Which stage of reading development is characterized by decoding simple texts?

The stage of reading development characterized by decoding simple texts is early reading. In this phase, typically found in grades K-2, children begin to apply their phonemic awareness and understanding of letter-sound relationships to read short, simple texts. They start to develop the skills needed to blend sounds and recognize high-frequency words, which allows them to read basic sentences and stories independently.

During early reading, learners transition from recognizing letters and sounds to fluently decoding words in context. This provides them with a foundational skill set that supports their overall literacy development. As they gain confidence, they are more likely to engage with texts, leading to improved comprehension and enjoyment of reading.

In contrast, emergent literacy focuses on the skills children develop before formal reading instruction, such as recognizing print and understanding that text carries meaning. Transitional reading includes more fluent reading practices and more complex texts but happens after early reading. Proficient reading describes a stage where readers can comprehend and analyze texts effectively at deeper levels, well beyond simple decoding. Each stage builds on the previous one, but early reading specifically emphasizes the initial ability to decode simple texts.