Here is a simple guide to our school reading levels with suggestions on how you might like to help your child with their home reading.
Reading Levels 1-2
Children will be relying heavily on memory and use of pictures - this is OK.
The Books
- Sentence patterns prevail, many phrases are repeated although there is usually a surprise ending.
- Pictures strongly support the text.
- Few words
- The text is large.
The Learning Points
- The story says the same each time you read it.
- Picture clues and sentence patterns help.
- Children should point to and identify some letters.
- Children need to hold the book the right way up and know to begin the story at the front.
- Words are groups of letters.
- There are spaces between the words
- Print reads left to right and top to bottom.
- Children are able to retell the story.
Helping your child
- Read with your child regularly.
- Look at the front cover together and discuss what the book might be about.
- Help your child to notice word patterns and picture clues.
- Encourage them to focus on text by finger pointing as they read.
- Have fun reading with your child and enjoy each success.
Reading Levels 3-8
Children will still be relying heavily on memory and use of pictures and they should also be using letter knowledge.
The Books
- Sentence patterns are still common although there may be more than one per book.
- Pictures still strongly support the text.
- Usually 2 to 3 lines per page.
The Learning Points
- Children are matching the written word to the spoken word.
- Children are developing sound/letter relationships.
- Pictures still provide clues.
- children can use the first letter/s to help predict the word.
- Children can "sound out" simple words.
- Children may notice that some words rhyme.
- Children know that reading should sound like talking.
Helping your child
- Read with your child regularly.
- Continue to encourage your child to point to each word.
- Listen as they read to you.
- Encourage children to attempt to work out unknown words for themselves. ( If, after a short time they are unsuccessful, ask them to consider what might make sense and what would sound right, what does it start with? If the word they say doesn't make sense either encourage them to have another try or tell them.)
- Have fun reading with your child and enjoy each success.
Labels: homework, reading
