“Just Right” Books Keep Your Child’s Reading On Track

“Just Right” Books & Online Quizzes

If your child will fight you every step of the way over reading this summer, consider a reading program like ours: software you can work on at home or on vacation, that will engage your child in reading over the summer.

However, if the issues are less serious and all they need is a bit of encouragement, here’s a simple two-step plan:

1. Find in-the-zone “just right” books.
2. Keep track of reading and set rewards.

Here’s how you do it.

1. Find “Just Right” Books

It sounds simple, but to keep your child reading, pick books in his or her reading comfort zone. Scientists call it the Zone of Proximal Development.  It’s that sweet spot where reading is beneficial and fun, where vocabulary and reading comprehension are at 80% or better. Harder books are frustrating, and with easier books below the zone, the reader is not learning.

First, know your child’s reading level, in grade-equivalent terms, e.g., a 2.1 (second grade, first month), and convert this into a reading zone, ZPD, using this Reading Chart.

Second, find books that are in this zone. Here is Gemm Learning’s Gemm Learning Recommended Reading List  — favorite books chosen by Gemm staff, sorted by reading level and category — sports, more for girls, more for boys, etc.  And a game-changing book highlights list here.

To find out the reading grade level of a book at home, use this book-level search engine. You can search by author or book title.

Your Child’s Interests

To provide a well-rounded reading experience and to help understand your child’s reading progress, you will want to expose your child to different types of books that cater to their interests, expand reading horizons, and help them on the road to a lifelong love for reading.

Finding book ideas for  your child based on interests is getting easier and easier these days:

1. Ask ChatGPT.  If you enter a reading level and interest, ChatGPT will give you 5-10 books in a few seconds.
2. Ask your child’s teacher or school librarian for book recommendations.
3. Online bookstores can be searched by topic or by recommended lists.
4. Online book review sites like Goodreads, Common Sense Media, and Reading Rockets provide book recommendations and reviews specifically for children’s literature. You can search for books by topic, age group, or genre and read reviews to get an idea of the content and suitability for 1st graders.
5. Parenting and Education Blogs: Many parenting blogs and educational websites offer curated book lists and recommendations for children. Search for blogs that focus on children’s literature or education and explore their book suggestions based on various interests.
6. Scholastic Book Clubs: Scholastic offers book clubs through schools or online, where you can find age-appropriate books categorized by grade level and interests. Their catalogs often feature popular books, series, and themed collections that appeal to 1st graders.
7. Social Media: Follow social media accounts or join groups dedicated to children’s books and parenting. Many accounts share book recommendations based on different themes or interests. Engaging with the online community can help you discover new titles and get personalized recommendations.

If your child is pushing back, focus on engagement by sticking to things that interest them.  If your child is on a roll, though, it’s beneficial to introduce a variety of books and genres to broaden the reading experiences.

2. Create Rewards

While a purist may disagree with the idea of “paying” kids to read, rewards do work. Here are some ideas:

• Check out your local library. Chances are, they have a reading club where you could incorporate your just-right books into their program.
• Go to a site like www.BookAdventure.com. At that particular site, there are about 3,000 books that your child can choose from to read, then answer 10 questions to show that the book was indeed read. It allows your child to accumulate points for books read. You can attach a prize to a points level achieved.
• Make up your Reading Race. Set a prize goal by hitting a realistic points target – using 100 points for short books, 150 for average size, 200 for longer books — and a good list of “just right” books to read for the summer.

Schools report that children who do not read during the summer spend 1-3 months of the new school year just getting back to where they left off the prior year. So, it is important to be proactive about reading over the summer.

Think About a Reading Routine

The last piece of the puzzle is integrating reading into the rhythm of life. Creating a good reading routine for your child can help make reading a regular and enjoyable part of their life. Here are some tips to help you establish a successful reading routine:

1. Consider a designated reading time: Consistency is key to establishing a routine.
2. Create a cozy reading environment:  Well-lit and free from distractions, such as TV or electronic devices.
3. Make reading a shared activity: Read together with your child. Take turns reading pages or chapters aloud, depending on their reading level. Or just sit together, each reading your books.
4. Keep the books interesting. Children who struggle often want to read the same book over and over again. There is some fluency value in doing that, as each time they read it, they do it more automatically. But after 3 or so readings, try to find an alternative to avoid boredom that could turn into a shutdown. So keep engaged in rotating books, even if your child is pushing back at times.
5. Find books that are in a series. If your child can get into a series, your life as a book selector is easier. Even easier, there are series designed for kids with reading issues, such as books by author Patricia Polacco or the Harry Zipzer series 
6. Celebrate reading progress: Positive reinforcement can help a child overcome difficulties, such as a book that is too hard, and get back in the saddle.

Adapt the routine as needed based on their changing interests and reading abilities.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a lifelong love for reading and learning.

If your child is having difficulty with reading, take a look at our reading programs for struggling readers here.