Dear Gaila,
My fifth grader is so excited about the Readathon, and is reading up a storm. However, I suspect she is reading books that are too easy for her. When I suggested harder books she refused. How can I get her reading books that are on her level?
Readathon Participant Parent
Dear R.P.P.,
We always tell the kids that if it takes them about 2-5 minutes per page that is the correct level for them. If it takes less time than that, tell your child that she will have to count two pages as one.
Another idea is to encourage her to read on a higher level by reading a few pages from the beginning of the book to get her into it. If it is on her intellectual level and her reading level, then she will be hooked. But if it is indeed too hard for her to read - then let her read what is good for her, what she wants.
The best way to become a better reader is by reading - that is what the Readathon is all about. After reading A LOT of books at one's level, children naturally skip up to a higher one.
Keep on reading!
Gaila
Gaila has over 40 year of experience teaching and runs A.H.A.V.A., a non-profit to promote English literacy. Would you like to ask Gaila a question? Email us at ahava.org@gmail.com or send us a message. Look out for more Dear Gaila columns