Looking for an honest Explode the Code review? After using this classic phonics program with my own three kids over five years, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned. Plus, I’ve talked with dozens of homeschool families about their experiences.
Explode the Code has taught reading for over 40 years. Is it right for YOUR homeschool? This review covers the complete program—what works, what doesn’t, and who it’s best for.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Take: Explode the Code Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4-10 (PreK through 4th grade) |
| Format | Workbooks with phonics exercises |
| Price | $12-15 per workbook |
| Total Books | 8 main levels plus primers |
| Teaching Style | Independent practice |
| Our Score | 4.2/5 |
What Is Explode the Code?
Explode the Code is a series of phonics workbooks published by EPS (Educators Publishing Service). Each book teaches specific phonics patterns through practice exercises. Students decode words, build vocabulary, and develop reading fluency.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, systematic phonics instruction helps most children learn to read effectively. Explode the Code delivers exactly that—structured, sequential phonics practice.
What’s in the Complete Series
The full Explode the Code program includes several components:
- Get Ready for the Code (Books A, B, C) — Pre-reading activities for ages 4-5. Covers letter recognition, beginning sounds, and fine motor skills.
- Main Series (Books 1-8) — Core phonics instruction from short vowels through complex patterns.
- Half Books (1½, 2½, 3½) — Extra practice for challenging patterns. Optional but helpful for struggling readers.
- Beyond the Code (Books 1-4) — Reading comprehension using decodable passages.
- Teacher’s Guide — Answer keys, teaching tips, and placement guidance.
Skill Progression by Book
| Book | Skills Covered |
|---|---|
| Book 1 | Short vowels a, i |
| Book 2 | Short vowels o, u, e |
| Book 3 | Consonant blends, digraphs |
| Book 4 | Long vowels with silent e |
| Book 5 | Long vowel combinations |
| Book 6 | R-controlled vowels, diphthongs |
| Book 7 | Syllable patterns, prefixes |
| Book 8 | Advanced patterns (ough, tion, etc.) |
How Explode the Code Works
Each lesson follows a consistent pattern that helps kids work independently. Here’s what a typical page looks like:
Daily Lesson Structure
- Picture-Word Match — Look at illustrations showing the target pattern
- Word Reading — Decode words using that phonics pattern
- Sentence Completion — Fill in blanks with correct words
- Writing Practice — Copy words or write answers
Most families spend 10-15 minutes daily on one page. At this pace, each book takes 4-6 weeks to complete.
Sample Daily Schedule
Here’s how we used Explode the Code in our homeschool:
- 5 minutes: Review the phonics pattern with your child
- 10 minutes: Child completes workbook page independently
- 5 minutes: Read together from a decodable book using those patterns
What We Love About Explode the Code
Incredibly Affordable
At $12-15 per workbook, you can teach phonics for under $100 total. That’s a fraction of what boxed reading programs cost. For budget-conscious families, this is huge.
Kids Work Independently
After you introduce the phonics rule, students complete pages alone. This frees up parent time—especially important when you’re homeschooling multiple children. I could work with my younger kids while my older ones did their Explode the Code pages.
Systematic Scope and Sequence
The progression is rock solid. Each skill builds on previous ones. There are no gaps or random jumps. Students master short vowels before tackling long vowels before attempting complex patterns. This approach aligns with What Works Clearinghouse recommendations for foundational reading instruction.
Simple for Parents to Use
No special training needed. Open the book, explain the pattern, let your child work. The teacher’s guide helps but isn’t required. In my experience, most parents can teach effectively using just the workbooks.
Great for Visual Learners
The black and white illustrations support word meaning without overwhelming kids. The clean layout focuses attention on the phonics patterns rather than distracting artwork.
What Could Be Better
Practice Only—Not Complete Instruction
This is important: Explode the Code provides phonics practice, not complete reading instruction. You’ll need to teach the phonics rules yourself. Many families pair it with programs like All About Reading or Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons for the teaching component.
