something new to listen to!"

Catch up on Obama's summer 2023 picks: Ice Spice, Peso Pluma make the cut

Along with his summer playlist, Obama also shared his favorite books for the season.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama)

Barack Obama's summer 2024 playlist

• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey
• “365” by Charli XCX
• “Chihiro” by Billie Eilish
• “Love Me Jeje” by Tems
• “I Like the Way You Kiss Me” by Artemas
• “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman
• “I Can’t Even Cry” by Hope Tala
• “No Diggity” by Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre and Queen Pen
• “Charge It” by Enny
• “O Quarto (Soundtrack Version)” by Carminho
• “What’s in the Tea?” by Calimossa
• “I Love the Life I Live, I Live the Life I Love” by Hubert Sumlin and Keith Richards
• “Say So” by PJ Morton ft. JoJo
• “Why Don’t You” by Cleo Sol
• “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” by The Miracles
• “Process” by H.E.R.
• “How Do U Want It” by 2Pac ft. K-Ci & JoJo
• “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” by Sting
• “Unsuffer Me” by Lucinda Williams
• “Golden” by Jill Scott
• “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones
• “My Best” by Saweetie
• “Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting” by Charles Mingus
• “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones
• “The People” by Common
• “Don’t Cry Baby” by Etta James
• “Bad Boy” by Chris Jedi, Gaby Music & Dei V ft. Anuel AA and Ozuna
• “Yayo” by Rema
• “Old Dutch” by Bonny Light Horseman
• “Symptom of Life” by Willow
• “Whiskey Whiskey” by Moneybagg Yo ft. Morgan Wallen
• “Stargazing” by Myles Smith
• “Wanna Be” by GloRilla & Megan Thee Stallion
• “Jump” by Tyla, Gunna and Skillibeng
• “Perro Negro” by Bad Bunny & Feid
• “Lil Boo Thang” by Paul Russell
• “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” by Digable Planets
• “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)” by Bob Marley & the Wailers
• “One of These Things First” by Nick Drake
• “Silvio” by Bob Dylan
• “Love Is Everywhere” by Pharoah Sanders
• “Where Did Our Love Go” by The Supremes
• “Texas Hold ‘Em” by Beyoncé
• “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Samara Joy ft. Pasquale Grasso

Barack Obama shares 'great books' by Percival Everett, Jonathan Blitzer, more

For his reading selections, Obama highlighted a range of works, from satirical fiction to hard-hitting nonfiction.

Percival Everett’s "James, " a reimagining of Mark Twain’s classic "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," led the 14 literary picks. Everett was nominated for the Booker Prize in 2022.

Obama also chose "Everyone Who is Gone Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis " by Jonathan Blitzer, which takes a comprehensive look at the illegal immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Barack Obama's favorite songs of 2023: Beyoncé, Shakira, Zach Bryan make list

Other titles from the list include “Reading Genesis” by Marilynne Robinson, “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley and “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why it Matters, and What to Do About It” by Richard Reeves.

"I’ve read some great books over the last few months and wanted to share some of my favorites," Obama wrote on Instagram . "Let me know if you have any recommendations for books I should check out!

Barack Obama's summer 2024 reading recommendations

• “James” by Percival Everett
• “There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension” by Hanif Abdurraqib
• “Everyone Who is Gone Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis” by Jonathan Blitzer
• “Reading Genesis” by Marilynne Robinson
• “Headshot” by Rita Bullwinkel
• “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore
• “Beautiful Days” by Zach Williams
• “Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar
• “Memory Piece” by Lisa Ko
• “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley
• “When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s” by John Ganz
• “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why it Matters, and What to Do About It” by Richard Reeves
• “The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook” by Hampton Sides
• “Help Wanted” by Adelle Waldman

A new language and literacy screening tool is part of a plan to improve Australian students' literacy

By Fiona Blackwood

Topic: Education

Australian schools are trialling a new screening tool that is designed to pick up language disorders in students before they start learning to read.

One in 14 children have a disorder that means they have difficulty understanding and using language, which can also lead to literacy problems.

What's next?

With performance of Australian school students in reading going backwards over time, it is hoped the tool could be part of a range of measures to improve students' literacy.

