Explode the Code is a systematic phonics curriculum from EPS Learning that uses the Orton-Gillingham approach to teach reading skills through workbooks spanning preschool through fourth grade.
What Is Explode the Code?
Explode the Code is a research-based phonics curriculum published by EPS Learning that has helped millions of students develop essential literacy skills. Based on the Orton-Gillingham approach—a structured, multisensory method particularly effective for struggling readers—the program systematically teaches phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension. The complete series includes 17 workbooks designed to take students from pre-reading skills through independent reading.
Key Takeaways
- Orton-Gillingham based, multisensory phonics approach
- Covers preschool through fourth grade (Books A, B, C, 1-8 plus half-books)
- Designed for independent work after initial instruction
- Available in print workbooks and online subscription
- Budget-friendly compared to many phonics programs
What the Program Includes
The core curriculum consists of workbooks progressing from preliteracy skills through advanced phonics. Primer books A, B, and C ("Get Ready," "Get Set," "Go for the Code") focus on pre-reading skills and letter identification for preschool through first grade. Books 1-3 cover first-grade phonics starting with simple consonant-vowel-consonant words. Books 4-8 continue through fourth grade with increasingly complex patterns. Half-books (1½ through 6½) provide extra practice for students who need more time. Teacher's Guides, sold separately, offer scripted lessons if you're using the program as your complete phonics curriculum.
Print vs. Online
The print edition features workbooks with clear explanations and exercises that students can complete relatively independently once they understand the format. The online edition adds a game-like interface with rewards, visual and auditory cues, built-in assessments, and progress monitoring. For children who struggle with handwriting, the online version allows typing instead of writing. Online subscriptions run on 12-month licenses with 1-2 business days for activation. Both versions cover the same content—choose based on your child's learning style and your family's preferences.
Strengths and Limitations
Parents consistently praise the program's effectiveness—children learn to read and enjoy reading. The workbook format allows independent work with minimal supervision, and lessons aren't overwhelming (a few pages at a time works well). The level-based labeling lets students progress at their own pace without grade-level pressure. On the flip side, some families find the workbook format repetitive over time. The print version requires existing handwriting skills, and some workbook pictures are difficult to identify. For complete phonics instruction, you'll likely need the Teacher's Guide, adding to the cost.
The Bottom Line
Explode the Code offers a proven, budget-friendly path to reading fluency through systematic phonics instruction. It works well as either a primary curriculum (with Teacher's Guides) or as supplemental practice alongside another program. The workbook format suits families wanting independent student work, while the online version engages tech-comfortable learners. For struggling readers especially, the Orton-Gillingham foundation provides the structured, sequential approach research supports.
