In order to develop good readers, it is important to find out their interests. First, determine whether the child prefers fiction or non-fiction. Then, investigate different genres. Finding their reading level is just as important as knowing what they are interested in. Parents may be able to obtain their child's reading (Lexile) level from the classroom teacher.
A less formal measure can be found using the five finger rule. Have your child open a book to a full page of text and hold up five fingers. As the child reads aloud, put a finger down for each time an error occurs or support is needed. If all five fingers are down before the end of the page, the book is most likely too difficult.
Try these links:
www.kidinfo.com/Language_Arts/Books_Authors.html Explains different literary awards; provides list of books by genre, author, etc; provides websites for reading free books online.
www.thereadingroom.com Provides resources for finding and buying books, making/receiving recommendations on books, and offers the opportunity to discuss books.
www.scholastic.com/bookwizard Provides the reading level by grade of thousands of trade books. The Scholastic website also offers a parent tab that includes information on child development, school help, and activities.
www.readwritethink.org Includes a parent tab that provides activities and projects, games and tools, and printable items by grade level.
