Reading Levels: What’s Really Important?

I recently attended a grade-level specific Q&A with our school principal. These meetings were designed to help parents in each grade ask questions that only pertain to their students. And since we’re in that ever-elusive Grade 3, I wanted to hear the principal’s take on this important year.

One of the first questions that came up was about a student who was reading at a seventh-grade level, but seventh-grade books aren’t necessarily appropriate for third graders. How do parents protect their children when it comes to more mature themes that these kids just aren’t ready for? And furthermore, how do you ensure that books are challenging enough if the themes are appropriate?

We, other the other hand, are the other end of the spectrum. My child is a little below grade level, and I’m just happy she’s moved beyond graphic novels this year (though they are still a favorite). What are the expectations for reading, and is grade-level enough? When my child is in the same class as seventh-grade-level readers, it makes me nervous that she appears ‘behind.’

As you can see, the gap is wide and the spectrum is enormous when it comes to reading. What is really important?

The truth is, both students can benefit from the same advice: as long as they’re reading, all is well.

Let your student pick up the Harry Potter series if they’re interested. They may not understand some themes, and it may create an awkward conversation or two. But if they’re excited about it, let them go for it. Or ask your librarian for some suggestions on appropriate - yet challenging - books.

And if your child just wants to read graphic novels all day? Let them. Getting into books is half the battle. Understanding the story lines, being able to give a synopsis and tell you the main characters are more important than ensuring the book has the ‘right’ number of words for their grade level.