Guidelines for Choosing Appropriate Reading Material

When children work on improving fluency (and reading rate), they should read material at their independent reading level. Have them read one or two paragraphs from the text to determine if the book is appropriate. While the children read the selection, count the number of words missed. The book is at their independent reading level if they can read approximately 95% of the words correctly.

Note: The children’s reading level, L, is determined by dividing the number of words read correctly N (N = the total number of words read MINUS the number of words misread) by the total number of words in the passage W.

L = N ÷ W

Another way to determine if a book is appropriate is to use the readability measure on Microsoft Word or another equivalent application. When using Microsoft Word, click the Editor tab on the application’s menu bar. Find the Insights tab on the right-hand side of the screen. Click Document Stats. Then, click OK. A window will pop up that provides general information about the text. The Readability Statistics window displays the number of words in the passage, readability, and grade level.

Caution: Long sentences containing simple one and two-syllable words may cause the measure to misrepresent the level of difficulty. Generally, first-grade children should start the school year with the ability to read (sound out) any three-letter, short-vowel word (man, let, zip, and tub). By the end of first grade, children should be able to read all one-syllable words and most phonetically regular two-syllable words (fume, joy, chicken, photo, giant, snail). Of course, there will be exceptions. For example, children may decode words (sound them out) but then must learn their meaning. Constantly help children build vocabulary knowledge.

Note: Occasionally, children may be interested in reading material above their level. Perhaps the topic is fascinating, or a favorite author wrote the book. Should children choose to tackle challenging reading passages, don’t discourage them. If they get frustrated, save the book for another time.