To help your child choose books that are at just the right reading level you
might want to visit the websites listed below.
In classrooms children are most successful when they are able to practice
reading skills at their instructional level - the level at which they would
need some guidance but is not too difficult, allowing for continued
progression in reading ability. A student's independent level is the level at
which a student easily reads with appropriate rate and fluency, with minimal
word errors and a full understanding of the text. Reading text at this level
increases reading confidence and allows for improvement in reading fluency but
if a student never reads books beyond their independent level, reading ability
will not progress as it should.
On the other hand, if students are always reading books at a level that
is too difficult, either because of word accuracy or in being able to
understand the content of the book, likewise, reading ability will be impaired.
The websites below, list books based on their "guided reading levels"
which are categorized by letters which are associated with particular grade
levels. When helping your child choose books for reading practice, think
about what kind of reader they are. If they are an average reader, look for
the levels that are associated with the grade level they are just leaving, or
the lowest level for their new grade level. If you know your child's reading
is advanced, higher levels may be appropriate and if it looks like a book at a
certain level turns out to be too easy or too difficult, move up or down in
level accordingly. Children who are reading below grade level would benefit
from choosing books at levels lower than the grade level they are entering and
may be more interested in reading books starting out at their independent
level to help build confidence and reading enjoyment and then work towards
moving upwards in levels.
I am suggesting these websites only as a resource for helping parents
locate books at their child's "just right level" because it correlates the
guided reading levels with the grade levels making it easy for you to click on
a level and get a list of book titles within that level. I am not suggesting
you buy books from the site, as most of these books would be available at the
library.
Two Fantastic Places to Start...
Search options including Guided Reading Levels - complete with an option to
search for "book-alike" choices to match a child's interest level - complete
with a sliding scale for difficulty to modify and refine your search.
Scholastic Book Wizard
A comprehensive list of titles - a quick click on a corresponding "letter"
that correlates to your child's suggested reading level. A fast reference for
you to peruse a longer list and choose titles.
Guided Reading Level Book Lists!
When all else fails...
If you would like me to help you to sort through all of the information that
is out there - I would be happy to steer you in the right direction.
Additionally, your child's classroom teacher can give you a range of "letters"
based on the Fountas and Pinnell Leveling System that will get you started.
Most well-versed clerks in bookstores that are familiar with children's
literature will be familiar with this system and can also help you in your
search. The school library and public library are both good sources of
information as well.