Leveled Reading

WHY WE USE LEVELED READING

Not all children in the same grade read on the same level or even at their own grade level. Reading at appropriate developmental reading level targets the child at his/her comprehension level thereby increasing understanding, motivation, fluency, use of good reading strategies and vocabulary. This is why leveled reading is essential for individual student growth and reading development.

Studies show that the best way to teach kids to read is to match them with books that are at their instructional or independent reading level.  Students can build their fluency and comprehension skills when they read books that are on their target level, allowing them to concentrate on comprehension instead of struggling in decoding unknown words.  Richard Allington states in his book What Really Matters for Struggling Readers (2001) that most struggling readers are more times than not, reading books that are above their reading level and should be provided with appropriately leveled texts.

Think about this - how fluently would you be able to read crocheting instructions?  How well would you comprehend a mechanical engineering book?  How many times have you read academic books that left you baffled?  How frustrated would you feel if you were given a test on a book you couldn't read or understand?

Leveled books allow students to read and comprehend various types of texts which exposes them to information and vocabulary they can understand and allows students to gain background knowledge that will help them move onto higher level texts. It also promotes success in all students. Regardless of one's reading ability, reading on-level text is one of the best ways to promote success and encourage a love of reading.   

If you would like to learn more, please read the following excepts from Richard Allington's What Really Matters in Response to Intervention  (2009): 

Research on Accuracy Levels and Accelerated Reading Growth