
S7 E4 – The Top 5 Mistakes We Make When Using Decodable Texts
From The Structured Literacy Podcast by Jocelyn Seamer
February 21, 2026 · 25 min · Season 7 · Episode 4
About this episode
The episode discusses common mistakes in using decodable texts and offers strategies for effective reading instruction.
We unpack how to use decodable texts with precision so beginners practise the code instead of guessing. We share the biggest mistakes schools make, how to spot readiness to transition, and a staged text diet that blends decodables with rich literature. • reframing the debate around suitability, not good or bad • defining novice readers by code knowledge, not age • risks of mixing leveled and decodable texts too early • signs students are ready to shift text types • pl...
People in this episode
Host: Jocelyn Seamer
Topics covered
- decodable texts
- beginner readers
- reading strategies
- literature integration
- reading readiness
Keywords
- decodable texts
- reading instruction
- novice readers
- text types
- literature
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- S7 E9 - Why We Should Keep the Early in Early Childhood · March 28, 2026 · 32 min
- S7 E8 - Why Your Spelling Approach Might Be Working Against You (Part 2) · March 21, 2026 · 23 min
- S7 E7 - Why Your Spelling Approach Might Be Working Against You (Part 1) · March 14, 2026 · 26 min
- S7 E6 - Practical Steps When Grouping for Phonics · March 7, 2026 · 27 min
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