What kind of text should a teacher choose for students to reinforce reading development?

Choosing decodable texts that focus on previously taught sounds is an effective strategy for reinforcing reading development, particularly for early or developing readers. These texts are carefully crafted to include phonetic elements that align with what students have already learned, allowing them to practice their decoding skills in a supportive context. This approach helps build confidence as students engage with text that is accessible while simultaneously reinforcing their understanding of the sounds and patterns in the language.

By providing students with decodable texts, teachers can ensure that their reading practice is both meaningful and aligned with their instructional goals. This targeted practice not only aids in literacy development but also allows students to experience successful reading moments, which is crucial during the early stages of learning to read.

While other options, like challenge texts or short stories with complex structures, may provide valuable reading experiences, they are typically less accessible for students who are still mastering foundational skills. Nonfiction texts with varied illustrations can enrich vocabulary and content knowledge but may not directly support phonics development in the same focused manner as decodable texts do.