Reading and Grade Levels: Keeping it FUN: A Booklights Reissue

This post was originally published at Booklights in June of 2009, a result of posts that I'd seen, and discussion on my own blog and at Booklights. Since I wrote this post, I've become a parent myself. And although I have hopefully nicknamed my daughter Baby Bookworm, I certainly don't intend to ever pressure her to read books at any particular grade level. I do very much hope that she will love books, and I believe that the best way for that to happen is for her to read the books that she loves. Don't you?

Reading and Grade Levels: Keeping it FUN

I posted on my blog on Friday [in June of 2009] about the question of whether or not it's a good idea to encourage kids to read above their grade level. I was inspired by an excellent post on this subject by Dashka Slater at Babble. I discovered very quickly that quite a few people have opinions on this, as you can see in the extensive comments of both of the previous two posts, and the cropping up of other posts like this one at A Chair, A Fireplace and a Tea Cozy, this one at Here in the Bonny Glen, and this one at Best Book I Have Not Read. I decided, based on this response, that it was a worthwhile topic to bring up here at Booklights. This is also, I think, a logical follow-up to Pam's post from last week about encouraging summer reading. Pam talked about the importance of bringing home a variety of books from the library. She said: "Don't overrule a book your child picks as being too young for him, but also reserve the right make some selections yourself." Like Pam, I'm not a reading specialist, but I do have something to say about this topic.

As all of the above discussions make clear, there is, in some circles, a bit of competitive pressure going on regarding kids' reading levels. I've heard about the five year old who likes the unabridged version of the Iliad, and the six-year-old reading at a sixth grade level. Melissa Wiley writes about a woman who discouraged her four-year-old from reading picture books, in favor of "something more challenging". An elementary school librarian commented on my earlier post: "I have some students who are "weightlifting" in second grade, carrying Eragon and Inkspell around rather than reading it." The Babble article says: "I hear parents dropping the names of children's books as if they were designer labels. "Junie B. Jones?" one might say witheringly. "My daughter loved that in preschool, but now she's reading the sixth Harry Potter." [Image credit: photo by ToymanRon, shared at MorgueFile. And no, I don't know exactly what this girl is actually reading.]

I can see how it would be easy to caught up in all of this. The parent who reads aloud to her child from the womb, provides lots of books, and is a role model for the importance of reading might be understandably thrilled when said child becomes an advanced reader. Particularly if teachers are encouraging the child to read ever more "challenging" books, and other parents are all talking about what tremendously advanced material their children are reading. A recent Sydney Morning Herald article says (in the context of homework, but I think there's a clear parallel), "Parents who cannot remember homework when they were in kindergarten now help their five-year-olds with up to 45 minutes a day of sheets filled with literacy and numeracy problems. Even those who doubt the wisdom of homework at such an early age reluctantly go along with it, driven by fear of their child falling behind." I know that the "fear of their child falling behind", in our competitive society, is significant.

BUT, there are problems with the relentless progression towards ever-more-advanced reading material for kids. The short-term problem is that children can miss books that they would enjoy reading. Books about kids their own age, having relatable experiences. Fun books. Books with pictures! Instead, they can end up reading books before they are ready for them, which often leads to not appreciating the books, and never going back. The long-term problem is that if you turn reading into a competition, you run the risk of turning it into a chore. You run the risk of having that bright-eyed five-year-old advanced reader grow, in the blink of an eye, into a fourth-grader who won't read anything beyond what's strictly necessary for homework. And that is a tragedy.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't ever let your kids read books that are above their grade level. If they want to do that, and if you deem that books aren't too mature for them thematically, then by all means let them read ahead. Kids usually have a pretty good notion of what they can manage. If they find a book too difficult, they are likely to get bored with that book, and move on to something else. (As Stacy Dillon commented on my post, "I'm bored" is often code for "I don't understand"). So, I'm not saying that the occasional first grader reading the first Harry Potter book is a problem.

What I am saying is that it's not a good idea to pressure kids to read above their age level. Reading, especially in the summer, should be fun. It isn't meant to be a race. It's a pastime, a journey, a way to teach kids to love books. You don't instill a life-long love of reading by belittling the eight-year-old who wants to flip through picture books on a rainy afternoon. You don't encourage reading by turning down your nose at Goosebumps or comic books or (for teens) the Twilight books. Just because your seven year old CAN read at a sixth grade level, you don't have to deny her the joy of reading about Clementine, Ramona, Pippi Longstocking or Ivy and Bean. Just as we adults sometimes want to read recreationally, it's ok for kids, too. More than OK, in fact, it's something that can help them to maintain the joy of reading. That's what I think, anyway. And it's what many of the authors of and commenters on the posts above think, too, though I've only been able to capture a small amount of that discussion here. [Image credit: photo by Gracey, shared at MorgueFile]

What do you all think? Have you felt pressure, from teachers or other parents, to keep your children reading above grade level? How do you handle this? Or have you found it to be more of a problem the other way, with your library not letting kids read above grade level?

This post was originally published at Booklights on June 15, 2009. Since Booklights has ended, I am republishing selected posts here, at Jen Robinson's Book Page, with permission from PBS Parents. Booklights was funded by the PBS Kids Raising Readers initiative. All rights reserved.

