Explode The Code®
by EPS Learninghttps://www.epslearning.com/
Explode The Code®: Systematic Phonics Workbook Series
Explode The Code® is a 14-book phonics workbook series for grades 1-3 that teaches phonetic concepts sequentially through independent practice exercises. The curriculum can serve as either a primary phonics program or supplement, with an online version that provides adaptive instruction and progress tracking.
Best for
Beginning readers in grades 1-3 who need systematic phonics instruction, homeschool families seeking independent workbook-based phonics practice, or as a supplement to other reading programs
Evaluation Criteria
1 strength · 5 concerns · 3 neutral
The curriculum provides highly systematic phonics instruction with clear sequential progression through phonetic concepts.
Books teach 'selected phonetic concepts' in order from Book 1 (short vowels) through Book 8 (suffixes and irregular endings), with students learning 'all phonetic concepts by completing Books 1 through 8'
This is primarily a phonics skills curriculum with limited domain knowledge building beyond basic decoding instruction.
Content focuses on phonetic concepts like 'short vowels, consonant blends, vowel digraphs' with minimal background knowledge development mentioned
Teacher support is minimal, consisting mainly of answer keys and basic guidance rather than comprehensive professional development.
Teacher's guides 'include the program description, answers, and dictations for the post-tests' with no mention of extensive teacher training materials
The curriculum is designed for independent student work with minimal direct teacher instruction required.
Review states 'Students should be able to do most work independently once someone has read the instructions for that page to them'
The curriculum includes writing practice primarily through workbook exercises rather than structured composition instruction.
Materials are described as 'phonics workbooks' with exercises, and primer books teach 'letter formation,' but no systematic writing instruction is described
The curriculum focuses on phonics skill-building rather than whole book reading, though it includes some reading practice within exercises.
Review notes that students will need reading practice 'with other books or with the Beyond the Code series' if using as primary program
The curriculum uses simple phonics-focused texts appropriate for beginning readers but may not progress to complex texts.
Materials feature 'large print and less of it per page' and focus on phonetic concepts rather than complex text engagement
The curriculum includes some review through post-tests and half-numbered books that provide additional practice.
Books include 'post-tests' and 'Books 1½, 2½, 3½, 4½, 5½, and 6½ offer more practice on topics covered within Books 1, 2, 3, etc.'
Vocabulary receives some attention but appears to be secondary to phonics skill development.
Review mentions that 'reading comprehension and vocabulary also get some attention' but provides no details about systematic vocabulary instruction
Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com
Review Sources
Cathy Duffy
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If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.
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Data sources: cathyduffy, homeschoolcom