Reading & Lexiles
What is a "Lexile"?
A Lexile measure is one way of understanding a reader's abilities, as well as the complexity of difficulty of different texts. The Lexile measure is shown as a number with an "L" after it — 880L is 880 Lexile. Students take a computer-based assessment called the SRI to determine their lexile level. Texts recieve a lexile measure based on the semantic and syntactic elements of a text. Many other factors affect the relationship between a reader and a book, including its content, the age and interests of the reader, and the design of the actual book. The Lexile text measure is a good starting point in the book-selection process, with these other factors then being considered.
How are Lexile measures used to help readers grow?
When a Lexile text measure matches a Lexile reader measure, this is called a "targeted" reading experience. The reader will likely encounter some level of difficulty with the text, but not enough to get frustrated. This is the best way to grow as a reader—- by independently reading texts that are not too hard but not too easy. Students will also have an "instructional" reading level, which will be used to help form guided and close reading groups in the classroom, as well as target needed skills when I plan for instruction.
How can a student improve their Lexile level?
Students should be reading within their "Lexile Range"-- 50 points below to 100 points above their current Lexile level. For example, a student with an 800L should read texts between 750L to 900L. Texts within this range will most likely have the appropriate level of difficulty without reaching the frustration level. A Lexile isn't the ONLY way of finding a good fit text, but it's a good start. For example, a student with a lot of background knowledge about Dolphins might be able to read a text with a higher lexile than their range. Students will practice strategies to find good fit texts in class and should apply these strategies at home too.
How can I help my child select good texts at home?
Like I said, the Lexile measure is only ONE way of understanding a reader's abilities or a text's complexity... but it can be a good place to start. I use Scholastic Book Wizard to level the books in our classroom library. You can access Scholastic Book Wizard online or by downloading the free app. The app allows you to scan the barcode on the back of a book. Once scanned, you'll get all kinds of great information about the text, including the Lexile measure, a summary, the genre, and more! (I've been known to sit on the floor of a book sale, scanning books to make sure they're a good fit for my classroom!)
Check out the website here: Scholastic Book Wizard (Be sure to select "Lexile Measure" before you search!)
Check out the app here: Scholastic Book Wizard Mobile
A Lexile measure is one way of understanding a reader's abilities, as well as the complexity of difficulty of different texts. The Lexile measure is shown as a number with an "L" after it — 880L is 880 Lexile. Students take a computer-based assessment called the SRI to determine their lexile level. Texts recieve a lexile measure based on the semantic and syntactic elements of a text. Many other factors affect the relationship between a reader and a book, including its content, the age and interests of the reader, and the design of the actual book. The Lexile text measure is a good starting point in the book-selection process, with these other factors then being considered.
How are Lexile measures used to help readers grow?
When a Lexile text measure matches a Lexile reader measure, this is called a "targeted" reading experience. The reader will likely encounter some level of difficulty with the text, but not enough to get frustrated. This is the best way to grow as a reader—- by independently reading texts that are not too hard but not too easy. Students will also have an "instructional" reading level, which will be used to help form guided and close reading groups in the classroom, as well as target needed skills when I plan for instruction.
How can a student improve their Lexile level?
Students should be reading within their "Lexile Range"-- 50 points below to 100 points above their current Lexile level. For example, a student with an 800L should read texts between 750L to 900L. Texts within this range will most likely have the appropriate level of difficulty without reaching the frustration level. A Lexile isn't the ONLY way of finding a good fit text, but it's a good start. For example, a student with a lot of background knowledge about Dolphins might be able to read a text with a higher lexile than their range. Students will practice strategies to find good fit texts in class and should apply these strategies at home too.
How can I help my child select good texts at home?
Like I said, the Lexile measure is only ONE way of understanding a reader's abilities or a text's complexity... but it can be a good place to start. I use Scholastic Book Wizard to level the books in our classroom library. You can access Scholastic Book Wizard online or by downloading the free app. The app allows you to scan the barcode on the back of a book. Once scanned, you'll get all kinds of great information about the text, including the Lexile measure, a summary, the genre, and more! (I've been known to sit on the floor of a book sale, scanning books to make sure they're a good fit for my classroom!)
Check out the website here: Scholastic Book Wizard (Be sure to select "Lexile Measure" before you search!)
Check out the app here: Scholastic Book Wizard Mobile