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Tips for Reading at Home

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As educators, we realize how important it is for our students to read outside of the classroom. The challenge for parents is identifying which books are appropriate for their child. As research has shown, when children are reading independently, they should be reading books  they can comprehend. Reading books that are too difficult can lead to frustration and do not help the child grow as a reader. Also research supports allowing children to choose their own book. However, without some guidance, children often select books for reasons other than it is a good-fit for them.

A child’s independent reading level is the level at which a child can read the text on his/her own with only one miscued word in 100 words of text with 99% comprehension accuracy. The child can read the story alone with confidence. An instructional level is the level when the child needs the support of a teacher or parent. At this level new vocabulary is introduced and require support lessons for reading growth. Children are reading with 90-95% accuracy and at least 80% comprehension. When accuracy goes below 90%, this is the frustration level and not an appropriate text at this time.

So I created a resource to support parents and teachers:

Leveled Book Lists

Leveled list sample page
Guided Reading List Level J

By providing these leveled lists, parents and students have a guide to help them find appropriate titles. They can take them to the library, or use them at home searching for e-books.

Throughout the year, as you progress monitor the students, you can provide new lists that match their current independent reading level.

Also, there are  bookmarks which are helpful reminders to students when choosing books from your classroom library. There are two versions: black & white  and color. Leveled Reading bookmark bw

Another helpful tool is the parent letter. I use this to keep families informed of their child’s progress.Leveled Reading parent letter sample

For you as a teacher, these lists can help you when choosing titles for guided reading lessons as well as identifying the levels of titles you might be considering for your classroom library.

These lists are also great for the end of the school year. Parents love when you can provide appropriate lists as a reference tool for summer reading!

I have another treat for you! How would you like to be able to get this resource and others for FREE? This week I am joining Kelly Malloy from An Apple for the Teacher and other teacher bloggers to give away a $25 Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card!

$25 TpT Gift Card Giveaway An Apple for the Teacher June 25

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Prize: $25 Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card

Co-hosts:  Kelly Malloy (An Apple for the Teacher), The Chocolate Teacher, Kim Solis (Elementary Antics), Kamp Kindergarten, Sliding into 1st, Jackie Crews, The Literacy Garden, Little Smarticle Particles, and Mrs. Humphries Class.

Giveaway Organized by:  An Apple for the Teacher

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter to enter. Giveaway ends 7/1/16 and is open worldwide.

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Are you a Teacher Blogger or Teachers pay Teachers seller who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your store and social media?  Click here to find out how you can join our totally awesome group of bloggers!

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  • Thank you for all you do!

  • Alison Monk

    When I started teaching, I quickly realized that student teaching didn't prepare me for the real challenges of being alone in a classroom full of young children. The learning curve was steep and time was limited. That is why I created the Literacy Garden. My hope is this will be a place for inspiration, mentoring, and connecting.

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    Hi! I'm Alison

    My #1 passion is all things literacy! I'm a curriculum creator and literacy specialist with over 30 years teaching in elementary classrooms. My goal is to share creative and engaging ways to grow your students and are easy to implement and academically sound. You can expect to find teaching tips to boost your confidence and grow your learners. You don't have to do this alone! I'm the support you've been looking for. I'm so glad you are here!

    About the Literacy Garden

    When I started teaching, I quickly realized that student teaching didn't prepare me for the real challenges of being alone in a classroom full of young children. The learning curve was steep and time was limited. That is why I created the Literacy Garden. My hope is this will be a place for inspiration, mentoring, and connecting.

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