5 Benefits to Using Leveled Readers in Your Classroom

Are you looking for an engaging and motivating tool to help target your students’ reading & writing skills at different levels? Look no further than this guide for leveled readers!

Leveled reading is the strategy of building reading comprehension skills in children. These skills are developed by gradually increasing the complexity of students’ reading material.

We will explore the different ways you can use tools like leveled texts in your instruction, from teaching word recognition skills to enhancing vocabulary and linguistic development. Let’s dig in!

Where to Start with Leveled Readers?

Before discussing how to use leveled readers in the classroom, it’s essential to understand how they work. Such as leveled texts, which are texts that have been designed explicitly with different reading levels in mind.

Thus, each text level is tailored to meet the needs of students working at that specific reading level. As a result, students can read texts that are appropriately challenging for them, which helps to ensure that they are engaged and motivated in their reading.

In addition to being engaging and motivating, leveled texts also have the potential to improve reading skills. One study found that using leveled readers led to a significant improvement in students’ word recognition skills.

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Why Should You Encourage Leveled Readers in Your Classroom?

There are many benefits to using leveled readers in your classroom. Here are just a few:

1. Target Reading Skills at Different Levels

One of the main advantages of leveled readers is that they help target reading skills at different levels. This means that teachers can use leveled readers to provide targeted instruction for students learning at different reading levels.

For example, a teacher might use a leveled text below a student’s current reading level to help them build their word recognition skills. Alternatively, they can use a leveled text above their current reading level to help them develop their vocabulary skills.

2. Enhance Vocabulary Development

Teachers can use leveled books to enhance vocabulary development, as well. Since leveled texts often contain more complex words than traditional textbooks.

As a result, students can learn new words in a fun and engaging way. In addition, by reading leveled texts, students will develop a robust understanding of the words they already know.

3. Leveled Readers Are an Affordable Instructional Tool

Another benefit of leveled readers is that they are an affordable instructional tool. Since reading material for leveled readers can be purchased in various formats, including print, digital, and audio.

As a result, teachers have the flexibility to choose the format that best meets the needs of their students.

How to Engage Leveled Readers in Your Classroom

Now that you know a little more about leveled readers, let’s discuss how to engage them in your classroom. Here are a few tips:

1. Keep Students’ Reading Levels in Mind

Choose leveled readers that are appropriate for your students’ reading levels. This will ensure that students can read the texts with ease and stay engaged and motivated in their reading.

2. Provide Appropriate Support to Leveled Readers

When using leveled readers in your classroom, it is essential to provide appropriate instructional support. This means that you should always explain the purpose of the leveled text and the skills students should improve.

3. Leveled Readers as Part of a Balanced Literacy Program

Leveled reading should not be used in isolation but rather as part of a balanced literacy program. This means that teachers should use leveled texts with other reading materials, such as traditional textbooks, literature, and non-fiction texts.

4. Leveled Readers Thrive With a Variety of Topics

When selecting leveled texts for your classroom, choose texts covering various topics for leveled readers. This will ensure that students are exposed to various reading materials and can develop their reading skills in a range of different areas.

5. Model How to Read with Your Leveled Reader Students

One way to help your students develop their reading skills is to model how to read leveled readers. This means that you should read the text aloud and stop to explain any difficult words or concepts.

6. Encourage Students to Discuss the Text with Each Other

Another way to help students develop their reading skills is to encourage them to discuss the text. They can do it in small groups or as a whole class.

7. Assess Student Progress

It is important to assess student progress when using leveled readers. This will help you determine whether students are making the desired progress. In addition, it will help you identify which skills students need more support.

8. Celebrate Student Success

When students are successful with leveled readers, be sure to celebrate their achievement! You can provide positive feedback and reward students with a special treat.

How to Engage Leveled Readers at Home

Apart from being leveled readers in school, it is also essential for kids to practice the same at home. Here are a few tips:

1. Let Kids Choose Their Reading Material

One way to get kids excited about reading leveled readers is to let them choose their own. This will ensure that they are interested in the text and engaged in their reading.

2. Encourage Your Child to Read Aloud

Just as you should model how to become leveled readers in class, you should encourage your students to read aloud at home. This will help them develop their reading skills and ensure that they understand the text.

3. Discuss the Text With Your Child

It is also essential to discuss the text with your child. Do this by asking them questions about the characters, setting, and plot. In addition, you can ask them to explain any difficult words or concepts.

4. Reward Your Child for Their Progress

Just as you should celebrate student success in school, you should also mark their success at home. You can do this by giving a special award, such as a toy or a special treat, or by taking your kid out for a special activity.

5. Let Kids Read at Their Own Pace

Another way to make reading leveled readers fun is to let kids read at their own pace. This will ensure that they understand the text thoroughly and not rush through it.

Let’s Make Reading Fun!

Leveled texts are an instructional powerhouse. They can target reading or writing skills at different levels, making them engaging and motivating for students.

Additionally, they provide a scaffold for instruction, helping teachers design lessons that meet the needs of all learners in their classroom. What’s not to love about that? If you’re looking for ways to make reading more fun in your classroom, leveled texts are a great place to start.

Apart from using leveled texts, you can also use educational games to make reading more fun. With SplashLearn’s Reading Games, students can practice their reading skills fun and engaging way.