As Dr. Seuss stated, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Becoming a successful reader is one of the main goals of our school!  Some students seem to be natural readers while other students need extra time and support to become efficient readers.  Reading is like any sport, the more you practice, the better you will become!  With the way our world is changing and how technology and careers are evolving, reading continues to be an essential skill.  With the demand for schools to have all students “college and career ready” by graduation, our reading targets have increased. It is now the expectation to have all kindergartners going into first grade as readers!

One way to measure a student’s reading level and the level of a book’s complexity is using The Lexile Framework for Reading. The Lexile Framework involves a scale for measuring the reading ability of an individual and the text complexity of materials he or she encounters. The Lexile scale is like a thermometer, except, rather than measuring temperature, the Lexile Framework measures a text’s complexity and a reader’s skill level. 

Here is a chart of some current popular series and some classics and their Lexile range.

As states adopted using the Common Core standards, and with some national reports stating that our students are not prepared for college and careers, guidelines have been put together to help educators and parents.  Here is one chart which guides teachers and students regarding student Lexile scores:

So what can parents do to help their children become solid readers?

·         Make it a routine to read each day:  This reading can include:  parents reading to children at bedtime, children reading to parents, siblings or self, the family dog, stuffed animals, or face-timing with relatives!

·         Go to the local library and sign up for a library card:  Librarians can guide children in selecting books they might enjoy or a series they might get hooked on.  Visiting the local library will provide the opportunity to read all those books in a favorite series without it impacting your wallet.

·         Model and have conversations around your own reading:  Whether it be a magazine, newspaper, book or article on the Internet, share with your children what you are learning through reading.

·         Be an active participant in your child’s education:  Check your child’s backpack every night, communicate and check in with your child’s teacher, become involved with the school’s PTO and celebrate both the large and small academic gains.  Teachers are aware of your child’s Lexile level and can assist in selecting “just right” books your child may enjoy.

·         From the NH Humane Society’s website—Cat Tales:  Children in grades K-6 who are able to read at any level may come into the shelter to read to the cats, when accompanied by an adult partner volunteer. Cat Tales will encourage reading, improve skills and help our cats by offering quiet, kind and loving human interaction and companionship.  Bring your own book or choose one from our cat library.  One short initial introduction with a volunteer docent is required.  Register for the program with the volunteer coordinator.

Please feel free to reach out to me or your child’s classroom teacher, if you would like more information.

Have a great weekend