Q: “Are there a few easy tricks to see if a book is too easy or too hard for my kid? She’s in 4th grade.”
A:Samantha,
Great question. Here are a few things to think about.
Remember that if you are looking for a book for recreational reading you don’t want it to be too challenging. If you are looking for a book to improve your knowledge in an area you might be willing to take on more difficult material. This is true for adults as well as children.
First let’s look at how to make sure a book isn’t too hard, and then too make sure a book isn’t too easy.
Too Hard
-Can they read the title? If they can’t, you might assume that it will be too difficult for them.
-Preview the book, meaning have them read the back cover and cover flaps of the book, and the first few pages to see if they understand what the book might be about. If they can explain the main idea of the book, that’s a good indication that the content is on target.
-Ask them read the first ten-pages. Can they explain what happened?
-Have them read a few pages out loud to you. If they are stumbling on every fifth or sixth word and it seems it is going to take them eons to get through one page, look for something easier.
Too Easy
This is more difficult to tell sometimes. We are not talking about subject matter; we are strictly referring to the level on which a book is written.
A rule of thumb I use is if they are not challenged at all by the words in the book, then it may be too easy. I’ll have them read a few pages to me and if they are not challenged, I might ask them to read something more difficult.
It’s a fine line. Personally, I will read books that are easy if the content is very interesting. And I will read books that are very challenging as well. Think about how you choose books that you like to read.
The most important thing to consider is what can you do to encourage your child to read. If they want to read something that interests them, but it appears to be too easy, let them, but have another book ready to go when they are finished that is about the same topic, but a bit more difficult to keep them improving their skills.
But read, read, read!
February 26th, 2009
Hello. At my school we have what we call the 5 fingers rule. Have your child read the first page of the book and everytime he/she comes to an unknown word, put up a finger. If 5 fingers or more are up at the end of the first page, the material is most likely too difficult.
Jackie,
Thanks for the comment. That’s a terrific idea! Thanks for posting it.