We all know that it’s important for our children to read in order to build vocabulary, gain more knowledge, improve their reading skills, and have greater academic success, but sometimes it can be difficult to find the right book! When looking for a book, here are a few things to consider:
Is it the right reading level?
If you know your child’s reading level from school assessments, that can be a great help! Many booksellers will list the Accelerated Reader (AR) level in their descriptions. Your child will likely still enjoy reading books a few levels below their independent reading level and may be able to read books a few levels above, particularly if they are high-interest books. If you don’t have access to your child’s reading level, you can still help them pick a perfect book using the five-finger method. Have your child open to the second page of the book and start reading. Tell them to hold up a finger for each word they aren’t sure of. If there are five or more words they didn’t know on one page, this book is likely too difficult for them to read alone.
Is it age-appropriate?
If you have a child who is reading well above their grade level, it is important to think about whether they are truly understanding what they are reading along with whether the content of the book is appropriate. Even if your second grader can read a sixth-grade level book, they may not be ready or interested in the topics found in some sixth-grade material. Likewise, if you have a child reading below their grade level, it’s important to look for books that will still hold their interest.
Will this keep my child’s interest?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a book is whether your child will want to read it! You can choose the perfectly leveled, age-appropriate book, but if your child won’t pick it up, it won’t get read! Listen to your child’s interests and look for books that will feed that enthusiasm. Letting your child pick their own books, with guidance, can also be a great way to find high-interest books for them. Remember, reading books, graphic novels, magazines, and comic books all help to boost vocabulary and build reading skills!
Need Help?
Even armed with information, it can be a time-consuming and daunting task to choose the best books to keep your kids reading. I’m here to help! I am a teacher and reading specialist as well as an Usborne book consultant. The best way to get amazing books for your kids is to book an Usborne party with me. Hosts receive free and half-priced books for hosting a party. The average host receives $140 in FREE books! And the best part is I can help you choose high-quality, engaging books that your kids will love! I’m offering a special promotion for Macaroni Kid members this month: If you host a qualifying party with me, I will give you an additional $30 in FREE books! All you have to do is invite your friends and I do the rest. If you are interested in hosting a party or just want some book advice, please contact me at bookbossadria@gmail.com or join my VIP page at http://bit.ly/AdriasBookBuzz for up-to-date information on new releases, special discounts, and more literacy tips.
If you’d like a closer look at Usborne’s books, you can browse our thousands of titles at http://y6202.myubam.com/1008385. And be sure to follow on Facebook here!
