1) Does the book feel comfortable?
2) Am I interested in the book ( genre, author, characters) ?
3) Do I understand what I am reading?
4) Are there less than 5 challenging words on a page that I can't figure out using my
reading strategies?
5) Am I still thinking and talking about the book?
6) Am I reading a page in under one (1) minute?
FAQ: WILL HAVING MY CHILD READ HARDER BOOKS INDEPENDENTLY HELP THEM GET STRONGER AT READING? Nope! Exactly the opposite can happen!
*It is critically important that children not read books that are too difficult for them. Research has shown that reading books that are at the “frustration level” can actually stunt a readers’ growth, or send them backwards in their development.
*When in doubt, help your child select books that feel “friendly/familiar” to other books they have enjoyed. Also check out series books - not only is it fun to follow familiar characters through new adventures and experiences, but reading through a book series can help readers grow!
FAQ – MY CHILD REALLY CAN READ HARDER BOOKS THROUGH – AND WANTS TO! THEY CAN READ ALL THE WORDS ON THE PAGE WITHOUT MAKING MISTAKES. THEY EVEN SEEM TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON THE IN STORY. ARE YOU SURE I SHOULDN’T GIVE THEM MUCH HARDER BOOKS?
*Good question, but proceed with caution!
* “Harder books” often deal with themes and issues that are more mature. These texts, while perhaps “readable” or “decodable” by your child, may not be developmentally appropriate for your child’s age. Also, please keep in mind that just because readers can read each word on the page smoothly and without error, does not mean that they are able to comprehend the sophisticated themes and layered plot lines that these texts may contain.
* If your child is desperate to read a harder book, read it aloud together!
* Their ability to comprehend a story by listening to it read aloud is much higher than their ability to understand it alone. Plus, it’s a lovely way to bond with your child over your shared love of reading!