Tips for Getting the Most Out of Target Practice Readers

Target Practice Readers (TPRs) are designed to be flexible, effective tools for teaching phonics and early reading skills. However, like any teaching resource, getting the most out of TPRs requires thoughtful planning and implementation. In this post, we’ll provide some practical tips for maximising the effectiveness of TPRs in your classroom and ensuring that students get the full benefit of these decodable books.

1. Align TPRs with Your Phonics Programme 
TPRs are most effective when they are closely aligned with the phonics programme you’re using in the classroom. Since TPRs are designed to support phonics progression, make sure you introduce each book at the appropriate time, based on the letter-sounds your students have already learned. This ensures that students are practicing sounds they are ready to decode, making the reading experience more successful and less frustrating.

2. Use TPRs for Both Group and Individual Instruction 
One of the great things about TPRs is their versatility. Use them in small group guided reading sessions to provide targeted instruction to students at similar reading levels. Alternatively, assign TPRs for 1:1 reading sessions or independent reading practice. This flexibility allows you to tailor instruction to the needs of your students, providing the right level of support for each individual.
3. Incorporate Re-reading for Fluency 
Re-reading is a powerful way to build reading fluency. Encourage students to re-read their TPRs multiple times to improve their blending, decoding, and fluency. With each re-reading, students will become more confident and fluent, recognising words more quickly and blending sounds with greater ease. Re-reading also reinforces the phonics skills they’ve been practicing.
4. Provide Plenty of Praise and Encouragement 
Reading can be challenging for young learners, especially those who are still developing their phonics skills. Offer plenty of praise and encouragement as students work through their TPRs. Celebrate their successes, even if they are small, and provide positive reinforcement when they master new sounds or words. This encouragement helps build students’ confidence and motivates them to keep practicing.
5. Differentiate Instruction with TPRs 
Not all students progress at the same rate, and that’s okay! TPRs are designed to be used flexibly, so feel free to differentiate instruction by assigning different books to different students based on their individual needs. For struggling readers, assign TPRs that focus on earlier letter-sounds for additional practice. For advanced readers, provide more challenging TPRs that introduce new sounds and more complex words.
6. Use E-books for Additional Support 
If you have access to the e-book versions of TPRs, take advantage of the interactive features they offer. E-books often include audio support, which can be particularly helpful for struggling readers. Students can listen to the book being read aloud while following along, reinforcing their phonics knowledge and decoding skills. The quizzes and comprehension checks included in the e-book versions of TPRs also provide immediate feedback, helping both you and your students track progress. E-books can be projected on an interactive whiteboard for whole-class reading, or accessed on tablets for 1:1 or small group reading sessions. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate TPRs into digital or blended learning environments.
7. Encourage Home Reading with TPRs
To get the most out of TPRs, extend reading practice beyond the classroom by assigning books for home reading. Whether you send home print versions in book bags or assign e-books for students to access on tablets, home reading gives students the chance to practice independently. Encourage parents to get involved by reading with their children and offering support with tricky words or sounds. Consistent practice at home reinforces the skills learned in school.
8. Pair TPRs with Phonics Games
Phonics practice doesn’t have to be limited to reading sessions. Pair TPRs with phonics games to reinforce the letter-sounds and words students are learning. For example, you could create flashcards of key words from the TPR or play a game where students match sounds to words from the book. Adding a playful element to phonics practice helps keep students engaged and reinforces the skills they’re learning in a fun and interactive way.
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By following these tips, you can ensure that your students get the most out of Target Practice Readers. From aligning TPRs with your phonics programme to incorporating re-reading for fluency and extending learning through home reading, these strategies will help students build strong phonics and reading skills. With TPRs, you have the flexibility to differentiate instruction, provide additional support, and make learning fun—helping every student succeed in their reading journey.