READ THE RESEARCH: Which is more effective for learning: typing or writing by hand?
"When students read a text deeply and understand it well, they can become producers of information. A vital aspect of disciplinary learning occurs when students apply content knowledge using formats that are authentic to the field of study" (Fisher and Frey, 2015)
What are appropriate levels? What is the reading level of my students?
Choosing text that is within your students' reading levels is important for ensuring student engagement, comprehension, interest, and motivation. One method of identifying the reading levels of your students is through the MAP scores in Reading. The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) compiled the chart below to show the correlation between MAP scores (RIT) and Lexile reading levels. Lexile levels are determined by length of sentence and word complexity and are often expressed as the range followed by an L. Additionally, Figure 2 shows the typical Lexile ranges by grade level, which is helpful if you do not have MAP scores readily available. The top of the range indicates that the text may need scaffolding, and the bottom of the range indicates that the text can be read independently. This second table is also useful for determining if your chosen text is generally within grade-level range.
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
What if I have multiple pieces of text in different levels?
Text types differ across the various subjects which means that students must be exposed to all types in order to be prepared for the rigors of university and careers. Choosing these texts, however, is often very difficult as teachers struggle with finding the perfect mix between content and readability. To overcome this challenge, research suggests that the difficulty of the text determines the type of instruction (Fisher and Frey, p.527) as shown below:
Complex, challenging text → teacher-led instruction that is scaffolded, such as think-alouds, read-alouds, guided reading, or close reading.
Challenging text but still within grade level range → peer-led instruction that allows collaboration, discussion, and debate about the meaning of the text.
Easier, leveled text → independent reading which allows choice based on motivation and interest.
This approach allows teachers to choose text that is content-rich, has appropriate details, and is supported by reliable and relevant evidence. Basically, the more complicated the text, the more scaffolding and support needed for it to be beneficial for the students.
Another suggestion is to use the Jigsaw method (see the During Reading section), which incorporates multiple leveled texts at once.
Where can I find appropriate text? How will I know the Lexile level of the text?
Where do you find these texts? I've listed a few sources below and ask teachers to share any sources not on this list so that I can keep this list current and relevant.
leveled texts for Science, Social Studies, and current events
texts in Spanish
each text is available in a range of Lexiles, allowing all students to access the same information on their reading level
general comprehension questions (multiple choice) and writing prompts provided for each text
aligns with Google Classroom
Students can annotate the text as they read.
leveled texts (grades K-12) in Science, Social Studies, Health & Safety, Music & Arts, and other topics.
vocabulary and word work activities available
comprehension, analysis, inferential questions provided for texts
aligns with Google Classroom
related activities and paired texts available
leveled texts (grades K-12) in a range of themes and topics.
comprehension, analysis, inferential questions provided for texts
aligns with Google Classroom
related texts available
Comprehensive annotation tools and read-alouds
assessment tools for reading standards
STEM texts on the 14 identified goals to improve life on the planet
questions and tools not available.
not aligned with Google Classroom
primarily a site with articles describing the most current problems faced by engineers globally.
Lesson plans, tools, and resources (including informational articles) for math and science skills
links to a plethora of sources online, activities, competitions and contests
questions and tools not available.
not aligned with Google Classroom
focus is on real-life topics and problems related to math and science
published articles (current and archived) on a range of topics
for help in determining the Lexile level of articles, please send me a portion of the text via email and I will respond within 24 hours with the Lexile level
free K-12 resource from the Smithsonian
articles in a range of topics, including animals, video, education, art, entertainment, culture, food & health, inspiration, national (US) news, odd news, science, sports, technology, world news and tweens in the news
option to choose by Lexile levels
self-scoring quizzes
student commenting
spanish articles
critical thinking questions
lesson plans available
comprehensive lesson plans and units in a range of subjects and grade levels
each unit is supported with informational text, videos, and other resources aligned with CCSS
alignment with Google Classroom
requires digital access
range of articles, writing prompts, vocabulary activities, contests, paired texts, videos, and more
free resources aimed at middle and high school teachers and students
lesson plans and units in a variety of topics and subjects
primary sources stored in the U.S. Library of Congress database available for teachers and students
resources for analyzing primary sources available
articles for teens on health issues concerning them
accessible articles on current developments in physics, nanotechnology, chemistry, astronomy, biology, and other fields
informational resources focused on a “wonder of the day” featuring a wide range of topics.
great source for Moral Education reading activities.