Switching from All About Reading to Explode the Code: which level to check first
Find the last All About Reading level your child worked in to see where to look in Explode the Code, how strong the evidence is, and the free placement test to give next.
In short
No publisher we found publishes a direct All About Reading to Explode the Code crosswalk, so we place both programs on one shared reading scale from each publisher's own level guidance. Finishing Level 2 in All About Reading points to Book 6 in Explode the Code, or Book 5 if the placement test shows gaps (Unverified). At least one of the two programs has no source tying its levels to grades or reading stages, so every row below is Unverified. Treat them as a starting guess and let the Explode the Code placement guidance decide. The placement test is the real answer.
Checked Oct 17, 2026. Built from the same table as our reading switch helper and methodology page.
Explode the Code placement test book (sold by the publisher, not free)
The placement test is a printed book that covers A to C and 1 to 8. Half books (1 1/2 and so on) add practice at the same level.
Explode the Code covers: phonics workbooks. All About Reading covers: phonics and reading.
All About Reading to Explode the Code, level by level
| Last All About Reading level | Finished it: look first at | About halfway: look first at | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-reading | Book 1 If the test shows gaps: Get Ready, Get Set, Go for the Code (A to C) | Get Ready, Get Set, Go for the Code (A to C) | Unverified | Open in the helper |
| Level 1 | Book 3 If the test shows gaps: Book 2 | Book 1 If the test shows gaps: Get Ready, Get Set, Go for the Code (A to C) | Unverified | Open in the helper |
| Level 2 | Book 6 If the test shows gaps: Book 5 | Book 3 If the test shows gaps: Book 2 | Unverified | Open in the helper |
| Level 3 | Book 8 If the test shows gaps: Book 7 | Book 6 If the test shows gaps: Book 5 | Unverified | Open in the helper |
| Level 4 | Past Book 8, the last level | Book 8 If the test shows gaps: Book 7 | Unverified | Open in the helper |
Greyed rows are Unverified: we found no publisher or parent source for at least one side, so treat that level as a guess and rely on the placement test.
Why these levels
All About Reading: All About Reading places by skill. Its Level 1 test checks letter knowledge and blending, and Level 2 adds silent E and longer words. A parent review lines Level 3 up with second-grade reading; the publisher says Level 4 is not fourth grade. Sources: All About Reading placement page: level numbers do not match grades, All About Reading Level 1 placement test (PDF): readiness skills, All About Reading level descriptions, All About Learning Press: Level 4 is not fourth grade, Parent review: Level 1 kindergarten, Level 2 first grade, Level 3 second grade skills.
Explode the Code: Explode the Code sells a printed placement test. We found no free publisher source tying each book to a reading stage. Sources: Explode the Code placement test book (publisher).
A match is only as strong as its weaker side. Confirmed by publisher means both publishers state the level we used, not that they confirmed the pairing. Supported by parent reports means at least one side rests on reviewers or parents. Unverified means we found no source for at least one side.
How to make the switch
- Note the last All About Reading level your child worked in and whether they finished it.
- Find it in the table above and note the evidence level.
- Give the Explode the Code placement guidance on a calm day, without helping. Follow the publisher's instructions for scores near a cutoff.
- Compare the Explode the Code level's scope and sequence with what your child already covered.
- Use free samples or trial lessons for a week before buying the full level.
- Check the sale timing before you buy. When Explode the Code usually goes on sale. When All About Reading usually goes on sale.
Going the other way? See Explode the Code to All About Reading. Comparing more programs, or not sure a switch will help? The reading switch helper starts with that question.
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Questions parents ask
Does Explode the Code have a placement test?
Explode the Code placement test book (sold by the publisher, not free): https://shop.epslearning.com/Explode-The-Code-Placement-Test-Book-2nd-Edition-Books-A-to-C-and-1-to-8. The placement test is a printed book that covers A to C and 1 to 8. Half books (1 1/2 and so on) add practice at the same level.
Is Level 2 in All About Reading the same as Book 6 in Explode the Code?
Not exactly. Programs teach topics in different orders. On our scale, a child who finished Level 2 in All About Reading is at about the point where Book 6 in Explode the Code begins, so that is the level to check first. Evidence level: Unverified. No publisher publishes a crosswalk between these two programs.
Why might my child place differently in Explode the Code?
How we placed All About Reading: All About Reading places by skill. Its Level 1 test checks letter knowledge and blending, and Level 2 adds silent E and longer words. A parent review lines Level 3 up with second-grade reading; the publisher says Level 4 is not fourth grade. How we placed Explode the Code: Explode the Code sells a printed placement test. We found no free publisher source tying each book to a reading stage.
Should we switch at all?
Often a pacing change in the program you own works first: slow down, review, skip ahead or trim problems. A switch makes the most sense when the format or content does not fit your child or family. The switch helper walks through this first.
When does Explode the Code usually go on sale?
No published sale dates, discounts or free trials were found on the brand's own site when we checked. Details and sources: https://homeschoolhaul.com/sale-calendar/explode-the-code/
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