Independent Reading: Finding Books Within Your Lexile

Name: ______Block: ______

Independent Reading: Finding Books within Your Lexile

You will need to have a book with you during each class and during ELT. This will be your independent reading book. You may get 10 minutes in class to read it, you might get 20. You might not get to read it at all some days. You must have it with you each day – you never know when you’ll need it! Students will not be permitted to go to the library or their lockers when it is time for independent reading; if you forget your book, you’ll just have to find something in the classroom to read. You will receive more information on independent reading in class later on. REQUIREMENT: Your independent reading book must be within (or reasonably higher than) your Lexile range. This range is generated using the results of the MAP test you took last spring. I will give you your personal Lexile score before we head to the library – this is private information, so you do not need to share it. How do I know I’m choosing the right book? To find books at or above your Lexile score, you will need to go to www.lexile.com. Once there, click on “Looking for books?” Then select “Advanced Book Search” from the options on the left hand side of the screen. This will take you to a search page (see example below). Poke around here and discover the various modes of searching for a book. Instructions to generate a list of possible books 1. You will see where you can enter a Lexile range to search for books that fall within that level. In the space for “Min” type in your lower number, then in the “Max” space type in your upper number. 2. Now look down a little further for the “Book Type” area. Select the type of book you are looking for. Most of you will want fiction. 3. Next, go to the “Development Rating” and select “Middle School.” 4. Finally, you might want to adjust the “Results per page” to 100. This will enable you to see more results at once. 5. Hit SEARCH! **To generate a different list, go back to the Advanced Search page and try adding 50 to your Max number. Also try switching your Development Rating to High School, or don’t choose a rating at all.** Browse through the results and see what you come up with. Jot down anything that sounds interesting in the blanks below. Please fill in at least two books. You will turn this form in as we leave the library.

Your Lexile Range: ______to ______(+50 = ______)

Title: ______Author: ______ISBN #: ______Lexile score: ______

Now that you’ve listed some choices, look for them in our library. You can search by title, author or Lexile within the library’s database. You will need to have a book within or reasonably above your Lexile range by the time we leave the library. Please ask Mrs. Hart or Mrs. McPhail if you need any help at all.

1.2.1 The student uses knowledge of conventions and text features to read fluently at instructional or independent reading levels. 1.3.2 The student locates and uses reference materials available in the classroom, school, and public libraries (e.g., dictionaries, thesauri, atlases, encyclopedias, internet) that are appropriate to the task. 1.4.13 The student follows directions explained in technical text.