Fountas and pinnell leveled book list for parents
Printable leveled book list - The Measured Mom
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Looking for a leveled book list you can take to the library? Keep reading!
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IMPORTANT UPDATE: As I learn more about the science of reading and how our children learn to read, I have come to the conclusion that leveled books are not the best reading material for brand-new readers. Instead, they need a steady diet of high quality decodable books so they learn to pay attention to the letters and sounds right from the beginning. I will keep this post here, but I wanted to share this important insight.
Today’s post is for the parents who want to support their child’s beginning reading efforts at home – but they visit the library and don’t know where to begin.
Let’s talk easy reader book series.
- My First I Can Read
- Step Into Reading
- Hello Reader
- Ready to Read
- I can Read
And that’s just the beginning! The maddening thing is that each collection of books – and even books within the same series – are wildly different when it comes to reading level.
What’s a parent to do?
The first thing to do is understand guided reading levels. These are the levels that many teachers use when they teach small reading groups.
Level A
Level A books are hard to find at the library, because they’re very, very simple. In fact, teachers usually have to order these books from special publishing companies. But if you hunt, you can find a small collection at your library, such as the books listed above.
Level A books typically have predictable language patterns, high frequency words that are used over and over, and a single line of text per page.
Please note: As stated above, I no longer recommend using these early leveled books with brand new readers. They simply don’t have the phonics knowledge to read the words, and using only leveled books can lead to the bad habit of guessing.
Level B
Level B books are very similar to A books, but they may have two lines of text on a page.
There is a direct correspondence between the text and the pictures; the print is clear and easy to read. Like level A, level B books are in short supply unless you special order them.
Level C
Level C books are longer than level B books, but they still have only a few lines of text per page. The pictures are still very important in supporting meaning. Some level C books use pattern and repetition.
Level D
As you move into level D, you will notice that the stories are slightly more complex. The illustrations support the text, but children will need to pay more attention to the print. Words often contain more inflectional endings, such as ing, ed, and s.
Here I am again! We want all readers to pay attention to print from the very beginning. You can see that these early levels don’t require much of that at all because kids can use pictures and predictable text to “read” many of the books. Contact me via the support tab if you’re looking for quality decodable books.
Level E
As we move to higher levels, the amount of text gradually increases. Level E books have 3-8 lines of text per page. Stories are more complex, and repeating patterns are less frequent. While the illustrations are helpful, students will need to do more problem solving to figure out new words.
Sigh. When I originally wrote this post I wrote that kids would need to do “more” problem solving to figure out new words. Now I understand that they should be sounding out words from the very beginning so they can orthographically map the words. Not sure what that means? Contact me via the support tab.
Level F
Since level F texts are slightly longer than level E, the print is smaller. Text carries more of the meaning, and children need to use sight word knowledge as they read. Unlike lower level books, level F books have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Level G
These books contain more challenging ideas and vocabulary, and the sentences are longer than lower level books.
Level G books introduce children to new vocabulary.
Level H
Level H books are very similar to level G, but the vocabulary and language continue to get more complex. There is less repetition as the books continue to sound more like stories.
Level I
Level I books have a more complex story structure. Illustrations provide low support, and there are more sentences on each page.
Level J
I have found level J to be a magical level. Many, many wonderful books are written for children at level J. Even better – many come in a series. At this point your child is starting to read fluently and maybe even read in his head. Level J books often have short chapters, include dialogue, and have a clear font with space between the lines.
Level K
Level K books are simple, but slightly longer than level J books. Chapters are short. The books include illustrations on most pages, but they are not essential to understanding the text.
Layout is still reader-friendly; level K books have a large, clear font with clear spaces between the lines.
Update
As stated many times in the above post, I no longer recommend the early levels (about levels A-G) for early readers because kids really need to sound out words as they learn to read.
