CHOOSING "JUST RIGHT" BOOKS
A Quick Check
- Listen to your child read aloud a page or two.
- If it sounds smooth with only an occasional error, then it is probably "just right."
- Your child should be able to discuss what was read.
Interpreting Reading Levels
You'll notice that the Series Leveling Guide (below), as well as the items in the book orders, are often labeled with letters, DRA levels, and/or Lexile Levels. Here are the general guidelines for interpretation.
I use Scholastic's Book Wizard to level books. Simply select a leveling system (DRA, for example) and type in the name of the book.
Kindergarten Level:
E = DRA 8 (Late Kindergarten-beginning 1st grade);
1st Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels 190 - 530)
F = DRA 10 (beginning)
G = DRA 12 (early)
H = DRA 14 (middle)
I = DRA 16 (middle)
J = DRA 18 (late)
2nd Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels 420 - 650)
K = DRA 20 (beginning)
L = DRA 24 (middle)
M = DRA 28 (late)
3rd Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels 520 - 820)
N = DRA 30 (beginning)
O = DRA 34 (middle)
P = DRA 38 (late)
4th Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels of 740 - 940)
Q = DRA 40 (beginning)
R = DRA 44 (middle)
S = DRA 48 (late)
5th Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels of 830 - 1010)
T = DRA 50 (beginning)
U = DRA 54 (middle)
V = DRA 58 (late)
6th Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels of 925 - 1070)
W = DRA 60 (beginning)
X = DRA 64 (middle)
Y = DRA 68 (late)
7th & 8th Grade Level: (Lexile Levels of 970 - 1185)
Z = DRA 70+
I use Scholastic's Book Wizard to level books. Simply select a leveling system (DRA, for example) and type in the name of the book.
Kindergarten Level:
E = DRA 8 (Late Kindergarten-beginning 1st grade);
1st Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels 190 - 530)
F = DRA 10 (beginning)
G = DRA 12 (early)
H = DRA 14 (middle)
I = DRA 16 (middle)
J = DRA 18 (late)
2nd Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels 420 - 650)
K = DRA 20 (beginning)
L = DRA 24 (middle)
M = DRA 28 (late)
3rd Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels 520 - 820)
N = DRA 30 (beginning)
O = DRA 34 (middle)
P = DRA 38 (late)
4th Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels of 740 - 940)
Q = DRA 40 (beginning)
R = DRA 44 (middle)
S = DRA 48 (late)
5th Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels of 830 - 1010)
T = DRA 50 (beginning)
U = DRA 54 (middle)
V = DRA 58 (late)
6th Grade Levels: (Lexile Levels of 925 - 1070)
W = DRA 60 (beginning)
X = DRA 64 (middle)
Y = DRA 68 (late)
7th & 8th Grade Level: (Lexile Levels of 970 - 1185)
Z = DRA 70+
Series Leveling Guide
Chapter books are VERY popular among fourth graders. Finding a just-right series chapter book can be as easy as A, B, C, thanks to reading specialist and teacher educator, Kate DiMeo. Kate has given me permission to share her Series Leveling Guide with you. Thank you for your generosity, Kate!