Determining if a Book is Too Easy

Do you remember the story of Goldilocks? She tried various chairs, beds and porridge to determine which one was just right! Well, today I'm going to tell you about the Goldilocks Rule. That's how we can determine if a book is just right! There are two concepts to consider: is this book too hard or is it too easy? In a previous blog, I shared the "5 Finger Rule". This helps you determine if the book is too hard. How can you tell if the book is too easy?
1. You've read it multiple times in the past.
2. Do you understand the story without thinking through it?
3. Can you pronounce and define each word?
4. Can you read with fluidity without practice?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, you may need a book that's a little more challenging.

As a librarian-teacher, I'd always like to see a reader erring on the side of a book that's too easy, instead of a book that's too hard. Also, with struggling readers I always bring down their reading level. Even if it means reading 2 grade levels below them. It's only temporary and can offer lasting results.

Happy reading,
Susanne

Recurring theme in struggling/reluctant readers

Over the last few years, I've worked with hundreds of readers. There is a common theme in all of the struggling and reluctant readers: confidence. You may have seen this problem in your child, but don't know how to help. In my experience there are a few things you can do to develop confidence in your reader. The first and most important way you can develop confidence is to bring down their reading level. If your child is in third grade, check out second grade level books. If that doesn't work, bring it down to first. The key to remember with reading is quantity, quantity, quantity. The quality is of lesser importance. Your child can read educational or classic books in the future. Our goal is to get your child reading right now. When I work with children, we always work below grade level. When I see significant progress, then we'll move up a grade. The next way to develop confidence is affirmation. This may seem basic, but it is imperative. When you see your child working hard on their reading, compliment them. You can also find little ways to affirm them. You can make a chart with stickers and when a certain number of stickers are earned, they can get a reward. I don't recommend a high dollar item. These items can cause too much pressure. The key is relieving pressure~ not adding to it. Finally, develop confidence by exposing your child to something he's familiar with: hunting, skating, cooking, Disney World. It is always easier to understand something if you have a baseline of knowledge. As I've mentioned before, encourage your child to read aloud to a stuffed animal, younger sibling or family pet. The more time they spend reading out loud, more fluent reading will develop. If you have specific questions about confidence in your struggling or reluctant reader, please call me. 334-451-0917
Happy reading,
Susanne

Do you have a picky reader?

We've all heard of picky eaters ~ I have one in my house ~ but have you heard of a picky reader?  A picky reader only wants to read about pirates, princesses, or some other specific subject/author/series.  As a librarian, I am sometimes frustrated by these picky readers.  However, it's best to step back and be thankful they want to read!  How can you find books on the appropriate reading level that are interesting to your little reader?  Check out this link:  Advanced AR Book Finder.  Obviously, this site is affiliated with Accelerated Reader.  I use it for my kids as well as students I tutor with Raising Readers.  You can enter a reading level with a subject, title or author.  Here's an example.  My daughter is in the first grade and she l-o-v-e-s pirates.  I'd go to the book finder and type in "pirate" in the title.  Then, I'd select the radio button beside "Contains".  These two little steps are going to find any book that have the word pirate in the title.  Next, for interest level I will select, "Lower Grades".  Finally, I'd put in the ATOS level.  Since she's in first grade, I could do "1.0 to 1.9".  If they're not reading on grade level, you could enter a level higher or lower.  For these purposes, I put in "1.0 to 1.9".  When I hit "Go", 6 books came up.  I can look through these books and see if they look interesting and figure out if my local library has them.  Play around with this a little.  You will learn how to get more specific or broad.  Alright, gotta run find "A Band of Dirty Pirates" for my daughter! 
Happy Reading!
Susanne

Determining Appropriate Reading Levels

Each student has three different reading levels: Independent Level, Instructional Level and Frustration Level. It is helpful to know your child's reading level to assist with their reading development. I provide an informal reading inventory (QRI-4) to help find these levels.

The independent level is the reading level in which the student reads without assistance. The student should be relaxed, reading with fluency, free from finger pointing, reading with 90% reading comprehension and displaying word recognition at 98%. The independent level is the level to use for pleasure-reading.

At the instruction level, the student can read with assistance from the teacher. Reading may be less fluent at this level, but there should be rhythm and expression. Accurate word recognition should be at 95% and reading comprehension should be at 70%. Classroom materials are likely to be chosen from this level. Concepts and words will be introduced which may be unfamiliar. The instruction level necessitates interaction with the teacher. Ideally, the instruction level will be (at a minimum) on the child's chronological grade level.

The last level, frustration, is a rather obvious level. The student is unable to read the material with accuracy or comprehension. The student will display tension, lack of fluency and minimal word recognition. This level should be avoided by teachers.

If you are interested in having your child's reading level tested, please contact me at raisingreaders.estes@gmail.com.

Happy reading,
Susanne