It’s all about helping them permanently store the words in their sight vocabulary. Research tells us that this happens when kids match the sounds to the letters (fancy words: phonemes to the graphemes), and it’s hard for them to do this when they’re not looking at the words at all, but rather looking at pictures to solve words.
I know that many teachers still use the early levels with young readers (I certainly did until diving deep into the research led me to reconsider).
But if you are teaching brand new readers, let me encourage you to use decodable text instead. Search “decodable” in the site’s search bar. In the future I’ll be adding free decodable texts to this website.
Free Reading Printables for Pre-K-3rd Grade
Join our email list and get this sample pack of time-saving resources from our membership site! You'll get phonemic awareness, phonics, and reading comprehension resources ... all free!
Reading Specialist - Ms. Jacobs / Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Book Lists
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Top 10 parenting books on parenting
- Forbes Life
- Ekaterina Aleeva Editorial Forbes
In this selection of the best books on parenting from Russian and foreign authors - psychologists and parents. Useful tips and tricks, answers to the numerous questions that every young family faces with the birth of a child
Lyudmila Petranovskaya "Secret support"
Why read: to understand how modern parents bring up children.
Finished reading here
This is probably one of the main books for parents in the first years of a child's life, and the name of Lyudmila Petranovskaya is known even to those who are very far from the world of children.
Soviet educational attitudes are still quite strong in our society, so young parents often hear “do not pick up, the child will get used to hands”, “cry and stop”, “do not follow his lead”. Psychologist Lyudmila Petranovskaya explains in detail why the presence in the life of a child of a significant adult who will always come to the rescue, who can be trusted, who will regret and take it in his arms is the key to a happy not only childhood, but all life. If you have ever heard the term "attachment theory" - you know, that's all it is. nine0005
Julia Gippenreiter “Communicate with a child. As?"
Why read: to reduce the number of conflicts not only with the child, but also with the partner, and at the same time with everyone around.
Finished reading here
Perennial best-selling parenting and psychology book for parents of older children.
Julia Gippenreiter can be safely called the Russian guru of education, although her books are useful not only for young parents. In them, she first of all talks about how important it is to hear each other, not to devalue the emotions and thoughts of the interlocutor. It is from her books that you can learn what “I-message” and “active listening” are, why it is important to go down to the level of the child’s eyes for a confidential conversation with him and learn a lot of other knowledge that will help raise children without screaming and aggression. nine0005
In the second part “Communicate with a child. As?" Gippenreiter cites a real and personal story - she publishes letters that she wrote to her grandson Fedor, a fairly typical troubled teenager. Here, step by step, you can see how she applies her own methods to communicate with him.
Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish How to talk so kids will listen and how to listen so kids will talk
Why read: to know how to behave with a child in a particular case.
nine0005
Finished reading here
The book of these educational psychologists is often contrasted with the works of Julia Gippenreiter as an example of a different approach to writing. Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish have worked together for decades and are both mothers of three. Now, unfortunately, only Adele Faber is left alive, she is 94 years old. Books by American psychologists are more like clear instructions on how to behave in specific situations, they have less theory and lyrics, but in general the ideas are similar: listen carefully to children, give them more independence, accept their feelings. It cannot be said that someone's book is better, probably, the difference in the American and Russian approaches affects. nine0005
Maria Montessori “Children are different. A unique method of early development»
Why read: to give the child independence.
Finished reading here
The Italian educator died before most of the other authors on this list were born. At the same time, her method turned out to be the only one that has stood the test of time and remains popular more than a hundred years after the birth of Maria Montessori (for example, Masaru Ibuki’s popular book “After Three is Too Late” is not on this list, but his ideas have been criticized for a long time and a lot, and indeed the very concept of forced "early development" ceased to find support among specialists). It is up to the reader to decide how much it is worth following all the advice, but many of the teacher's ideas have already firmly entered our lives. For example, creating an accessible environment for a child, where he can easily reach for a toy and take what he wants, seems to be a simple idea, but Maria Montessori made it popular. The same can be said about toys made from natural materials, rattles made from beans and an empty bottle, and a focus on developing fine motor skills in general.
nine0005
Evgeny Komarovsky "The health of the child and the common sense of his relatives"
Why read: to stop being afraid of drafts and other things that grandmother warned about.
