On-Demand Webinar:
Differentiated vs. Decodable Texts: What’s the
Difference and When Should We Use Each?
Presented by:
Maureen Donnelly, M.Ed., and Allison Dennis, PhD
Decodable texts or differentiated texts—which should you use, and when?
In this practical, research-based webinar, we’ll answer one of the most common questions educators ask: What’s the difference between differentiated and decodable texts, and how do they work together to support reading success?
You’ll discover why decodable texts are essential for developing phonics, decoding, and reading fluency, while differentiated texts build language comprehension, vocabulary, background knowledge, and engagement. Rather than viewing these text types as competing approaches, we’ll explore how each serves a unique purpose within effective literacy instruction.
Using classroom examples from Readtopia and ReadtopiaGO, we’ll demonstrate how to intentionally select and use both differentiated and decodable texts to support emergent and early readers, including students with complex communication and learning needs. Grounded in the Science of Reading and the Active View of Reading, this session provides practical guidance for creating a balanced literacy experience that develops skilled, confident readers.
Whether you’re a special educator, classroom teacher, literacy coach, speech-language pathologist, or school leader, you’ll leave with actionable strategies for choosing the right text at the right time—and a clearer understanding of why students need both differentiated and decodable texts to become successful, independent readers.
Learning Objectives for This Webinar
After watching this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between decodable and differentiated texts and explain the distinct role each plays in effective literacy instruction.
- Identify when and why to use decodable texts to support phonics, decoding, word recognition, and reading fluency.
- Explain how differentiated texts support language comprehension, including vocabulary, background knowledge, engagement, and access to meaningful content.
- Apply research-based strategies for selecting and using both text types to meet the needs of emergent and early readers, including students with complex communication and learning needs.
This webinar is intended for teachers, paras, SLPs, OTs, and other members of your literacy team involved in literacy instruction with learners receiving special education services. You will leave with knowledge of how to elevate instruction for your learners.
Registered attendees will receive a link to the recording within a few days of the scheduled live webinar.
Visit the Building Wings for additional free webinars for special educators, including upcoming live webinars and access to on-demand recordings of previously held live webinars. You can also sign up to receive an email notification when live webinars are posted.
