How to Test a Child's Reading Level | 7 Easy Steps

Have you ever wondered if your child is reading at the right level? Maybe they read some books easily but struggle with others, leaving you unsure of what’s best for them. Every child learns to read at their own pace, but understanding how to check your child’s reading level can help you make sure they’re on the right track.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or tutor and want to make reading fun for your child instead of frustrating, checking your child’s reading level doesn’t have to be complicated. You can find the right books, boost their confidence, and make reading fun with a few simple steps.

Key Takeaways:

• A child’s reading level helps determine the right books for their skills, challenging enough to promote growth but not so hard that they feel discouraged.
• Schools typically assess reading levels using tools like Lexile scores, Guided Reading Levels (GRL), and the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA), but parents can evaluate reading levels at home, too.
• Simple at-home methods like reading assessments, comprehension checks, and the Five-Finger Rule can help parents gauge their child’s ability.
• Reading books slightly below, at, or just above a child’s level can all be beneficial; easier books build confidence, while more challenging ones encourage progress.

What Is a Reading Level?

A reading level measures your child's ability to read independently and accurately. It helps you understand how to support their reading development and what impact your guidance can have.

By knowing your child's reading level, you can choose the right books and materials that match their skills and encourage exploration. Selecting books that align with their reading abilities is crucial for building confidence—when a child reads fluently, they feel more capable and motivated. Additionally, reading at the right level strengthens comprehension skills, helping them fully understand and engage with the story.

Signs That Your Child May Be Reading at the Wrong Level

If a book is too easy, they may not be challenged enough. If it’s too hard, they can become frustrated and lose confidence. Here are some signs that your child may be reading at the wrong level:

• They struggle with too many words per page – If they frequently stop to sound out words or ask for help, the book might be too advanced.
• They skip words or guess frequently – Instead of carefully reading, they might rush through, skipping over difficult words or making wild guesses.
• They read fluently but don’t understand the story – Even if they can pronounce the words correctly, comprehension matters! If they can’t summarize what they read, the book may be beyond their comprehension level.
• They avoid reading or get frustrated easily – If your child resists reading time or seems discouraged, they may be struggling with books that are too challenging.

How To Measure Your Child’s Reading Level?

Understanding your child's reading level is an important step in helping them grow as a reader. Schools typically assess reading levels in early grades, but if you're a parent, tutor, or homeschooler, there are simple ways to measure it at home, too!

A child's reading ability generally falls into three categories:

• Independent Reading – Books they can read easily on their own.
• Instructional Reading – Books that challenge them just enough but still require some support.
• Frustrational Reading – Books that are too difficult and may discourage progress.

By identifying the right level, you can choose books that boost your kid's confidence, improve comprehension, and keep reading enjoyable. Now, let's explore how you can assess your child's reading level.

1. Start with a Benchmark Reading Assessment

A great way to measure your child’s reading level is by starting with a Benchmark Reading Assessment. This involves having your child read Benchmark Passages or Benchmark Books (Levels aa-J) that match their age and grade level.

As they read, pay close attention to:

• Fluency – Do they read smoothly, or do they pause frequently?
• Accuracy – Are they reading most words correctly, or do they struggle with many?
• Decoding Skills – Can they sound out unfamiliar words, or do they get stuck?

If they read easily, they may be ready for more challenging books. If they struggle, you’ll know to focus on building their foundational skills.

2. Use a Retelling Rubric

Once your child finishes reading, it’s time to see how much they actually understood! Ask them to retell the story in their own words; this helps you gauge their comprehension beyond just recognizing words on a page.

To make this easier, you can use a Retelling Rubric, which helps assess key points like:

• Main Idea – Can they explain what the story was about?
• Details – Do they remember important events or characters?
• Sequence – Can they describe what happened first, next, and last?
• Understanding – Can they make sense of the story and its message?

If they struggle to recall details or mix up events, they might need more practice with comprehension skills. If they confidently explain the story, they’re on the right track! This simple step ensures they’re not just reading the words but truly understanding and engaging with the text.

3. Check Comprehension with a Quick Quiz

Reading isn’t just about saying the words, it’s about understanding the story. A great way to check your child’s comprehension is by giving them a quick quiz after they finish reading.

This can be oral or written, depending on what works best for your child. Ask simple questions to see if they can:

• Recall details – Who were the main characters? What happened in the story?
• Make inferences – Why do you think the character made that choice? What might happen next?
• Understand themes – What was the story really about? What lesson did it teach?

If they struggle with basic details, they may need to slow down and focus on comprehension. If they answer without any hesitation, they’re developing strong reading skills! Keep it fun and conversational; turning it into a casual chat rather than a formal test can help them feel more at ease.

4. Measure with a Structured Reading Scale

If you're trying to find the right books for your child, reading scales like Lexile, Guided Reading Levels (GRL), and the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) can help. These systems are widely used in schools and libraries to match children with books that fit their reading abilities.

1. Lexile Framework for Reading

The Lexile score is a numeric system that helps determine a child's reading ability and the difficulty level of books.

• How it works: A child takes a Lexile test, and based on their results, they receive a score (e.g., 300L, 850L, 1100L). Books are also assigned Lexile levels, allowing parents and teachers to find books within the right range.
• What it measures: The score considers word complexity and sentence structure, but it doesn’t factor in subject matter or age-appropriateness, so parental guidance is important.
• How to use it: If a child’s Lexile score is 850L, books within a 100-point range (750L–950L) are typically a good fit—challenging but not frustrating.

2. Guided Reading Levels (GRL)

The GRL system uses letters from A to Z to categorize books based on difficulty.