Finished reading here
In a country where children still wear a hat at +25℃, pediatrician and tireless preacher of common sense Evgeny Komarovsky is a deservedly popular author. His book was first published in the early 2000s and has since consistently made it to the top of all lists of the most important books about children. Written in an ironic, sometimes even harsh manner, it simply and clearly tells young parents how many degrees should be in a newborn's room, why you shouldn't force him to eat, treat snot, be afraid of the word rickets, and much more. For 20 years, a sufficient number of doctors have appeared in Runet who popularize evidence-based medicine and save children from healing, but it was Evgeny Komarovsky who was the first.
The pediatrician also has his own website, where he answers questions, publishes fragments of books, as well as releases of his own program on children's health. nine0005
Fedor Katasonov "Fediatry"
Why read: to know what modern pediatrics stands for.
Finished reading here
If Komarovsky's writing style seems redundant to you and you're looking for a single medical book for your children's library, this is a good choice. The popular pediatrician Fyodor Katasonov wrote a comprehensive book about the first years of a child’s life, in which he touched on all the questions that concern parents: what affects the body during pregnancy, what vaccinations should be done (spoiler: everything that will be offered in the city clinic, and even more), how find the right pediatrician and at what point in general you need to call a doctor.
The idea that this should not be done in most cases is revolutionary for Russia, but Katasonov’s arguments are very convincing, and the current situation with the coronavirus, when the healthcare system is overloaded and people are increasingly using telemedicine, proves him right. Also at the end of the book there is a list of literature that Katasonov recommends reading to all parents. nine0005
John Medina Rules for the Development of Your Child's Brain
Why read: to know when it is really worth including Mozart to a child.
Finished reading here
Evolutionary molecular biologist and former consultant to the US Board of Education and Labor John Medina does not position himself as an expert in education. His book is about how scientific knowledge about the brain can help reveal what is needed for the proper development of a child.
Medina relies on scientific evidence, and it all aligns with what psychologists and parenting experts advise. For example, he explains why every mother needs time for herself and why parents put up in front of their child if they still quarreled. And in Medina's book there are many examples from life and stories about his experience as a father. nine0005
Ross W. Green "Explosive Child"
Why read: to find an approach even to difficult children.
Finished reading here
If you did everything according to the books listed above, studied the sea of literature, and the child still refuses to clean the room and screams in response to a request to get dressed, then perhaps the problem is not with you. Ross Green has taught for many years in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and in his book (which, by the way, is also recommended by Fedor Katasonov in his list of additional readings), he talks about children with a certain - explosive - temperament, but it will be useful for all parents to read it.
Its main message is: children behave well if they can. Green suggests that poorly developed skills in self-control and adaptability can be seen as difficulties in learning mathematics, for example. It doesn't come easily to everyone equally. Likewise, the ability to be flexible does not appear immediately and for some children requires more effort. It turns out that even for the most difficult child, it is realistic to create conditions when he will be able to conflict much less with parents and others. And this is the light at the end of the tunnel, which every mom and dad needs sometimes. nine0005
Dima Zitser "You can't educate love"
Why read: to learn to respect children (and other adults as well).
Finished reading here
Dima Zitser, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, has a huge number of fans.
But he has no less opponents. To accept the point of view that a teenager and any child in general is a separate person who always deserves respect is difficult for many in our country. In fact, any book by Zitzer can be recommended, but in this collection, firstly, his positions (often very interesting) on a wide range of issues are well revealed, and secondly, the book talks with parents about things that are relevant here and now. These are not abstract discussions about education, but quite specific problems that families have to solve in the 21st century. nine0005
Natalya Remish “Just about the important. About Mira and Gosh"
Why read: so that your family can talk.
