Reading outside of the classroom is important for every student. Students need to read daily at their independent level to increase fluency and comprehension. In school, each student's reading level is measured by the Fountas & Pinnell Assessment System which gives a "Guided Reading Level". This is indicated by an alphabet letter. This is an instructional level used in class. Their independent level would be 1-2 letters lower than the instructional level. For example, if your child has a Guided Reading Level of "M", they should be reading books at home leveled as "K" or "L". This helps your child work on fluency and comprehension since they shouldn't be struggling with a ton of vocabulary words or decoding (figuring out) new words. Students should enter 3rd grade reading at an "M - N" level and leave reading at a "P" level at the minimum. Also, each student will know their current reading level so just ask them! Please note that the levels are fluid, meaning they don't stay the same more than a couple of weeks because I am actively and consistently working with the students in small groups to improve their vocabulary, fluency and comprehension.
Below are links to some books already leveled for you. Print these out and take them to the Wayne County Public Library to find great books to help your child work on their skills. The staff at the library can also help you with choosing appropriate leveled books. You can also visit www.scholastic.comand click on their "Book Wizard" for help finding other books on your child's reading level or a book of certain interest (i.e., dinosaurs or cooking). When reading at home, it is important to let your child read what interests them as the objective is to simply get them to enjoy reading! Double click on the links* below to see the lists and click the printer icon to print them out.