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Wisconsin Standards for English Language Arts
Wisconsin Standards for English Language Arts
ELAStandards2020.pdf
Are you trying to help your child find a “just-right” book to read but aren’t sure where to begin? While it can be tempting to rely on popular second-grade book series, the most successful approach is to partner with your child to consider both their personal interests and current reading level.
One helpful tool families can use together is Scholastic’s Book Wizard. By sitting down at a computer with your child, you can explore both fiction and nonfiction books that match your child’s reading level (not grade level) and interests. This shared process empowers students to take ownership of their reading choices while ensuring the books are a good fit.
Children enjoy reading most—and grow the most as readers—when they can easily decode the words in a book while still feeling engaged by the content. Because students develop reading skills at different rates, each child has been individually assessed and guided on where to start when choosing books. Reading books that are a good fit builds confidence, fluency, and a love of reading.
Once “just-right” books are identified, families can check for them in the school library or at the public library. Books may also be ordered through Scholastic; however, purchasing books is not required.
If your child is interested in a book that is above their independent reading level, reading the book to your child is a wonderful alternative. This allows them to enjoy rich stories and vocabulary while continuing to grow as a listener and reader.
Your child should know his/her Reading Level range. For example, if your child’s independent level is “L”, reading books at a “J, K, L” range is perfect. If your child is not able to tell you his/her reading level, please contact me and I can get it to you right away. 🙂
Thank you for supporting your child’s reading journey at home!
Reading Assessment Conference
Reading Assessment Conference
The Reading Assessment Conference helps in determining a reader's instructional level so that the teacher can guide and coach the reader as he or she reads a text with a supportive balance of known and unknown elements. During the conference, the teacher gathers insights that can be discovered only when carefully observing a reader in a one-on-one setting.
This chart below is an indicator of where your child’s instructional level is (comprehension and accuracy) at any given time. Students can become frustrated if they are reading levels much higher than their current level, or they may not be receiving enough practice when reading much lower than the current level. The more students read “Just Right” books (10-15 minutes per day), the better they get!
Here are some suggestions to keep your child reading with success and enjoyment:
Here are some suggestions to keep your child reading with success and enjoyment:
Choose one book at your child's instructional reading level. This book will provide your child with a challenge but not frustration.
Choose one book at any level. A parent or other fluent reader can read the book aloud to your child
If it is an easy book, this is called a "Good Ol' Friend" book and is good for relaxation and enjoyment.
If it is a difficult book for your child, a parent or older sibling can read the "Dream Book" to the child. Please do not encourage your child to read above-level books independently. This can cause frustration and a dread of reading.
Visit your Public Library and a librarian can assist you with finding the best-fit book for your child.
5 Finger Rule
5 Finger Rule
Use this strategy to find books that are "Just Right" for your child's current reading ability. Remember to put a finger up if the word is not easily decodable or if the meaning of the word is not known.
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