Finished reading here
Talking to boys and girls like 6-year-old Mira and 10-year-old Gosha can be difficult.
Mother of many children Natalya Remish does not tell how to properly raise children. But using simple examples, he explains how to answer complex children's questions, resolve family conflicts and teach a child to live in a world that is not always fair. If long discussions about upbringing disgust you, then you can simply read stories about Mir and Gosh with your children and discuss them over evening tea. The book has a sequel, and the cartoon “Just About Important” is also coming out according to Natalya's scripts. nine0005
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Ekaterina Aleeva
Editorial Forbes
#book #children #literature #upbringing #photo gallery
Forbes Newsletter
Essentials about finance, investing, business and technology
11 helpful parenting books you can read in an hour (or less) read everything. Our authors spent the whole year reading the most interesting books for parents, and then retelling the main theses.
In general, if you never got to Hippentreiter and other psychologists, but have long wanted to, choose a summary and get comfortable. nine0005 1. “Raising a child is not training”
Book. Julia Gippenreiter “Communicate with a child. As?"
About what. The book “Communicate with a child. As?" first published 20 years ago and is still one of the most popular in the "child psychology" section. Because no one so accurately and clearly explained the basic things of communication between parents and children. Psychologist Julia Gippenreiter gives examples from life and tells how to properly listen to your child, teach him independence, resolve conflicts, and what to do if the child refuses to obey. nine0005
“If your child's behavior causes negative feelings in you, tell him about it; when you talk about your feelings to a child, speak in the first person. Report about yourself, about your experience, and not about him, not about his behavior.
Read the abstract
2.
Why does the child feel sick from school Book. Olivier Revol "It's okay: academic failure is curable!"
About what. Children suffering from schoolophobia are not truants, not talentless and not even lazy. And everyone has their own reasons to be afraid of school. You can’t just turn a blind eye to a limited vocabulary, increased anxiety, or a monstrous handwriting of a child. Psychiatrist Olivier Revol examines the underachievement of children from a medical point of view. He has been doing research for many years (talking to parents and teachers of children with schoolophobia), which he talks about in the book, and shares his painful personal experience. nine0005
“I am small, fussy and have no idea about mathematics. The first failures, the first disappointments, the remarks of teachers, designed to help, are disastrous in this situation. “We should show more attention and perseverance.” Where can one get them? “Write more carefully!” It doesn’t work .
.. “Not conscious and mature enough.” Alas... In general, I am constantly blamed for my shortcomings. It's embarrassing and unfair."
Read the synopsis
3. Julia Gippenreiter's 5 tips on how to truly hear your child
Book. Julia Gippenreiter "The Miracles of Active Listening"
About what. If the child is offended or upset, the main thing is to let him know that you hear him and know about his experiences. And the questions "What happened?" and "Why are you crying?" this is definitely not achievable. In another of her books (they are all good), psychologist Julia Gippenreiter gives specific advice on how to talk to an upset child so that he feels that you are with him and are actually listening to him. Everything is important here - even your position and posture during a conversation. nine0005
“When you want to listen to a child, your eyes should be at the same level. If the child is small, you can sit next to him or take him in your arms.
It is important to show that all your attention belongs undividedly to him. The conversation will not work if you look down at the child or fiddle around in the kitchen, sometimes looking over your shoulder.
Read abstract
4. Stubborn child: instructions for use
Book. Robert J. Mackenzie Stubborn Child. How to set the boundaries of what is permitted”
What. A stubborn child can be identified at an early age - it's all about temperament. Such children have a high degree of persistence, reactivity and distractibility. American psychologist Robert J. McKenzie wrote his book after fathering such a stubborn child himself, so he knows what he's talking about. And do not rush to sign your own parental incompetence: Mackenzie explains how to properly talk with a stubborn person, how to motivate him and even negotiate with him. nine0005
“Clarify the consequences of disobedience. Remember that a stubborn child is also an aggressive explorer.
