Guided Leveled Reading
In support of the Guided Leveled Reading Program introduced in the River Vale School System, the library has "leveled" portions of its Children's Collection.
Parents can now order reading material within their child's level and help them climb the Reading Alphabet to success!
For Youngest Readers (Levels A-D):
Levels A - D are assigned to readers in the primary stages of literacy. The range begins with books containing one line of print with only a few words and patterned predictable text. Characteristics expand as levels progress to phrases then longer sentences, including inflections and dialogue before finally touching on abstract and unfamiliar themes. Readers are urged to use illustrations as a guide during the first levels to explain sentencing and extend meanings. Pagination varies from 8 - 20.
For Easy Readers (Levels E-L):
Levels E-H:
Levels E - H are assigned to readers in the first stages of independent reading. Initially, sentence structure includes several repeated episodes with a full range of punctuation then expand to the usage of repetitious and multiple episodes with a variety of characters and dialogue patterns. Vocabulary progressively grows. Readers are expected to retain information from page to page amidst a variety of texts. Pagination ranges from 10 - 30.
Levels I-L:
Levels I - L are assigned to the more advanced stages of early independent reading and culminate in a full range genres. Readers begin the transition to 'chapter books' with more demanding vocabulary and challenging content within one major plot. Slowly adjectives and adverbs are introduced in combination with unfamiliar themes. More complex dialogue and characterization comprehension and higher levels of conceptual understanding are required. Illustrations assist in visualization, not comprehension. Pagination varies due to difficulty ranging from 30-40 up to 80. Pagination is a secondary characteristic to content.
For Intermediate Readers (Levels M-T):
Levels M-P:
Levels M - P are assigned to readers venturing into the more complex stages of intermediate reading. Texts contain complex language and thematic content as well as the understanding of character development. Author style becomes more apparent through structure, humor and descriptions. Advanced literary devices (irony, mystery) are used as the content demands readers to use a variety of comprehensive strategies. Chapter books are longer touching on a multiple problems, plot devices and character development issues. Readers are expected to vicariously relate to the experiences of characters and events. Genres expand to Realistic/Historical Fiction, Biographies and Science Fiction as well as pre-adolescent issues expressed through literal and figurative language. Pagination ranges from 50 - 200. Pagination is a secondary characteristic to content.
Levels Q-T:
Levels Q - T are assigned to readers displaying matured focus and comprehension within the intermediate stage. Sophisticated language, ideas, vocabulary and thematic content are applied. Readers are expected to understand and comprehend the usage of similes, metaphors and other literary devices. Settings expand well beyond the reader's personal experience. Texts include complex plot advancement, character development and symbolism. Genres expand to Informational, Fantasy and Realistic Fiction. Pagination varies as content is the primary characterizing factor of later leveling.
For Advanced Readers (Levels U-Z):
Levels U - Z expand reader comprehension to the most advanced expectations. Subplot, symbolism and sophisticated themes, ideas and concept are utilized. Realistic and Historical fiction present underlying messages. Themes begin to explore the human condition including social and political issues expressed through character suffering and hardships. Moral and ethical dilemmas are introduced. Expanded technical and worldly knowledge is required for absolute comprehension. Expanded vocabulary and literal devices are used with regularity culminating in the understanding of mature themes displayed through graphic hardships and sometimes violence in expression of the human condition.