When Should You Use Target Practice Readers?

Knowing when to use Target Practice Readers (TPRs) can make all the difference in how effectively they enhance your phonics instruction. TPRs are versatile tools that can be incorporated into a variety of reading activities, including one-on-one sessions, group guided reading, and even home reading. In this post, we’ll explore the best times to use TPRs in your classroom and how you can maximise their benefits.

Understanding TPRs’ Purpose 
TPRs are designed to be used alongside a phonics teaching programme, specifically Rocket Phonics, to help children apply newly learned letter-sounds. They are fully decodable, meaning that once children have been introduced to the corresponding sounds, they should be able to read the books independently or with minimal help.
When to Use TPRs

1. After Teaching New Sounds: TPRs align with the weekly phonics teaching plans, which means that as new letter-sounds are taught, specific TPRs become decodable. This is the perfect time to introduce the corresponding book. As soon as students have learned the sounds featured in the book, they can immediately practice applying that knowledge.
   
2. In Small Group Guided Reading Sessions: Group guided reading is a great opportunity to use TPRs. By focusing on a small group of students with similar reading abilities, you can ensure that the entire group is ready to apply the same phonics skills. TPRs make it easy to track progress since all children in the group are working on decodable texts tailored to their level.
   
3. For One-on-One Reading: TPRs are excellent for individualised reading sessions. Each student learns at their own pace, and some may need extra practice with certain letter-sounds. In a one-on-one setting, teachers can tailor the reading material to the specific needs of the child, making TPRs perfect for personalised reading support.
   
4. For Independent or Home Reading: TPRs can be assigned as independent reading material or as part of a child’s book bag to take home. Since these books are aligned with the sounds the child has recently learned, they can read independently, gaining confidence as they do so. This is particularly useful for reinforcing phonics skills outside of the classroom.
   

Flexibility in Timing 
While TPRs are designed to align with weekly phonics plans, there is no hard-and-fast rule on when you must use them. Teachers have the flexibility to introduce TPRs whenever they feel it’s the right time for their class or individual students. The key is to use them when children are ready to apply their knowledge of the letter-sounds.
TPRs can be used in various reading contexts—whether it's immediately after teaching new letter-sounds, during small group or one-on-one reading sessions, or even at home. By using TPRs at the right time, you give students the opportunity to solidify their phonics knowledge through direct application, helping them become more confident and skilled readers.