Explode The Code Free Printables & Samples – Looking for Explode The Code free printables to support early reading skills? This research-based phonics program helps kids in the USA master decoding through systematic, multisensory lessons. While full student workbooks are purchased resources, the publisher offers legitimate free sample lessons and materials you can download and print right away.
This page explains the program clearly and points you to official free resources so you can try it with your child or students.
What Is Explode The Code?
Explode The Code is a proven Orton-Gillingham-based phonics series from EPS Learning. It builds phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension for grades Pre-K through 4.
The program starts with pre-literacy primers (Get Ready, Get Set, and Go for The Code) that teach consonants and letter-sound relationships. Books 1–8 then progress through short vowels, blends, digraphs, long vowels, syllable types, and more advanced patterns. Half-books provide extra practice. Creative illustrations and simple sentences keep young learners engaged.
Parents, teachers, and homeschoolers in the United States widely use it because the lessons are clear, sequential, and easy to implement one-on-one or in small groups.
Official Free Sample Lessons and Printables
The most reliable free Explode The Code resources come directly from EPS Learning. These sample pages let you preview the format, try activities, and decide if the full series fits your needs.
Download the complete Lesson Sampler here:
Explode The Code Lesson Sampler (PDF)
It includes sample pages from the Teacher’s Guide and student workbooks for Get Ready for The Code Book A plus Books 1 and 6. You will see visual discrimination exercises, letter formation practice, blending activities, and short reading tasks.
Additional official free downloads include:
- Scope and Sequence overview: Explode The Code Scope & Sequence
- Book 1 Lesson 3 sample (short a with final consonants): Book 1 Lesson 3 PDF
- Program Overview: Explode The Code Program Overview
Visit the main product page for more details and the full list of available samples:
Explode The Code 2nd Edition on EPS Learning
These PDFs are free, printable, and authorized for educational preview use. Always download from the official EPS Learning site to ensure you receive current, legitimate materials.
Explode The Code Free Printables & Samples




How to Use the Free Samples?
Print the pages on standard letter-size paper. Work through one lesson at a time with your child or student. Follow the Teacher’s Guide suggestions for phonemic awareness warm-ups, modeling, and independent practice.
Many families start with the pre-literacy samples if the child is still learning letter sounds, or jump into Book 1 samples once consonants and short vowels are familiar. Keep sessions short and positive—15–20 minutes works well for most early readers.
The samples also help you check placement. The full program includes a placement test, but the free lessons give a good sense of the difficulty level.
Tips for Success with Explode The Code
- Pair the worksheets with hands-on materials such as letter tiles or magnetic letters for extra blending practice.
- Review previous skills briefly at the start of each session.
- Celebrate progress—the program’s step-by-step design builds confidence quickly.
- For extra support, consider the optional Code Cards or Wall Chart once you purchase the full books.
Remember that complete student books and teacher guides are copyrighted commercial products. Free samples are intended for evaluation, not as replacements for the full curriculum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free full Explode The Code workbooks available?
No. Official full books are sold by EPS Learning and authorized retailers. Free resources are limited to sample lessons and overviews provided by the publisher.
Can I use these printables for classroom or homeschool use?
Yes. The free sample PDFs from EPS Learning may be printed for personal educational evaluation and trial use with students.
Is there an online version?
Yes. Explode The Code Online offers the same content in a digital adaptive format. Sample information is available on the EPS Learning site.
Where else can I find related free phonics practice?
Stick with official samples first. After trying those, many U.S. educators also use general free phonics worksheets from trusted educational sites that align with similar skills (short vowels, blends, digraphs). Always prioritize legitimate sources to avoid copyrighted material.
Explode The Code free printables from the official publisher give you a clear, low-risk way to explore this popular phonics program. Download the Lesson Sampler and individual lesson PDFs today, try a few activities with your child or class, and see how the systematic approach supports reading success. For the complete series, visit the EPS Learning product page linked above.