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~The Mythical Unicorn~

Look. Here is the thing. FOSTER A LOVE OF READING. That’s it. That’s the secret! Your child needs to read. They need to see you read. They need to be read with and read to. I know we are busy, but just think how EASY this is. Have your child read the back of a cereal box, traffic signs, billboards, anything, and everything. Ask them questions about their reading. Talk to them about what they notice. Seriously. This is the mythical unicorn of reading instruction. Your welcome.

Now, if you want to be a little more technical, there is a formula that classroom teachers use when considering those books that come home with your child in their book bags. Here it is: 3ish independent +2ish instructional + 1ish advanced = 6 booksish. So, here is the breakdown of what those terms mean. Independent books are books kids can read without any help from an adult. Instructional means they will need to sit side-by-side with someone who can read WITH them, not FOR them. Finally, the advanced book is usually high interest that is way above their reading level. That’s okay! Read this book with your child because it is probably one they chose for themselves. NEVER discourage the LOVE OF READING!

So, this chart can help you decipher the various ways teachers level books for supporting your child’s reading instruction. In Dearborn, most teachers use the DRA Level, but at times you will here the F&P (Fountas & Pinnell) letter. I use them as one in the same. When you visit libraries – when it is within the realms of practicing safe, social distancing – they will most likely use Lexile.

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