For many children, problems with language and literacy often do not show up until after they start learning to read.

But an innovative screening tool can be used on children as young as three to identify issues with language and literacy.

The Grammar and Phonology Screen (GAPS) was developed in the UK and is being trialled at 40 schools around Tasmania.

The screen can identify whether a child has a language disorder.

Katheryn Barrett says students enjoy taking part in the screening program. ( ABC News: Morgan Timms )

The disorder can not be identified just by hearing a child speak, but the GAPS tool can pick it up.

With the performance of Australian school students in reading going backwards over time, it is hoped the tool could be part of a range of measures to improve literacy outcomes.

Recently released NAPLAN results show one third of Australian students across all year levels had not met numeracy and literacy benchmarks.

"In the past we've had children slip through the cracks until they're a bit older, and what we know is early intervention is the best intervention," Jodi Upton, from Tasmania's Education Department, said.

Kyle Whiteley with his four-year-old daughter Evelyn, who is one of the students taking part in the screening trial. ( ABC News: Morgan Timms )

Having fun while screening for language disorders

At Ravenswood Primary School in Tasmania's north, a group of kindergarten children is undergoing the screening program.

Evelyn Whiteley is one of them.

The four-year-old wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

Her mum Katherine Murray-Palmer is pleased her daughter is being checked for any language difficulties early.

Evelyn's mother, Katherine Murray-Palmer, says she is pleased her daughter is being checked for any language difficulties early. ( ABC News: Morgan Timms )

"I'm very happy they are doing it at this age because I struggled a lot at school," Ms Murray-Palmer said.

"I think it would be good for Evelyn if she has any areas of shortfall that they're addressed at her age so when she gets to school, if she wants to be a doctor or she wants to go to uni, she knows the best way to learn for her."

Katheryn Barrett is the literacy coordinator at Ravenswood Primary and is taking Evelyn through the GAPS program.

She said the students love taking part in the screen, which is based around an alien called Bic.

"They understand that Bic will only talk to children and you'll find they'll often tell Bic all their stories," Ms Barrett said.

"It's non confrontational, it's so easy and so relaxed."

The screening is based around an alien called Bic. ( ABC News: Morgan Timms )

Early intervention for potential problems with literacy

When taking part in the screen, children are asked to repeat sentences that have a level of grammatical complexity.

"If they don't have that ability within themselves … they will simplify it in some way," speech pathologist Rosie Martin said.

The children are also given made up words to repeat, which Ms Martin said "give us an idea of how their sounds processing system is working, and that links very strongly to their language".

Rosie Martin says language ability is "absolutely foundational". ( ABC News: Maren Preuss )

Two children in every classroom will have a language disorder which can lead to problems with reading.

"Literacy completely depends on language ability, language ability is absolutely foundational because literacy effectively is language that's been put on a page," Ms Martin said.

Ms Upton said early identification and support for a student from a speech and language pathologist and a teacher would "be enough to actually bring them back up to where their peers are". 

If a language disorder is picked up, parents can also help lift the child's vocabulary and expand language through everyday conversation.

"So, for example, when we're getting dinner ready and we're sitting eating dinner it can be as simple as looking at the vegetables and talking about them and bringing in words like crunchy and juicy, orange and green — all those sorts of words," Ms Upton said.

Theo, Rhylee and Dustin are among the students taking part in language screening at Ravenswood Primary School. ( ABC News: Morgan Timms )

'It's about equality and justice'

The GAPS tool is part of the Tasmanian Education Department's Lifting Literacy Plan.

"We know that for a lot of adults that struggle to read and write in everyday life, a developmental language disorder can often be sitting underneath that," Ms Upton said.

The plan also includes introducing a structured approach to literacy in schools, as opposed to a "whole language" approach to teaching children how to read.

Until recently, the whole language approach has been popular in Australian schools.

It uses a combination of methods for teaching children to read, including sounding out words and exposing children to readers with repeated words, predictable sentence structures and lots of pictures.

Ravenswood Primary School in Launceston is one of 40 Tasmanian schools trialling the screening tool. ( ABC News: Morgan Timms )

Schools across the country are now implementing a structured approach to literacy teaching which uses phonics (sounding out words) and explicit teacher led instruction.

