How to test your child’s reading level?

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When you sit down with your child to read storybooks, you will discover your child’s reading level. Uncovering his reading level will provide you with an insight into his reading abilities. Paradoxically, most parents do not have enough time to evaluate their child’s reading level. Furthermore, they are mostly unaware of the methodology to evaluate the difficulty level. Many factors can boost their reading level. Try to gather books according to their interests. In this way, their love for books will eventually develop a fondness for words. 

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However, many assessment tools are available for detecting the reading level. The most notable frameworks are Guiding Reading Level (GRL) and Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA). 

Reading level

Being parents, you should have an understanding of the reading level. It will help to accurately detect your child’s reading level. A reading level indicates the ability to recognize and read the words independently. However, do not impose strict rules on your child to boost his reading level. It will restrict his ability and skills. Make sure the selection of the books is according to your child’s reading level. Start by choosing simple books then gradually increase the difficulty level. 

It is the responsibility of parents to encourage them if they are having problems in reading. As responsible parents, never compare your child to their peers. This unnecessary competition can immensely compromise his abilities. 

Determination of the reading level

For the determination of the reading level, many frameworks are available. Your child’s reading level is initially determined by his teacher. Therefore, you can seek guidance from the teacher for accurate determination. 

  • Diagnostic assessment of reading (DAR)

Diagnostic assessment of reading (DAR) is a valuable tool in detecting the reading level. Mostly teachers and specialists used it to evaluate their reading abilities. It analyzes a child based on five distinct areas; phonics, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, fluency in reading, and comprehension of reading. It also works well for struggling readers. DAR initially tries to determine phonics and phonemic awareness. 

  • Spontaneous reading

In spontaneous reading, parents choose a book for their child. Afterward, they flip to any page and ask your child to start reading. Ensure to choose a book according to the child’s level. Books having hard words are mostly disliked by children. Take assistance from a librarian to determine the best books for your child.

  • Guiding Reading level (GRL)

Guiding reading level is another technique for evaluating the reading level. GRL has a collection of books from A to Z for the reading. Generally, these are the level of the books, starting from A being the easiest. A child then read from a benchmark book in front of his teacher. The teacher then assesses his reading skills and asks questions at the end of the session. 

  • Ask comprehensive questions

When your child completes reading a book, ask certain questions related to it. It will determine what he learns from the book. A good understanding will indicate his good reading skills. 

  • Choose an appropriate reading level book

Many books are available in the market that mentions reading level. From that level, you can choose an appropriate book for your child. In this way, the right book will guide you to accurately determine your child’s reading level. 

Conclusion

Many parents are unaware of their child’s reading level. Probably they do not know the ways for its determination. The teacher is the first one to recognize the reading level. Therefore, parents can consult the respective teacher of their child for a thorough assessment. A proper technique will tell the level of reading. Choose a book that is according to your child’s level. Those books having hard words will most likely decrease your child’s confidence. It is a very critical matter. Therefore, select the right technique for determining your child’s reading level.