• How it works: A child’s teacher or tutor assesses their reading through fluency, accuracy, and comprehension tests, then assigns them a lettered level.
• What it measures: Word difficulty, sentence length, story structure, and themes.
• How to use it: If a child is reading at Level M, they should read books labeled M or one letter up/down (L or N) to gradually advance their skills.

3. Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA)

The DRA is a one-on-one assessment where a child reads leveled passages and answers comprehension questions.

• How it works: A teacher evaluates fluency, accuracy, and comprehension, then assigns a numerical DRA level (e.g., DRA 4, DRA 24, DRA 50).
• What it measures: The ability to decode words, fluency, expression, and understanding of the text.
• How to use it: If a child is at DRA Level 16, they should read books within that level to strengthen skills before moving up.

Which System Should You Use?

• Lexile is great for finding books with the right complexity.
• GRL helps assess overall reading development in younger kids.
• DRA is ideal for tracking fluency and comprehension progress over time.

5. Apply the Five-Finger Rule (For Quick At-Home Checks)

Not sure if a book is the right fit for your child? A simple way to check if a book is right for your child is to apply the Five-Finger Rule (a quick at-home check). Have them read one full page aloud and raise a finger for each word they don’t know. The Five-Finger Rule is a simple and fun way to check!

Here’s how it works:

1. Have your child pick a book and read one full page out loud.
2. Each time they come across a word they don’t know, they raise a finger.
3. Use the guide below to see if the book is a good match:

• 0-1 fingers – Too easy. Your child can read this without much challenge.
• 2-3 fingers – Just right! This book is at the perfect level to help them grow.
• 4-5 fingers – Too difficult. This book may be frustrating, so consider finding something a bit easier.

6. Assess Word Recognition and Speed

To accurately measure your child’s reading fluency and ability to recognize words, it’s important to assess both word recognition and reading speed. These skills are key indicators of how efficiently they process written text, which directly impacts their comprehension and overall reading development.

One way to evaluate this is by using standardized assessments:

• Test of Word Reading Efficiency (TOWRE) – This test measures how quickly and accurately your child can decode real and made-up words, helping identify strengths and potential difficulties in word recognition and fluency. A higher score typically indicates stronger reading efficiency.
• Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT) – Unlike fluency-based assessments, the PIAT evaluates silent word recognition. Your child selects the correct word from multiple choices, making it a great tool for understanding their vocabulary and ability to recognize words without verbal reading.

By regularly assessing word recognition and speed, you can track reading progress over time and adjust their reading materials. 

7. Analyze Progress and Adjust Reading Materials

After assessing your child’s reading level, it’s crucial to analyze their progress and adjust their reading materials accordingly. Choose books that are challenging enough to encourage growth but not so complex that they become frustrating.

Keep an eye on their reading development by regularly checking their fluency and comprehension. If they’re breezing through books, it might be time to introduce more advanced reading material. If they’re struggling, try books with simpler vocabulary and sentence structure to help build their skills at a comfortable pace.

By continuously adjusting their reading materials, you’ll ensure they stay motivated, improve their comprehension, and develop a lifelong love for reading.

How to Support Your Child Become a Better Reader

Helping your child become a stronger reader doesn’t have to feel like a task, instead it can be fun, rewarding, and a great way to bond! Here are some simple ways to support their reading:

1. Read Together Every Day

Whether it’s a bedtime story, a few pages before school, or a lazy Sunday afternoon, make reading a daily habit. Even 10–15 minutes a day can make a huge difference!

2. Let Them Choose the Books

Kids are more excited to read when they pick books that interest them. Graphic novels? Adventure stories? Books about dinosaurs? Let them explore different genres; reading is reading!

3. Make Reading Fun, Not a Chore

If reading feels like homework, kids will resist it. Turn it into an interactive experience, do silly voices, act out parts of the story, or let them read aloud to a pet or stuffed animal.

4. Talk About What They Read

Ask simple, open-ended questions like:

• What was your favorite part?
• Did anything surprise you?
• What do you think will happen next?

This builds comprehension and makes reading meaningful.

5. Be Patient and Encouraging

Every child learns at their own pace. If they stumble, avoid jumping in too quickly and give them a chance to figure it out. Celebrate progress, not perfection!

6. Show Them That Reading Matters

Kids learn by watching you. If they see you enjoying a book, reading a recipe, or flipping through a magazine, they’ll understand that reading is a part of everyday life.

7. Use Audiobooks and Read-Alouds

Listening to stories helps kids hear fluent reading, expand vocabulary, and improve comprehension. Audiobooks can be a great tool, especially for reluctant readers!

8. Make Books Easily Accessible

Keep books in different spots around the house on their nightstand, in the car, or in a cozy reading nook. Kids are more likely to pick books up when they are within reach.

Where to Get Extra Support for Your Child’s Reading Development

Testing your child’s reading level is just the first step; helping them improve and grow as readers is just as important. If you’re looking for extra support to strengthen your child’s reading skills, guidance from expert tutors can make all the difference.

At Genie Academy, we offer:

• Customized tutoring programs in reading, writing, math, and coding for children of all ages.
• Engaging, structured lessons that help kids build comprehension, fluency, and confidence in reading.
• Both in-person and online tutoring make it easy to fit learning into your child’s routine.
• A fun and supportive environment that keeps kids motivated and excited to read.
• Six convenient locations in New Jersey – Plainsboro, East Brunswick, South Brunswick, Hillsborough, South Plainfield, and Marlboro.

Conclusion

Helping your child become a confident reader starts with understanding their reading level. Using simple assessments, structured reading scales, and fun at-home strategies, you can ensure they’re reading books that challenge them just enough without causing frustration.

Keep in mind that reading should be an enjoyable experience, not a stressful one. Encourage daily reading habits, support their progress with engaging books, and celebrate their milestones along the way.