A Lexile measure is not a grade. It’s a number followed by an “L” (such as 800L) that describes your child’s reading ability. Parents can use Lexile measures to take action. Lexile measures:
1. Remove the guessing game.
Lexile measures give a more precise measure of reading comprehension than guessing about your child’s reading ability based on age or grade level. You can find your child’s Lexile measure by looking at school score reports or asking your child’s teacher. If your child doesn’t have a Lexile measure, then you can get an estimate at Lexile Find a Book.
2. Put you in the driver’s seat
By knowing your child’s Lexile measure, you can help pick books that grow their reading ability — without frustration. Your child’s Lexile range is 100L below to 50L above your child’s reported Lexile measure. Within this reading range, your child should not be frustrated, but will encounter new vocabulary and sentence structures that promote reading growth. Lexile measures for books are printed on some books. For others, you can find the book’s Lexile measure at Find a Book or at popular booksellers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
3. Instill a love for reading
Books about your child’s interests that are within their ability range will be motivating for your child. Lexile Find a Book is a free resource that personalizes reading for your child by helping you do just that! For instance, in the example below, Miranda has a Lexile measure of 800L and would like to read about foxes. “Arctic Foxes” (in the middle) at 760L would be a reading choice that would not frustrate her and would help develop her reading ability. She might enjoy reading a different “Arctic Foxes” book (at left) at 620L just for fun. If she was highly motivated to read about foxes, she might enjoy a reading challenge with “Wild Fox” at 990L.
4. Foster independence
Children who read outside of school grow more quickly in their reading ability. You know your child better than anyone and a Lexile measure is only one piece of information that can be used in selecting reading material. Use your child’s Lexile measure – and what you know about your child – to stack your home with books from your favorite library that pique your child’s interests. Ask your librarian for help!
5. Track Growth
Everybody learns better when they can see progress. Lexile measures provide a constant metric across grade years, teachers and different tests to do just that. Chart your child’s progress using the Lexile Growth Planner or see reading ranges for your child’s peers in the same grade using this grade equivalency chart.