Choosing appropriate level books will foster a child’s love of reading, whereas expecting Children to read books that are too challenging will hinder a child’s natural desire to read. In general, no matter how colorful or inviting a Book looks, if the child struggles with the content he/she child will quickly lose interest in reading. To finish out my series of entries on reading, I want to share a technique for helping children to choose books on their reading level.

While classroom books are written for specific reading levels it is often difficult, even for teachers, to know when a book outside the classroom is too challenging for a child’s comprehension level. When teachers are faced with this situation in a library or book fair setting, most will use an unofficial, “5-finger rule” to help children choose appropriate level books. Parents can enlist this informal technique too when choosing reading materials with their children.

Simply have the child open the book to any full page of text and read the page aloud. If she/he can’t identify or pronounce 5 or more words on the page, the book is likely too difficult for the child’s comprehension level. If the child is able to read each word with little effort, the book is likely too easy for his or her reading level.

While it is perfectly acceptable for children to read pleasure books below their reading level, when children attempt to read books that are too challenging, frustration quickly sets in and the child quickly becomes disinterested in the content. It is important to a child’s growing enjoyment of reading that she/he feels successful in reading.

Parents, continue to guide your children to being readers by making reading a fun activity in the home. Keep plenty of age appropriate books in the home for them to enjoy, and allow them to see you pleasure reading often.

Happy Parenting,

Victoria

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