Comments

[pragmatic mom]

This was a really great post. I wish I could send it to people I know who are reading Harry Potter to their 5 year old but that might be too pushy!

You are dead on when you talk about instilling a joy of reading as well as to experience the wonder of picture books (WHICH ARE FOR EVERYONE! I give them as gifts to adults!).

Skipping picture books also limits a child's cultural references. There are so many picture books that are not just iconic but can bond children as they talk about shared love of particular books. My son, in preschool, had a conversation with a another little boy about all the funny books they both loved: No Hippo!, A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever!, Pigeon Drives the Bus, No David!, Click Clack Moo, etc.

I would hate for any kids to miss out on picture books! My 5th grader still loves picture books AND her teacher reads them at class (Patricia Polacco: Thank You Mr. Falker!).

Thanks again for your balanced and thoughtful post!

[Jen Robinson]

Thanks, Pragmatic Mom. So nice to have feedback from a kindred spirit, one who really understands (and has spent time thinking about) this issue. I absolutely agree with you about picture books. And I'm glad that your fifth grader has such a great teacher!

[Jenna]

I can certainly agree with you about pressuring kids. However, I think that if it is not your child or a child that you know well, it's difficult to know the real situation. I don't know what my son would have done in kindergarten or first grade if he hadn't been allowed to read chapter books that you consider too hard. When your child reads Magic Treehouse books in 20 minutes and picture books in less than five, well, you'd have to be a lot stronger than I am to carry an adequate number of books home from the library to last even one day.

I'd love to hear some insight as to what exactly those of us who have kids reading at a middle-school level in K (which I base on both what his teacher said and the books he read) should do. What do you do when you want to hold off on the the Harry Potter series for as long as you can and instead find yourself needing to spend every spare minute trying to research books fast enough to stay ahead of your kindergartener (or 1st or 2nd grader)? What do you do when you just cannot stay ahead of what your child reads because he reads so fast that he finishes two or three Ramona-level books before he gets out of bed in the morning--and can easily read a full Redwall book that afternoon?

I'm sure there are lots of pushy parents out there. My personal experience as a teacher is that very, very few kids will really read books that are beyond their level. They give up in frustration instead. I worry that posts such as yours encourage the misguided (and rude) strangers who feel it's ok to comment about what kids like my son are reading.

I'm sure this was a rather disjointed rant. However, I found your blog when I was searching for books for my son. I'm always on the lookout for new book ideas that are somewhat age-appropriate content-wise. Finding this post right at the top just made my heart sink a little.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that kids should read books that they enjoy. I don't think that one should be particularly proud that one's child read certain books at a certain age; nor do I think that one should be particularly proud that their child reads what they consider age-appropriate books. Instead perhaps we should enjoy having children who are readers - at whatever level they may read.

[Jen Robinson]

Oh, Jenna, I'm sorry that you took the post that way. I absolutely think it's ok for kids to read whatever books they enjoy, even if they are above their age levels. This post was written in response to a bunch of input that I heard from parents about competitive pressure to get kids to read more advanced books - parents bragging in the pick up line about how their six year olds were reading Harry Potter, and looking askance at the parents whose kids are reading picture books. But I never meant to imply that younger kids shouldn't read books that they are ready for, and want to read. I actually did say:

"I'm not saying that you shouldn't ever let your kids read books that are above their grade level. If they want to do that, and if you deem that books aren't too mature for them thematically, then by all means let them read ahead. Kids usually have a pretty good notion of what they can manage. If they find a book too difficult, they are likely to get bored with that book, and move on to something else."

So I agree with you, and I'm sorry if my post caused stress for you. Kids should of course read what they enjoy. And I do know that it's hard to find books for young kids who are reading above their age level. You want books that they'll enjoy, and get wrapped up in. But you probably want to stay away from themes that they aren't ready for. As discussed above, and as you mentioned, I think that most kids are pretty good at self-censoring, so that helps. If, say, romantic innuendo goes over their heads, great. But I'm sure it's still a challenge.

I would highly recommend that you talk with your school and town librarians - they'll likely have good suggestions for you.

For now, I'd try books like Angie Sage's Magyk series, Sarah Prineas' Magic Thief series, and Trenton Lee Stewart's Mysterious Benedict Society books. Maybe the Inkheart series by Cornelia Funke, too.

And as for people who are rude about what your child is reading, I'd just say "we believe that letting him read what he wants to read is the way to nurture him as a reader", and leave it at that. Because it's the truth.

I will be posting about this subject more in the coming weeks, and I'll definitely keep your input in mind. Thanks for taking time to comment. You made me think, early on this California morning.

[Carin S.]

I read books considered above my reading level - and also a lot below. I swiped my younger sisters' books all the time! It was nice to have a mental vacation of sorts. I find these kinds of situations similar to the obnoxious people who ask me, "Oh, you're not married yet?" in a pitying voice. And I recommend the same type of response. It's all in the attitude/tone of voice. "My God, no, of course my kid isn't reading [insert book 6 grades above reading level here] yet. Why would I want him/her to grow up so fast? Kids should enjoy being kids! [here: laugh haughtily] Why on earth would I want them to learn to hate reading by pushing those kinds of book on them when there are such fantastic books just right for them now?" Or some variation. Don't get defensive. After all the best defense is a good offense! Good luck.

