How do you know if you have a natural reader?

If you don’t really remember teaching him to read, you might have a natural reader…

If she uses words appropriately and you are not sure where she learned them, you might have natural reader…

If he can spell words that you cannot, you might have a natural reader…

If your 3rd grader is reading the Hobbit, you might have a natural reader…

If your child can rhyme words easily, you might have a natural reader…

If you have to tell him to put away his books and go to sleep, you might have a natural reader…

If your kiddo can tell you all about a book they just read, you might have a natural reader…

If she explains phonics rules to you as you read aloud, you might have a natural reader…

All of these clues sound like a student who would be delightful to homeschool, right? So where lies the issue? One thing that comes up regularly is finding books for (say) a 3rd grader who is reading at (say) a 7th grade level. The themes and actions in a book written for a 7th grade student are very likely too “much” for a child who is emotionally and physically a 3rd grader. While you don’t want to discourage a child from delving into reading about a subject they find fascinating (e.g. history, sports, science,) you can steer them away from themes that you know they are not ready for (for instance, the Holocaust for a history buff, illegal behavior of famous athletes, scientific theories that conflict with your family’s beliefs.).

There is something else to consider: what does having an advanced reading level really mean? And is your student advanced in all areas of reading? There are a lot of reading assessments out there to give your child. I searched online and came up with oodles of tests and had to wonder if they would all have a different result. Don’t forget those standardized tests! These can really validate your efforts as a homeschooling parent. A natural reader may do well on whatever you give them, so now what? How does your child’s reading level affect your homeschool instruction?

I found the following information from Vivan Franz, Ph,D., in her article, “What do Reading Levels Mean?”, extremely understandable and insightful. Where it reads ‘teacher,’ that is you, the homeschool Mom or Dad.

“Most children are actually taught by the teacher at their instructional levels. This is the level at which the teacher stretches the student in his thinking and reading. The independent level, on the other hand, is the level at which the child can read easily with pleasure. Reading scores generally refer to instructional levels.

  1. The child’s independent reading level is usually determined from books in which he/she can read with no more than one error in word recognition in each 100 words and has a comprehension score of at least 90%. At this level the child reads orally in a natural tone, free from tension. His silent reading will be faster than his oral reading.
  2. The instructional reading level is usually determined from books (or other material) which the child can read with no more than one word-recognition error in approximately 20 words. The comprehension score should be 75% or more. At this level, the child reads orally, after silent study, without tension. Silent reading is faster than oral reading. The student is able to use word-recognition clues and techniques. He reads with teacher help and guidance. This is the stretch level. With the right materials and purposeful reading, he makes maximum progress.
  3. The frustration level is marked by the book in which the child obviously struggles to read. Errors are numerous. The child reads without a natural rhythm and in an unnatural voice. No child should be asked to read at his frustration level, but the teacher needs to know that this level does exist for him.
  4. The probable capacity reading level is shown by the highest book in a given series in which the child can understand 75% or more of what he hears when the book is read aloud to him. He should be able to answer questions and to use properly many of the special words used in the selection. He should be able to use in own conversation or discussion some language structures comparable to those used in the selection.”

-Vivian Franz Ph.D.

Parents can step up the natural reader’s instructional reading level in other subject areas. A natural reader is often curious about new words and will ask what they mean, so don’t let the language stop you. If your student does not ask about an especially hard word, ask them if they know what it means. They may have some point of reference but need clarification from you, or they may know it already! They may also just not want to speak up, so do checks frequently for comprehension.

What a child can read aloud and what they comprehend are not the same thing. Your 3rd grade student may be reading at an 8th grade level, but comprehending at more of a 5th grade level, AND may be writing at a 4th grade level! My point is, an accelerated reading level is something to be aware of and encouraged, but it does not necessarily mean you should give your 3rd grader 8th grade work in all subject areas. Pay attention to their comprehension. Pay attention to what they are reading for pleasure. Monitor mature content and enjoy the fact that you have a natural reader on your hands. They are delightful!