Tips on Challenging Advanced Readers

Do you have a little reader at your home that you just can’t seem to keep enough books around for? Over the years we’ve had a few readers like this in our homes and we thought it might be fun to sit and chat about ways we keep them challenged.

Plus a few tips for what to do at school.

Here’s your chance to sit in on one of our continuing conversations about what we’re doing with our 6-year-olds with reading.

The best part is you can show up in your jammies, we’ll never know. 

Grab a pen and paper, you might want to write a few notes and grab a glass of something yummy to drink while you listen and watch. Feel free to ask questions in the comment section and we’ll do our best to answer them.

Helpful Tips on Challenging Advanced Readers

1. Provide them with complex texts. Advanced readers are ready for challenging texts that require them to think critically and analyze the material. Choose texts that are at their reading level but that also push them to stretch their thinking.
2. Ask them open-ended questions. Don’t just ask advanced readers questions that have a simple yes or no answer. Instead, ask them questions that require them to think critically and provide their own opinions or insights.
3. Encourage them to discuss their reading. Advanced readers should be encouraged to discuss their reading with others. This can help them to solidify their understanding of the text and to see different perspectives.
4. Provide them with opportunities to write about their reading. Advanced readers should be given opportunities to write about their reading. This can help them to further develop their understanding of the text and to express their own thoughts and ideas.
5. Challenge them to create their own texts. Advanced readers can be challenged to create their own texts, such as stories, poems, or essays. This can help them to develop their writing skills and to express their own creativity.

By following these tips, you can help advanced readers to continue to grow and develop as readers. We sat down together and discussed a few more tips to help you with your advanced reader, we know they can keep you on your toes at times as a parent and even as a teacher.

Watch our video about Challenging Advanced Readers

Here’s the list of a few of the Tips we’re discussing for Challenging Advanced Readers

• Chapter Books
• Visit the Library before or after school
• Become friends with your librarian
• Ways to read for information
• Reader’s Response journal
• Creating a Reading Space for After School
• Book Baskets & Books everywhere….car, restaurant, playroom, kitchen table, bedroom, and bookshelves.

What is an Advanced Reader?

An advanced reader is a child who learns to read early and easily. They may show an interest in reading from a young age and be able to decode words quickly and accurately. Advanced readers often enjoy reading and may read for pleasure outside of school. They may also be able to comprehend complex texts and ideas.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a child becoming an advanced reader. Some of these factors include:

• Early exposure to books and reading
• A positive attitude toward reading
• Good phonological awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds in words)
• Strong vocabulary skills
• A supportive home environment

If you are concerned that your child may not be reading at grade level, it is important to talk to their teacher or a reading specialist. There are a number of interventions that can help children who are struggling to read.

Resources for Your Advanced Readers

• Advanced Readers from Education Week 
• Challenging Children Who are Advanced from Reading Coach Online
• Reading Book List for your Advanced Reader from Scholastic 
• Lexile Levels Video from Lexile 
• Guiding Reading Levels from Scholastic 
• Using Lexile Scores at Home from Metric 
• Five Finger Tip Rule for Choosing Books
• Strengthening Reading Comprehension
• Reading Tips for Kids
• Magic Tree House Books and Activities
• Best Books for Kids Collaborative Pinterest Board 

What works best for challenging your Advanced Reader?

Here are some additional reading resources for your child…