While decodable readers are an essential part of a Science of Reading K-2 classroom, many educators say that such books are often too short or lack the appeal to engage early readers. To help schools provide educators with more resources to support students at school and at home, Capstone has introduced Stairway Decodables.

What are Stairway Decodables?

Stairway Decodables is a supplemental phonics resource for extra practice in small group instruction, independent reading, and at home. The series is organized into six steps. Each step features books that provide students with practice in decoding words with specific phonics sounds. Each book is clearly labeled to help educators and caregivers easily identify the right resource for their reader.

• Step 1 books focus on short vowels.
• Step 2 books teach initial and final consonant blends.
• Step 3 books focus on consonant digraphs.
• Step 4 books cover concepts including silent “e,” soft “c” and “g,” and trigraphs.
• Step 5 books focus on vowel teams.
• Step 6 books provide practice in vowel-r combinations, diphthongs, and long vowels.

With 60 engaging, authentic texts, Stairway Decodables helps educators support students on every step of their reading journey. Each book is at least 80% decodable to systematically build readers’ skills and confidence. The books, at 24 to 32 pages, are longer than typical decodables to help build readers’ stamina and engagement. 

Stairway Decodables are more than just phonics. They combine multiple components of the Science of Reading, including comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and phonemic awareness. Each fiction book helps young readers build foundational literacy skills while decoding phonetically regular words.

Feels Like Real Books

“Stairway Decodables make it easier for teachers to access resources that match the needs of individual students, while also giving kids fun choices for independent reading,” said Beth Brezenoff, Capstone Executive VP and General Manager, Content. “Because the decodables have a longer page count and we’ve been intentional about look and feel, they feel like ‘real books’ to early readers. Plus, with captivating plotlines and illustrations, and diverse, relatable characters, students can’t wait to dig into the stories and have a successful reading experience.” 

For educators, each Stairway Decodables book begins with a key features page that includes the word count, phonics skills in focus, and challenging words for students. Each book also provides ideas for before, during, and after reading, as well as extended learning activities to support phonemic awareness, writing, and critical thinking.

Stairway Decodables are available in hardcover, paperback, or eBook formats. Classroom sets include all 60 Stairway Decodables paperbacks plus a skill matrix and display box. For information, visit https://www.capstonepub.com/stairway-decodables.

Looking ahead to 2025, Capstone will release 10 additional Step 1 books on January 1. In the fall, Capstone will expand its decodable offering with 36 nonfiction decodable books. 

More on Capstone 

Capstone is the nation’s leading educational publisher of K-5 digital solutions, children’s books, and literacy programs for school libraries, classrooms, and at-home reading. Through print books, interactive eBooks, or the curriculum-connected learning tool PebbleGo™, Capstone has a passion for inspiring students to learn and their communities to thrive. As a publisher of content for children, Capstone embraces the responsibility to celebrate and share the diverse voices and perspectives of our readers and communities. Capstone supports great teaching and learning with engaging content that values the work that educators do every day—helping students succeed. CapstonePub.com #LearningIsForEveryone