Parents often ask us about the reading level of books, either generically or specifically the Lexile number or other ratings. Scholastic has a short and straightforward article, opens a new window that explains the different level ratings.
There's always the Five Finger Rule.
- Choose a book that you think you will enjoy.
- Read the second page.
- Hold up a finger for each word you are not sure of, or do not know.
- If there are five or more words you did not know, you should choose an easier book.
I took this explanation from the Reading Rockets website. To read more about "Finding the Right Book" take a look at their article., opens a new window
You can also find out the Lexile Number, opens a new window of a book that we have at the Library in our Catalog. When you first look at a book's record, you will see the "Details", this is where you see the publisher and the call number. Click on the "Full Record" tab and at the bottom of the information listed you will see Reading Level. The number given is the Lexile Number.
I've also come across a handy dandy app called Level It Books™, opens a new window (of course there's an app for it!) that that gives you the Lexile, Guided Reading, Grade Level Equivalent, and/or DRA levels for a book that you scan in or type in.
And, of course, you can always ask your librarian for help finding the right book!
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