Can Feel Repetitive
The page format stays consistent throughout the series. Some kids find this comforting; others get bored. If your child needs variety, consider the online version or use Explode the Code as a supplement rather than your main program.
Dated Visual Design
The black and white pages look old-fashioned compared to modern curriculum. Kids used to colorful apps and books may find them dull. My middle child didn’t mind, but my youngest preferred more colorful materials.
Requires Handwriting
Students must write answers by hand. Kids who struggle with fine motor skills may find this frustrating. The online version (Explode the Code Online) solves this problem.
Who Should Use Explode the Code
Great For:
- Families on a tight budget
- Kids who work well independently
- Students needing extra phonics practice
- Homeschools with multiple children
- Visual learners who like workbook format
- Supplement to other reading programs
Maybe Not For:
- Kids who hate worksheets
- Students who need multi-sensory, hands-on learning (the Office of Special Education Programs recommends multi-sensory approaches for many struggling readers)
- Families wanting a complete reading program
- Children with fine motor challenges (unless using online version)
Explode the Code vs. Other Phonics Programs
| Program | Price | Style | Parent Time | Complete? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explode the Code | $ | Workbooks | Low | No |
| All About Reading | $$$ | Multi-sensory | High | Yes |
| Logic of English | $$$ | Scripted lessons | High | Yes |
| 100 Easy Lessons | $ | Scripted book | High | Yes |
For complete reading instruction options, see our best language arts curriculum guide.
How to Use Explode the Code Effectively
Start at the Right Level
Use the free placement test from their website. Starting too high frustrates kids. Starting too low bores them. Get the level right from the beginning!
Teach Before Practice
Don’t just hand your child the workbook. Introduce each phonics pattern first with examples and practice words. Then let them work independently on the pages.
Pair with Real Reading
Phonics practice alone isn’t enough. Have your child read actual books daily. Decodable readers that match each level work perfectly. We loved using Bob Books alongside Explode the Code.
Keep Sessions Short
One or two pages per day is plenty. Marathon worksheet sessions backfire with young learners. Short, consistent practice produces better results than long, occasional sessions.
The Online Version: Explode the Code Online
EPS also offers a digital version with additional features:
- All workbook content in interactive format
- Games and activities for engagement
- Audio instruction for each lesson
- Automatic scoring and progress tracking
- No handwriting required
The subscription costs more than print workbooks but adds teaching components the print version lacks. It’s particularly helpful for kids who struggle with handwriting or need more engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is Explode the Code for?
The Get Ready primers work for ages 4-5. Main books (1-8) suit ages 5-10, depending on reading level. Always use the placement test rather than going strictly by age.
Is Explode the Code a complete reading program?
No—it provides phonics practice, not complete instruction. You’ll need to teach phonics rules yourself or use another program alongside it. Many families pair it with All About Reading or use it as reinforcement for their main reading curriculum.
How long does each book take to finish?
At 1-2 pages daily, each book takes 4-6 weeks. Most families complete 2-3 books per school year.
Do I need the teacher’s guide?
It’s helpful but not essential. The guide includes answer keys, teaching tips, and placement tests. You can download placement tests free from the EPS/School Specialty website.
Is the online version worth the extra cost?
For kids who hate writing or need more engagement, yes. The digital version adds games, audio, and interactive elements. For worksheet-loving kids, the print books work just fine.
Our Final Verdict
Explode the Code earns its classic status. It’s an affordable, effective way to build phonics skills through systematic practice. The independent format makes it perfect for busy homeschool families.
Just remember: it’s practice, not complete instruction. Pair it with phonics teaching and plenty of real reading for best results.
Bottom line: Buy Explode the Code if you want affordable phonics practice your child can do independently. Skip it if you need complete reading instruction or your child dislikes worksheet-style learning.
Ready to get started? Grab their free placement test to find your child’s level, then pick up the corresponding workbook.
]]>
Leave a Reply