Description Beginning readers practice decoding words with the r-controlled vowel a while they learn about different types of farm animals and plants. Farms are places where people raise plants and animals. Farmers work hard to harvest crops from their fields. They take care of animals like cows, horses, and pigs. Beginning readers hone their phonics skills while learning about different types of farm animals and plants. As readers practice decoding words with the r-controlled vowel a, they gain nonfiction knowledge. Every Stairway Decodables book combines multiple aspects of the Science of Reading to support small group instruction, independent reading, and reading practice at home.