Build Early Decoding. Support Independent Reading. Establish Strong Phonics Foundations.
As students move beyond single-sound and consonant-blend texts, decoding demands increase. Readers begin encountering two-syllable words, common suffixes, and more complex spelling patterns.
Without controlled, decodable text, this transition can be challenging. When students are asked to read words they have not been explicitly taught, decoding breaks down and confidence often declines.
Phonic Books Dandelion Launchers Stages 16–20 is a fully decodable phonics book series designed for readers ready to tackle this next level of complexity. The series focuses on two-syllable words, common suffixes, and advanced sound–spelling patterns.
Each book introduces only a small number of new phonics elements at a time. Previously taught sounds and high-frequency words are carefully revisited, allowing students to build skills without cognitive overload.
With two books per stage, students receive repeated practice through different stories. This supports accuracy, fluency, and confidence as students progress toward independent reading.
Instruction is aligned with evidence-based literacy practices and the Science of Reading. The series supports explicit, systematic phonics instruction and accurate decoding development.
WHY EDUCATORS CHOOSE THESE BOOKS
- Fully decodable texts aligned to a structured phonics progression
- Incremental introduction of two-syllable words, suffixes, and advanced patterns
- Two books per stage for repeated practice and reinforcement
- Supports independent reading as decoding demands increase
- Reinforces previously taught phonics skills and high-frequency words
- Can be used with any curriculum
KEY SKILLS SUPPORTED
These decodable books explicitly support the development of:
- Decoding of two-syllable words and advanced phonics patterns
- Recognition and application of common suffixes (e.g., -ed, -ing)
- Accurate reading of high-frequency and previously taught words
- Reading confidence, accuracy, and fluency
- Application of systematic phonics knowledge in connected text
THIS SET INCLUDES
10 Fully Decodable Phonics Books (Stages 16–20)
Two books per stage, each containing controlled text aligned to the phonics focus.
Stage 16 – tch, ve
• Book 16a: The Itch
• Book 16b: The Ditch
Stage 17 – Simple two-syllable words
• Book 17a: The Sandpit
• Book 17b: The Muffin Shop
Stage 18 – Two-syllable words and suffix -ed
• Book 18a: Stranded
• Book 18b: Stan is Shocked
Stage 19 – Two-syllable words and suffix -ing
• Book 19a: Thinking of a Gift
• Book 19b: Swimming
Stage 20 – Two-syllable words and the spelling le
• Book 20a: Cuddles
• Book 20b: Muddle in the Middle
WORKS WITH ANY STRUCTURED LITERACY PROGRAM
- Aligns with structured literacy and phonics-based scope and sequences
- Supports explicit, systematic phonics instruction
- Complements classroom, intervention, and MTSS settings
- Integrates without altering existing curriculum frameworks
DISTRICT JUSTIFICATION
Dandelion Launchers Stages 16–20 supports structured literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading by providing fully decodable texts that match explicit phonics instruction. Students read only the sounds, patterns, and syllabic structures they have been taught, strengthening decoding accuracy and promoting orthographic mapping.
The series’ systematic progression, repeated practice, and clear phonics alignment make this set appropriate for classroom adoption, intervention use, and district-wide early literacy initiatives.
PAIRS WITH
These student-facing resources are designed to be used directly alongside Dandelion Launchers Stages 16–20 to reinforce phonics skills and provide additional practice.
- Dandelion Launchers Reading and Writing Activities for Stages 16-20
A photocopiable workbook with activities aligned to each stage supporting reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension practice.
ALIGNS WITH OTHER DANDELION RESOURCES
Dandelion Launchers Stages 16–20 is a complete, fully decodable phonics series that can be used independently. For classrooms seeking additional practice or variation, it also aligns with the following optional resources.
- Dandelion World Stages 16–20
A nonfictional decodable series aligned to the same phonics skills as Dandelion Launchers 16-20.
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING SUPPORT
- Instructor’s Manual
Optional instructional guidance for structured literacy implementation. Supports lesson planning, pacing, and instructional consistency
