Summary:

The game is coming to an end, but Matt's team is behind. He wants to come through for his teammates, but he swings hard at the first pitch and misses badly. He takes a deep breath, and when the next pitch comes, he knocks it out of the park. Way to stick with it, Matt!

In this imaginative retelling of the story, "The Slam", students have the text written in both serif and specialized orthography to aid their progress.

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Full Text:

Page 1)     it is near the end of the big game. the  stands are filled with fans cheering and clapping.
Page 2)    but matt's team is not cheering. the other team is winning.
Page 3)    matt is the team's last hope.  "I must help the team.  I will give them the best shot I can."  
Page 4)    the pitcher flings it to the catcher.  it is fast, and it spins!
Page 5)    matt swings, but it is a big miss.  
Page 6)    "strike!" the umpire yells. "I can't mess this up," matt said. "the team needs a big hit!"  
Page 7)    the pitcher tossed it faster and spun it more than ever.
Page 8)    this time, matt tracks the target and smacks it with the bat really hard.
Page 9)    it is a grand slam!  the fans explode with cheers.
Page 10)  the happy team screams, "you did it, matt!"

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Phonemes:

/ă/ (IPA: æ),        /m/,                  /t/,                   /ē/ (IPA: i),            /s/,                       /ĭ/ (IPA: ɪ),        

‍/f/,                       /d/,                   /r/,                   /th/ (IPA: ð),         /ŏ/ (IPA: ɒ),          /g/,

‍/l/,                        /h/,                  /ŭ/ (IPA: ʌ),      /k/,                       /b/,                       /n/,

‍/sh/ (IPA: ʃ),       /ā/ (IPA: eɪ),     /k/,                   /v/,                       /ō/ (IPA: oʊ),        /w/,

‍/ch/ (IPA: tʃ),     /ŏr/ (IPA: ɑr),    /ər/ (IPA: ɜr),   /ĕ/ (IPA: ɛ),           /j/ (IPA: dʒ),        /p/,

‍/ī/ (IPA: aɪ),        /ĭŋ/ (IPA: ɪŋ),     /y/ (IPA: j),      /ks/,                      /kw/,                    /z/,

‍/ū/ (IPA: ju)

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Decodable:

‍This booklet is designed for kindergarten students to read independently after they have reached the cycle indicated on the cover. Students should use this to practice decoding and to develop independent reading habits. This should not be used for guided reading or for the development of content knowledge.

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Printable: ‍

This file is designed to be printed, folded, stapled, and given to students as a booklet.  

• Step 1: To print, select “print on both sides of the paper” and “flip on the short edge” in your print menu.  

• Step 2: Fold the printed pages along the dashed line in the center, and staple on top of the three staple images on the front cover.

When one student finishes reading the booklet, you can pass it on to the next student who is ready for it.  Or you can create one copy for each student and tell them that they can color the pictures when they finish reading it.