Teachers have been leveling books for decades. What is the purpose? Does it restrict a child's reading?

Book levels are a teacher's tool that are used to guide instruction. Teachers try to make sure they are using books at a child's independent and/or instructional level. If the text is at a student's independent level, this means the child can read the text with accuracy, comprehension, and fluency. If the book is at the student's instructional level, it means the child is working toward reading it with accuracy, comprehension, and fluency. Instructional means a teacher will need to support a student in reading that book . The ultimate goal is for students to feel successful as readers and develop a passion for reading! By providing a child with a book that is too difficult, s/he will become frustrated. If a child has too many experiences that end in frustration, then there is a greater likelihood that child will not develop a love for reading.

Classrooms should have a wide-range of books, and students should be able to choose books within a range of their reading abilities. A lot goes into reading and comprehending. Is the child interested and driven to understand the topic? Does the child have a ton of background knowledge to support his/her understanding? These factors must be considered. While helping your child decide on books to read, book leveling is one factor that should be considered.