[Jen Robinson]

Sounds like solid advice to me, Carin. Thanks!! And I completely agree about certain books being a (much deserved) mental vacation. Thanks for taking time to comment on this!

[Lynn]

As a teacher this is a topic I have struggled with as well. I enjoy reading adolescent books and I encourage students to read a variety of books regardless of level. One point that I think is missed in the article is that although reading for pleasure is very important, it is also important to encourage children to read at their level. Especially as a teacher, this is important so children can practice their skills as readers, develop 'reading stamina', and build background. Believe me, students in my classroom are absolutely encouraged to pick up books that are quick, easy, or fun reads, (I think of these books as reading palate cleansers) however I also encourage students to find books at their level

On the other hand, I agree with some of the points Jenna has made about having a child who reads far above their level. I have taught gifted second graders who are reading in the 7th and 8th grade level who struggle to find book that are appropriate and interesting. One solution I had for Jenna and for your other readers was to try opening up the world of non-fiction to children who read far above level. The books are often written at higher levels because of the books structures and also vocabulary. Children can explore non-fiction books at their own pace, reading only the interesting parts or studying intricate diagrams for hours. Even the best readers can get lost in the right non-fiction book. As an added bonus, the themes are usually neutral without scary or inappropriate subject matter.

Most of all, encouraging children to read, read, read at all levels is important. Letting children explore books at their own pace and at their own way is important. As advocates for children’s literacy, we need to continue to introduce children to all forms of reading. I feel my most important job as a teacher is to teach children to love books. Every child deserves a good book, right? It’s our job to put books into the hands of children.

[Jen Robinson]

Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts on this, Lynn. Of course I agree completely with your conclusions, about introducing children to all forms of reading. And I do agree that it's important for kids to also read books that are at their level, or challenge them a bit. This article was originally written for PBS Parents, and aimed at specific concerns that I was hearing from people about parents pushing their kids to skip right over picture books, and early elementary school books, straight to middle grade fiction. I was mostly lamenting that, and certainly not saying that kids should go around reading below grade level all the time. I'm a particularly big believer in parents reading more advanced books with their kids, so that the kids get exposed to new vocabulary, etc.

Anyway, I completely agree with you about the important thing being to read, read, read at all levels. I've always believed that most kids, if you let them read enough of what they want, will eventually naturally gravitate towards more advanced fare. But of course you have a lot more experience than I do with this on a day to day basis, and I'm sure that you've seen many kids who need to be pushed a bit more.

I do like the suggestion of using nonfiction for advanced readers. I'm going to remember that. Thanks!

[Lauri Chandler]

I have experienced different ends of this topic. My daughter reads very well for her age. When she was in first grade, I overheard some Mom’s talking about how first graders were not allowed to check out chapter books in the school library. I immediately became defensive about the rule and made an appointment to go in and meet the librarian. My thoughts were, “How can you make a rule like that when there are so many different types of readers in any given grade level”?
I was glad that I went in to find out for myself. The School Librarian was using the Just Right method with students to help them determine a book that is just right for them to read on their own. For more on this method see Reading Rockets at http://www.readingrockets.org/article/28279. The goal of the Just Right method is to help children become independent readers.
The main point is that children should be encouraged to find and read the books that are right for them. When I was a School Librarian, I heard students talk about picture books being “for babies”. Students think, “those are the books that are read to us when we can’t yet read ourselves.” As parents, teachers, and educators, we can help children realize that when they can not yet read themselves, we read all different types of material to them. We can read our kids children’s magazines, easy readers, chapter books, graphic novels for young children, and picture books. A picture book is a format. (Literature for Young Children by Joan I. Glazer) What is found in that format may apply to many different readers and age levels. It is up to us to teach this to up-and-coming readers so that they can appreciate and choose books and formats that are right for them. We need to reinforce that picture books can be used by all ages. It depends on the content and the topic of the book. This applies to not only picture books but all different formats.
Whatever the format, I hope that those of us who spend time with children and literacy issues can convey the message that no matter what age, it is important to find books that are enjoyable and catch the attention of the reader. This is when a passion for reading will grow and develop throughout life. This is supporting independent readers. Help children find something to read that they love, the format is secondary. For more on this topic read Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don't) - by Barbara Bottner and Michael Emberley.

[Jen Robinson]

Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts on this, Lauri. And with references, even! Everything that you said sounds reasonable to me. I hate to see kids denied the joy of books on either end (from palate cleansers to books to challenge them). I haven't read Miss Brooks Loves Books yet - I must get to that one.

Thanks again!!

[Michelle Breum]

I agree. I let my children read books below their level, but I make sure there are books at their level around. I've read that if a child makes a mistake on 1 in 10 words, a book is at his or her frustration level.

[Jen Robinson]

Sounds like the right compromise to me, Michelle. Also, reading aloud books that are slightly above the child's reading level can help keep things balanced, too (depending on the child's age, etc.).