Explode the Code
A best-selling series of Orton-Gillingham-based phonics workbooks (Books 1–8, plus half books and pre-literacy primers) for pre-K through grade 4, with an optional Explode the Code Online subscription.
What is Explode the Code?
Explode the Code is a phonics workbook series published by EPS Learning. It was written by Nancy M. Hall, and EPS calls it a phonics best-seller that has helped millions of students. The 2nd edition is described by EPS as Orton-Gillingham-based, with direct, systematic and multisensory practice.
The core idea is steady, cumulative practice. Each book teaches a small set of phonics patterns, then has kids read, write and spell words, phrases and short sentences using them.
How it works
Kids complete a few pages a day. An adult reads the directions for a new page type, and then most children can work on their own. Exercises include:
- Matching pictures to words and sounding out
- Copying, blending and spelling
- Building words from syllables
- Cumulative review of earlier patterns
- Short stories with comprehension questions in Books 7 and 8
Each book has post-tests. Teacher's guides add lesson routines and extra activities if you want to teach more directly. The pages use large print with less text per page, which helps kids who tire quickly.
Explode the Code Online uses the same Books 1–8 content with audio and visual cues, assessments, and an adaptive path, so students work only on areas of need. It runs in a browser and on iPad and Android.
What it covers
| Book | Main skills |
|---|---|
| Primers | Consonant sounds, letters, print concepts |
| 1 | Short vowels |
| 2 | Consonant blends |
| 3 | Silent-e, digraphs |
| 4 | Vowel digraphs, syllables, suffixes, compound words |
| 5 | Word families, three-letter blends, qu, the sounds of ed |
| 6 | Diphthongs, r-controlled vowels |
| 7 | Soft c and g, silent letters, ph |
| 8 | Suffixes and irregular endings |
Half books (1½ to 6½) repeat the same skills with more practice.
Who it's best for
Explode the Code fits families who want inexpensive, low-prep phonics practice that a child can do mostly alone. It works as a core program for some kids and as a supplement to a fuller curriculum for others. Many parents use it with older children who never got solid phonics.
It is not a reading library, so pair it with readers such as Bob Books or Primary Phonics. Kids who hate worksheets, or who need intensive dyslexia intervention, may do better elsewhere.
Pricing at a glance
As of October 2026, EPS Learning sells each student workbook for $12.49 and the Books 1–2 Teacher's Guide for $17.49. Explode the Code Online costs $43.49 per student for 12 months, with a free one-month trial for parents. A year with two workbooks and the matching teacher's guide costs about $42 before shipping.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Often it may. Arizona's ESA law lists curricula and supplementary materials as allowed expenses, and many ESA and scholarship programs cover workbooks and online learning. Check your program's rules, for example Arizona or Florida. Save Explode the Code to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
- All About Reading is a scripted, multisensory program with readers included. See All About Reading vs Explode the Code.
- Logic of English teaches phonograms, spelling rules and handwriting in one parent-led course.
- Primary Phonics, also from EPS, pairs workbooks with decodable storybooks.
- UFLI is a low-cost, teacher-led foundational skills program.
See more on our phonics programs, phonics curriculum and best phonics programs pages.
Who Explode the Code is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Families who want inexpensive, low-prep phonics practice
- Kids who can work semi-independently after directions are read
- Older children patching phonics gaps
- Pairing with any reading program as a supplement
Look elsewhere if
- Families who want a scripted, all-in-one reading curriculum
- Kids who dislike worksheets
- Children who need intensive one-on-one dyslexia instruction
Explode the Code pros and cons
Pros
- Low cost per book
- Clear sequence across Books 1–8
- Large print and little text per page
- Can be used as a core program or a supplement
- Built-in post-tests
Cons
- Workbook-only format can feel repetitive
- Black-and-white pages
- Needs separate readers for real reading practice
- Writing load may be hard for kids with weak fine motor skills
What’s included
- Workbooks 1–8 cover all phonics concepts in sequence
- Half books (1½–6½) add extra practice
- Three pre-literacy primers teach consonant sounds and print concepts
- Post-tests built into each book
- Teacher's guides and 54 illustrated code cards
- Explode the Code Online with adaptive placement and reporting
Explode the Code levels
| Level | Grades | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Literacy Primers (3 books) | By skill | Teach 21 consonant sounds, letter recognition, print concepts and letter formation. |
| Book 1 | By skill | Short vowels and short-vowel words. |
| Book 2 | By skill | Initial and final consonant blends. |
| Book 3 | By skill | Silent-e, words ending in a long vowel or y, and vowel and consonant digraphs. |
| Book 4 | By skill | Vowel digraphs, syllable division, suffixes and compound words. |
| Book 5 | By skill | Word families, three-letter blends, qu, ey and the three sounds of ed. |
| Book 6 | By skill | Harder diphthongs and r-controlled vowels. |
| Book 7 | By skill | Soft c and g, silent letters, ear, ei, eigh and ph, plus short stories with comprehension questions. |
| Book 8 | By skill | Suffixes and irregular endings, with stories, crosswords and word finds. |
How much does Explode the Code cost?
EPS Learning lists each 2nd edition student workbook at $12.49 and the Teacher's Guide for Books 1–2 at $17.49. Explode the Code Online is $43.49 for a 12-month, one-student subscription at the consumer price. Bookstores and homeschool retailers also sell the workbooks.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student workbook (each book) | $12.49 | One-time | — |
| Teacher's Guide, Books 1–2 | $17.49 | One-time | — |
| Explode the Code Online, 12 months, 1 student | $43.49/yr | Yearly | $3.62/mo |
Free trial: EPS offers a free one-month trial of Explode the Code Online for parents and homeschoolers.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
Cathy Duffy lists Explode the Code among her 103 Top Picks. She notes it can be a primary teaching tool or a supplement, that large print and less text per page help children who struggle with writing or focus, and that families should add other reading practice.
Common praise
- Solid phonics coverage with lots of reading practice
- Large print, uncluttered pages
- Kids can work mostly on their own once directions are read
Common complaints
- Needs other books for reading practice
- Black-and-white workbook format
Explode the Code family reviews
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Explode the Code FAQs
Which Explode the Code book should I start with?
Children who don't know their consonant sounds start with the pre-literacy primers. Kids who know letter sounds start with Book 1, which teaches short vowels. Older students can use the post-tests in each book to find their starting point.
How many Explode the Code books are there?
The main series is Books 1–8, with half books 1½ through 6½ for extra practice, plus three pre-literacy primers. Cathy Duffy counts 14 workbooks in the core and half-book series.
Is Explode the Code Orton-Gillingham?
EPS Learning describes Explode the Code 2nd Edition as an Orton-Gillingham-based program with direct, systematic and multisensory activities.
What grade is Explode the Code for?
EPS lists it for pre-K through grade 4. Many families also use it with older children who need to fill phonics gaps.
How much does Explode the Code Online cost?
As of October 2026, the consumer price is $43.49 for a 12-month subscription for one student. Parents and homeschoolers can sign up for a free one-month trial.
Is Explode the Code a complete reading program?
It can serve as a core phonics program, but it is a workbook series. Add decodable readers and real books for reading practice, plus your own read-alouds.
Can an ESA pay for Explode the Code?
Curriculum and workbooks are commonly allowed in ESA programs such as Arizona's, but each program decides. Save Explode the Code to your Edulist wishlist and apply once to programs in your state.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: