Do reading scores on school reports seem confusing?

It’s easy to feel lost with all the terms and numbers.

This guide will help you make sense of the scores and show you how to use the information to support your child’s reading journey.

Here’s what you need to know!

1. Know the Basics: What Does the Reading Report Measure?

A reading report often breaks down skills into specific areas, such as:

• Comprehension – understanding and interpreting what’s read.

• Fluency – reading smoothly and accurately.

• Vocabulary – knowing and applying a wide range of words.

Ask yourself: Which areas show your child’s strengths? Where are they facing challenges?

This overview will help you focus on the most important areas as you work with them.

2. Comprehension Is More Than One Skill

Comprehension isn’t just one skill; it’s actually made up of different layers:

• Literal comprehension: Understanding the facts directly in the text.

• Inferential comprehension: Reading between the lines for implied meanings.

• Evaluative comprehension: Making judgments or forming opinions based on the text.

Why this matters: Understanding which aspect of comprehension your child needs help with allows you to target specific areas.

3. What Lexile Levels Mean and How They Help

Your child’s Lexile level is a measure of their reading ability, often shown as a number. This level can help guide you in choosing appropriate reading materials. You can visit Lexile.com for resources and book suggestions based on their score. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Higher Lexile scores indicate more challenging texts with complex vocabulary.

• Lower Lexile scores point to simpler texts that may better match your child’s current reading skills.

Try this: Use Lexile.com to find books that match your child’s level. Reading books within their Lexile range can build confidence and improve comprehension.

4. Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to Strengthen Comprehension Skills

Bloom’s Taxonomy Depth of Knowledge Wheel offers different types of questions that can deepen understanding. Here’s how it works:

• Recall Questions (e.g., "What happened?"): Good for basic understanding.

• Application Questions (e.g., "How would you use this idea?"): Help your child connect reading to their life.

• Analysis Questions (e.g., "Why did it happen?"): Encourage deeper thinking about motives and themes.

Tip: After reading, ask your child questions from each category to help them think critically and develop their comprehension skills.

5. When to Reach Out for Extra Support

If you’re unsure about any part of the report, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. Teachers can clarify the scores, give you updates on classroom activities, and offer guidance for at-home support. And if you still have questions or want more targeted support, consider connecting with a tutor who can work with your child one-on-one.

Remember, the reading report is more than just numbers—it’s a powerful tool for helping your child grow as a reader.

With a clearer understanding of the report, you can set practical goals, provide the right support at home, and feel confident in your child’s progress.

Use these strategies to make the most of your child’s reading report and to guide them on their path to reading success.