From Struggling Readers to Engaged Readers: Rethinking Decodable Text with Sue Marasciulo
What makes a decodable text effective—and does “decodable” have to mean boring?
In this episode, I sit down with author and educator Sue Marasciulo to talk about her journey from the classroom to creating Pat & Pals, a graphic novel series designed to give developing readers the practice they need without sacrificing engaging stories.
We talk about what Sue learned from working with struggling readers and students with dyslexia, why she chose graphic novels as the format for her decodable books, and what teachers should really be looking for when choosing and using decodable texts.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
Creating decodables kids actually want to read
Sue shares what makes a strong decodable text and how we can balance controlled text with characters, humor, and stories that keep students engaged.
Looking beyond the word “decodable”
Not all decodable texts are created equally. We talk about common misconceptions surrounding decodables and the role they should actually play within reading instruction.
Building skills and confidence together
Decodable texts aren't only about practicing a phonics pattern. Used intentionally, they give struggling readers opportunities to successfully apply what they've learned while building confidence as readers.
What struggling readers can teach us
Sue reflects on her work with students with dyslexia, the classroom experiences that have stayed with her, and what those students taught her about literacy instruction.
Where literacy instruction goes from here
We wrap up with Sue's advice for teachers supporting struggling readers, what gives her hope about the future of literacy instruction, and what's next for her.
Connect with Sue
Learn more about Sue, Pat & Pals, and her work supporting developing readers at SueMarasciulo.com.
Final Thought
Helping children become readers isn't just about teaching the skills.
It's about giving them opportunities to use those skills successfully, experience themselves as readers, and discover that the books we give them are worth reading.
Want More?
Explore more Science of Reading PD, decodables, small-group planning tools, coaching sessions, and literacy resources at Route2Reading inside the Literacy Edventures Membership.
