One of the best ways to get your child reading for fun is to make sure that your child is reading at their perfect reading level. Books that are too easy might cause your child to become bored. Books that are too difficult might cause your child to become frustrated. Finding the right balance is the key. In this article, learn how to determine your child’s reading level to help you find appropriate books.
How Do I Find the Reading Level of a Book?
The reading level of a book determines how well your child will read a book independently. A book’s reading level should not be confused with a child’s grade level in school. The easiest and best way to determine the reading level of a book is to use the Five Finger Rule! Here is how it’s done:
First:
Have your child pick out a book that they really want to read and that interests them.
Second:
Ask your child to turn to a random page in the book and start reading it.
Third:
While your child is reading the page, you will make a fist and hold that fist behind your back. For every word that your child doesn’t know, you will hold up a finger.
Finally:
If you have five or more fingers up by the end of the page, the book is most likely too difficult for him or her to read independently.
What is my Child’s Reading Level?
Using the five-finger rule to determine your child’s reading level is a great at-home or quick classroom reading by level placement. You can use the following guidelines to determine your child’s reading level:
0-1: Too easy for your child.
2: A good choice for independent and pleasure reading.
3: Your child might need some help, but still a good choice for independent reading.
4: This might be difficult for your child to read on their own.
5: A bit too advanced. Try a different book.
Here is a Short Video…
Here is a short video that explains the five finger rule and how to find your child’s reading level in more detail:
In Conclusion
Thank you so much for reading this article on finding your child’s reading level! You might also enjoy reading my previous posts:
How Children Learn to Read: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
To learn more about effective reading education, visit us at PRIDE Reading Program today! This Orton-Gillingham, structured literacy curriculum is aligned with the science of reading, and used by teachers and parents worldwide with great success.
Karina Richland, M.A., is the author of the PRIDE Reading Program, a multisensory Orton-Gillingham reading, writing and comprehension curriculum that is available worldwide for parents, tutors, teachers, and homeschoolers of struggling readers. Karina has an extensive background in working with students of all ages and various learning modalities. She has spent many years researching learning differences and differentiated teaching practices. You can reach her by email at info@pridereadingprogram.com or visit the website at www.pridereadingprogram.com