He will definitely ask himself: “What will happen if I don’t stop?”. Therefore, explain: "If you ride a scooter at home, I will have to pick it up." And take it away if the ride around the house continues." Book John Gottman Emotional Intelligence
What. Parents want to raise people who will be ready for literally anything, and therefore they can punish them for showing fear or sadness. But the effect of such a method of education is the opposite - children grow up unprepared for life's problems. After all, they were punished for their feelings and emotions. Psychologist John Gottman explores emotional nurturing, the way parents communicate with their children in emotional moments. It even depends on whether children will be happy and successful in life. In the book Emotional Intelligence, a psychologist explains how to teach a child to recognize his emotions and control them. nine0005
“One of the quickest ways to get in the way of emotional nurturing is to tell a child who is upset and angry how you would solve his problem.
Children do not learn from such advice. Offering a solution before sympathy is shown is like putting up the frame of a house before a solid foundation has been laid.” Book. nine0022 Alexander Neill "Education in freedom"
About what. The teacher and founder of the oldest school "Summerhill" Alexander Nill, after a long observation of children, developed his theory about difficult children. In the book Education in Freedom, he says that there are no difficult children, but only difficult adults. And until an adult has accepted himself, he will not be able to accept a child. And the child receives the greatest psychological harm in the first five years of life. Neill advises giving the child more freedom and the right to be himself. nine0005
“To give freedom means to allow a child to live his own life. Only and everything! But the deadly habit of lecturing, shaping, lecturing and rebuking robs us of the ability to realize the simplicity of true freedom.”
Read the abstract
7.
“Before your teenager drives you crazy” Book. Nigel Latta "Before Your Teenager Drives You Crazy"
What. Parents of teenagers think they can change them. But no. To be a “good parent” to a teenager, parents need to change only one thing - their actions. Nigel Latta book will help parents see their mistakes in communicating with children and tell them why teenagers should not be fought, but simply trusted.
“Behavior in adolescence (13 to 19 years old) is like robbing a bank. Childhood leaves someone slowly and politely, the modest demands of the robbers are neatly written on a folded piece of paper and handed over to the cashier directly in the hands so as not to make a fuss. For others, it's like someone smashed a truck through a wall and left smoking ruins and insurance claims in their wake." nine0005
Read the abstract
8. 5 tips on how not to become a "helicopter parent" (and at the same time learn what it is)
Book.
Julie Litcott-Hames "Let them go. How to prepare children for adulthood”
About what. It is important to listen to the child and take care of him. But any concern should not develop into overprotection. Julie Litcott-Hames calls these especially anxious parents "helicopters" that literally hover over their children. She explains why overprotection should be stopped and how to behave with a child so that he does not grow up as a helpless person. nine0005
“Teach children the skills they need to live. Cleaning, cooking, braiding, changing your pet's toilet - you don't intend to do this all your life, do you? Show, then do it with the child, and then watch him do it on his own - and finally wait for him to proudly say that "he can handle it himself." Book. Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish Brothers and Sisters. How to help your children live together0005
What. When a second child is born in a family, the eldest has a hard time - most likely, he will begin to be jealous and angry at the youngest.
And here it is very important how parents behave. Parenting experts Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish have collected stories from families with multiple children and use them to explain why parents are not required to love children equally, how to teach siblings to express anger at each other, and what to do when they fight.
“Loving well-meaning parents try to treat their children equally in everything. They buy them the same clothes and toys, prepare identical cheesecakes for everyone, and talk about their "same" love for one and the other. But the truth is that every child of yours wants special love." nine0005
Read abstract
10. “Our children want to belong to us, even if they show otherwise”
Book. Gordon Neufeld "Don't Lose Your Children"
About what. When a child feels that he is being controlled or pressured for his own benefit, he begins to resist. He no longer wants to be like his parents and begins to focus on peers.
