A child’s age may not be a true reflection on their reading ability. Every child develops at different rates and some may be above or below average for their age.

<aside> 💡 “Reading levels are a detailed way to pair your child’s reading ability with books they can successfully read and understand.”

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If a child is reading a book at their reading level or just above, they are more likely to enjoy reading.

Reading books that are appropriate for your ability is important for:

• Above average readers: These children may be given books which they consider too easy for them. They will speed through the books given to them by their parents and will want something else to read. The books given to them may be boring and therefore, they will associate reading as something that is unenjoyable. In reality, they just need books which are a little more challenging. These books will allow them to improve their reading skills, rather than hold them back.
• Below average readers: These children may struggle with learning difficulties or maybe they just haven’t been exposed to enough books to develop their skills. When they are given a book that is above their reading ability, they may become frustrated. This can discourage them and put them off reading altogether. It can also take away the enjoyable aspect of reading.

My product

The product that I would develop would use algorithms and potentially AI to determine a child’s reading ability. It would do this through:

• A series of questions during onboarding
• Asking questions after each book is read e.g. was the book easy, difficult or just right. Each time they get options to chose a new book, the book choice will be more tailored to them

This product would allow parents to keep track of their child’s reading ability to ensure it is developing at a good rate. They can also share the information with their teachers so they can tailor their teaching for them.

Parents can often be focused on what their child’s reading ability is and compare them to others in their class. This can put pressure on children to “catch up” with others and can ultimately lead them to not want to read at all. Children all develop at different levels and they shouldn’t feel left behind if they are struggling.

With this product, I would hope to build the confidence of those who struggle with reading by allowing them to choose suitable books. I would also hope to develop the skills of those who excel at reading and encourage them to keep reading. For both parties, I would hope their love for reading develops and stays with them into adulthood.

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