Data from the Productivity Commission shows Australian school students' achievements in reading are falling.

Reading results in 2018 for the average Australian 15-year-old are about nine months behind the average achievement of a student in 2000.

Jodi Upton says she hopes the screening tool will make a difference. ( ABC News: Morgan Timms )

Tasmanian NAPLAN results show students have made improvements on last year, but remain behind the national average.

Only half of Tasmanian grade 1 students passed the phonics screening check, which tests their ability to sound out words.

Ms Upton said she hoped the GAPS tool would be part of a range of programs to address literacy issues in the state.

"We're really hoping that this will make a difference," she said.

Ms Martin said lifting literacy was vital with the vast majority of information used in modern society in written form.

"We need our people reading, it's about equity and justice," she said.

• Teen & Young Adult
• Literature & Fiction

Sorry, there was a problem.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library 20 Books Collection Box Set (Phonics Readers) (WITH FREE AUDIO ONLINE) Paperback – April 3, 2023

• Print length 100 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd
• Publication date April 3, 2023
• Reading age 14 - 16 years
• Dimensions 11.02 x 1.3 x 11.02 inches
• ISBN-10 1474974392
• ISBN-13 978-1474974394
• See all details

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B086SQQ16G
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Usborne Publishing Ltd (April 3, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 100 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1474974392
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1474974394
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 16 years
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.53 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11.02 x 1.3 x 11.02 inches
• #29,969 in Teen & Young Adult Literature & Fiction

Videos for this product

Click to play video

Who is this set for? Closer look

The Stream Family

About the author

Usborne is one of the world’s leading independent book publishers. We are proud to be a family business that aims to create brilliant books for children of all ages.

Every book that we have ever published – and ever will – aims to spark curiosity. Whether that’s a baby exploring one of our sensory books for the first time, or an older child discovering big concepts through our non-fiction series, Usborne books always encourage children to explore the world around them, asking plenty of questions along the way.

www.usborne.com

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 86% 10% 2% 0% 2% 86%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 86% 10% 2% 0% 2% 10%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 86% 10% 2% 0% 2% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 86% 10% 2% 0% 2% 0%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 86% 10% 2% 0% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top review from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• About Amazon
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell products on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon and COVID-19
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices

• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

By the Book

Yoko Ogawa Loves Finding Love at the Bookstore

“My gaze meets the spine of a certain book,” explains the author of “The Memory Police.” “We exchange glances. … This book has chosen me.” Her latest novel to be translated from Japanese is “Mina’s Matchbox.”

Credit... Rebecca Clarke

Supported by

• Share full article

What books are on your night stand?

Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl” and Yasunari Kawabata’s “Palm-of-the-Hand Stories.”

Have you ever gotten in trouble for reading a book?

In middle school, a teacher scolded me for reading while I was supposed to be weeding in the schoolyard during after-school cleanup time.

How have your reading tastes changed over time?

Since childhood, reading has been more than just a hobby for me. You might say that I can’t find meaning in life without books. Since becoming a writer, I’ve had more occasion to read for work than for my own enjoyment, but I can’t say that has caused me any distress at all. Even if a book isn’t suited to my personal taste, there is always something to be gained by reading it, always some light that it will shed on my life from an unexpected angle.

Describe your ideal reading experience.

Finishing early with whatever I had planned, I wander through town and come across a bookstore. I go in, with no intention of buying anything. Suddenly, my gaze meets the spine of a certain book. We exchange glances. I buy the book, go home and become completely absorbed. I’m filled with joy at the thought that this book has chosen me.

What’s the last great book you read?

“Primeval and Other Times,” by Olga Tokarczuk (translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones); “A Whole Life,” by Robert Seethaler (translated by Charlotte Collins); and “The Cremator,” by Ladislav Fuks (translated by Eva M. Kandler).

Who are the Japanese writers overdue for translation into English?

If I could name only one, it would probably be Kenji Miyazawa. There may already be translations , but I feel that his dynamic appeal in works that move freely between historical periods and languages, between human beings and animals, between the Earth and the universe, should be more widely known.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Advertisement