A Deep Dive into Decodable Books

Using decodable books well to support early reading

Using decodable books well to support early reading. A practical 45-minute session with Kathryn Tilbury.

🗓 Monday 9th March 2026

⏰ 4:00–4:45pm

📍 Online – live session

🎟 Free professional learning session

About this session

Decodable books are a vital part of early reading, but their impact depends on how well they are understood and used.

In this focused 45-minute session, Kathryn Tilbury, Head of Training and Schools Success Manager at Monster Phonics, explores what makes a decodable book effective and how decodable texts should be used to support phonics teaching and early reading progress.

This session will help teachers and leaders feel more confident about selecting and using decodable books to build accuracy, fluency and confidence in early readers.

This is not a product showcase.

It is a practical, pedagogy-led session grounded in classroom and leadership experience.

What the session will cover

• What makes a book truly decodable
• Why decodable books matter for early reading progress
• Common misconceptions about decodable texts
• How to use decodable books effectively alongside phonics teaching
• Practical guidance to support accuracy, fluency and confidence

The session is relevant regardless of the phonics programme or reading scheme you use.

Who it’s for

This session is designed for:

• Reception and Key Stage 1 teachers
• Phonics and reading leads
• Literacy leaders and SENCOs
• Teaching staff supporting early readers

Particularly useful for schools:

• Reviewing or refining their use of decodable books
• Supporting children who are struggling with early reading
• Seeking greater clarity and consistency in early reading practice

About the session lead

Kathryn Tilbury

Head of Training and Schools Success Manager, Monster Phonics

Kathryn joined Monster Phonics in September 2022 following a 26-year career as a teacher and senior leader. The last 20 years of her career were spent working in Early Years and phonics.

She has worked as both an Advanced Skills Teacher and a Specialist Leader of Education for Early Years and phonics, supporting schools to strengthen practice and improve outcomes.

Kathryn brings deep classroom and leadership experience to her training, offering clear, practical guidance that helps teachers use phonics and decodable books effectively to support early readers.

About Monster Phonics

Monster Phonics is a UK DfE-validated, award-winning systematic synthetic phonics programme trusted by thousands of schools in the UK and around the world.