Orton-Gillingham Decodable Stories - Level 4 - The Duck on the Sand Bank: Structured Literacy Decodable Reader for Developing Readers

By Tammy Harris

The Duck on the Sand Bank

The Duck on the Sand Bank is a Level 4 structured literacy decodable reader designed to help children apply foundational phonics skills through carefully controlled, engaging text.

A duck swims to a sand bank for a rest, but the damp ground causes trouble. He slips, lands in thick mud and gets stuck. After flapping his wings, the duck finally breaks free and jumps into the pond to clean himself.

Nearby, a frog sits on a rock looking for bugs. When the duck swims past and splashes him, the startled frog yelps and hops onto the sand. After their muddy and wet adventure, the duck and frog settle down together and become pals.

The clear story sequence, predictable sentence patterns and controlled vocabulary help developing readers practise accurate decoding while building fluency, comprehension and reading confidence.

Is This the Right Level?

Level 4 is designed for readers who:

Can read short-vowel words and common digraphsHave practised beginning consonant blendsAre ready to read words with final consonant blendsNeed practice with all, as in fallsAre learning to read words with the suffix -sAre ready for longer sentences using controlled textBenefit from repetition and guided rereading

Phonics Skills Practised

Short-vowel closed syllablesBeginning consonant blend reviewFinal consonant blendsDigraph reviewWords containing all, as in fallsThe suffix -sControlled sentence reading for fluency

Sight and Story Words

has, have, out, a, the, he, his, shakes, into, be, of, to, off, sees

These words can be reviewed before reading. Most other words are intended to be decoded using phonics skills the reader has already learned.

Who This Book Is For

Orton-Gillingham tutorsStructured literacy teachersReading intervention teachersParents supporting struggling readersHomeschool familiesChildren with dyslexia or other reading difficulties

Key Features

Carefully controlled Level 4 decodable textPractice with beginning and final consonant blendsPractice with all and the suffix -sShort-vowel and digraph reviewPredictable sentence structuresRepetition to support fluency and confidenceGentle humour and engaging animal charactersDesigned for guided and repeated reading

Written by Tammy Harris, an Orton-Gillingham certified reading tutor with over eight years of experience supporting students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.

This book is intended for educational reading practice and is not a substitute for professional instruction or individualized educational planning.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1065830882
• ISBN13: 9781065830887
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Soundsteps Learning Press
• Length: 34 Pages
• Weight: 0.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 5.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7