Reading level refers to the level of difficulty of a text that your child reads. Using reading levels to select books, you can be sure a book contains appropriate subject matter and vocabulary, is the right length, and be confident your child will be able to comprehend the meaning and read it fluently.
There are many different reading level systems available. Almost every publisher and education company has their own unique system. However, two of the most widely used and accepted leveling systems are Guided Reading (or Fountas and Pinnell levels) and Lexile Levels.
My Child’s school does not use Guided Reading Levels(GRL's), how can I find out what his Guided Reading Level is?
The chart below compares different leveling systems, one of which your child’s school most likely uses. After you receive your child’s reading scores from their teacher use this chart to find the matching GRL.
Reading Levels Conversion Chart
| ReadLevelChart.pdf |
How do I find a book’s Guided Reading Level?
Use the database at A to Z Teacher Stuff to look up books by title or author to find’s its GRL, or search for books by GRL and make a list to bring with you to your favorite book store.
What if I cannot find a GRL for a book?
Any reading level is just an idea of what books are right for your child. When picking out a book for your child remember to always trust your and your child’s instincts as to what books are appropriate for them.
A non-scientific, yet quick and effective way to find out if a book is on your child’s reading level is to do the “five-finger test”. You or child can follow these simple steps and eliminate his or her frustrations before beginning a new book.
1. Choose a random page in the book
2. Have your child read the page aloud
3. Have your child put out a finger for each word he or she cannot pronounce or does not know
4. By the end of the page if your child is holding:
• 1 Finger up: The book is on level
• 2 Fingers up: The book is OK but they might need some help from you decoding a few words
• 3 Fingers up: The book may be a little hard for him or her to understand but have them try it anyway
• 4 Fingers up: The book will be difficult for him or her to understand but have them try it anyway
• 5 Fingers up: The book is too hard and he or she should choose another book
Can Knowledge Essentials level a book for me?
Yes, if you have a book you would like Knowledge Essentials to level for you send an email with the book’s title and author to:
marykate@sixthings.com
and one of our trained book experts will happily level it for you.
