home

=Fountas & Pinnell Book Levels=

**What can I do if a book is not leveled?***
If you can’t find a level for a book, compare it to similar, leveled books. Keep in mind you will need to assess whether or not a book is developmentally appropriate for a given student or group. For example, just because a young student can read a book about the Holocaust does not mean the subject is appropriate for that student. Another example is a book written in dialect may be difficult for students to comprehend. Remember leveling systems are just guides.

Observe your unique students, the subject matter, your colleagues and parents. Be flexible and trust your judgment. A well-informed teacher who understands leveling systems and knows her students will make wise choices about books. This chart gives a description of what to expect from the words and sentences in the different F&P levels.

As you compare consider the following:
 * Vocabulary, word choice
 * Sentence length and complexity
 * Length of book
 * Subject matter
 * Repetition, predictability
 * Picture support
 * Age appropriateness/Interest level

Searchable Databases - looking for the level of a book? Try a leveled database.
Conversion Charts - compare Fountas & Pinnell levels to reading levels in other programs. @Our Library Catalog - information about searching Destiny for leveled books.

= =

__Resources Consulted__
 * Leveled Reading Systems by Ruth Manna. http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749268