Comprehension Levels

 

Instructional Level-This is the level that the student's reading instruction in based on for guided reading.  A child reading at their instructional level needs adult guidance to be successful.

 

Independent Level-This is the student's just right reading level.  It is always lower than their instructional level and he/she can read this material without adult assistance.

 

Frustration Level-At this level the material is too difficult to read even with adult assistance. Encourage the child to save this book for a later date and choosing books at this level. 

 

Listening Comprehension Level-This is the level of text the child can listen to and understand when it is being read to them.  Children are often able to listen to and understand books at a higher level than they are reading independently.  This is a great way to build vocabulary and background knowledge. 

  

 

Finding a "Just Right Book"

Too Hard

*There are more than five tricky words per page.

*I have to reread a lot.

*I read the story too slowly.

 

Too Easy

*There are no tricky words.

*I read without having to think about it.

*I read the story too fast.

 

Just Right

*There are less than five tricky words per page.

*I think about the story as I read it.

*I read the story at my own pace.

 

 

 

  

 DRA/GUIDED READING CHART

 

	DRA Level	GR Level	Approximate Timing
Third Grade	40	Q		Third Grade
	38	P
	34	O
	30	N
Second Grade	28	N		Second Grade
	24	M
	20	L
	18	J-K
First Grade	16	I	June	First Grade
	14	H
	12	G
	10	F	January/February
	8	E
	6	D
	4	C	September
Kindergarten	3	C		Kindergarten
	2	B
	1	A
	A	A