Son Reading Fifth Grade Level Books in First Grade

Yep...I was college level by fifth grade...I still LOVE to read.
like Marie C. said just because it was below my "level" I still enjoyed Judy Blume books, Nancy Drew, Encyclopedia Brown, tons of the "kids" classics.

I also was able to really appreciate the required reading material for each level. I read it quickly and got the point quickly but still it amazed me that others didn't "get the book".

I went to the public library once a week and was very close to my elementary, middle school and high school librarians even being aides for some of them.

Just find him books that he likes to read...my son reads several grades ahead of himself BUT when he grabs a book for fun, it is Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Calvin and Hobbs. The older favorites and younger reading levels...but he likes them.

For me fiction was fun reading no matter what the "level"...I had read all of Agatha Christie by six or seventh grade, but still loved those Nancy Drew.

The biggest advantage I had was doing non-fiction research I could read more and find out more on any given topic because I could understand it. I rocked science fair all the way through high school.

Let him have fun with it and enjoy reading!!

The hard thing about having an young advanced reader will be finding books to hold his interest, yet are age appropriate. Been there, done that, had to relax a little bit!

Don't create more "homework" for him, or you'll make him want to stop reading. Just let it be.

He is in first grade. Let him enjoy being a first grader. Ask his teacher for some guidance. I know I would not want my first grader reading what fifth graders read.

I'm a reading specialist, so I'm going to answer based on my professional experiences. Please keep in mind that because I don't know your son, I'm answering based on generalities.

I often have parents come and tell me that their child is reading several years above grade level. I assess the student and find that the child can read most of the words at that level, but they don't have the vocabulary, higher level comprehension, or genre background to truly be a strong reader at that level. They basically can read the story and tell me the basics of what happened. But if I ask them to deeper questions that require analysis or synthesis they don't have a clue.

Think of it like visiting the ocean. Anyone can put their feet in the water and describe what they see but it takes a higher level of skill to snorkel. And when you snorkel you see a whole new depth to the ocean. Gain more skill and you can scuba dive and go to even greater depths.

A lot of 5th grade level books get into topics that a 1st grade student won't get just because they lack the experiences and background that they need to understand it. Think boy/girl relationships, bullying, death, eating disorders, dystopian society, etc. To truly comprehend a text, the reader needs to be able to get the deeper meaning. Think about how man kids' movies you have watches that have jokes the kids don't get, but adults get.

Vocabulary and shades of meaning in words at critical. For example, does the reader know the difference between cheap and frugal? Does the reader understand the relationship between fertile and fertilize?

Rather than pushing 5th grade books on your son, let him read what interests him. Have him read a wide range of genres to broaden his vocabulary. Focus on nonfiction books, poetry, fantasy, etc. Have him read series books. They will help him to learn how authors craft their writing. Comprehension and vocabulary are much more important than reading the words.

I was the same way when I was a kid. By the time I was in 3rd grade, I was able to read and comprehend college-level materials.

Honestly, I was never bored. My parents did nothing to help or hinder my reading, other than making sure I had access to books. My school librarian was my best resource... I visited her at least once a week. Lol.

Also, just because he is reading at a higher level, doesn't mean he is bored at the lower levels. I LOVED the Boxcar Children series, and the Babysitter's Club (and little sisters offshoot...) even though it was a lower level than I could have read at.

He doesn't NEED to be challenged with his reading. Honestly, if you turn it into a challenge, you run the risk of killing the enjoyment and enthusiasm for reading, which would be quite a shame.

As for boredom... I used to keep a book at my desk to read when I was finished with my work. In the classroom, it's up to his teacher to keep him from being bored. Reading comprehension doesn't necessarily mean he will also be advanced in other subjects. Personally, I really struggled with math. The other subjects came easier to me, but I was still challenged just as much as my peers. The only difference was that I could read through the text faster. (Which made me really popular in homework groups in high school. Lol.)

I remember reading 5th grade level books (and up) summer after 1st grade. I had older sisters, so I basically went from Dr. Seuss to Judy Blume. I wasn't any special kind of smart or anything, just a kid who really enjoyed reading, and had access to higher level stuff.

If he enjoys reading higher level books, let him. I was never limited or censored in what I was allowed to read, the literary world was my oyster.

Just because he can read several grade levels ahead, doesn't mean he'll find the entire 1st and 2nd grade curriculum boring, or beyond him... reading at a high level may allow him to breeze through some of it, but it shouldn't preclude him from enjoying it and still learning from it.

The more he reads, the smarter he'll get, too ; ) The good news is he can now read stuff you yourself may find interesting. So yes, read along with him, discuss, and form your own little book club!

I was also an advanced reader at a young age. I would just let him read what he wants to within reason and make sure that his teacher offers him appropriate "filler" activities when he's done with his work and the rest of the kids aren't. There are lots of books with more challenging content that are still appropriate for young kids. I used to read series such at Little House on the Prairie, Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, Encyclopedia Brown, and lots and lots and lots of Judy Blume (Superfudge, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, etc.). I went to a very small Catholic school that had no enrichment or differentiated instruction. I was allowed to read what I wanted to and aced all of my spelling and reading work with no effort for many years. Rather than being bored, it made school quite enjoyable for me.

One of my kids is a disruptive student and of course one of the angles is "maybe he's bored" (because he's bright) and finally, a developmental pediatrician basically said that kids that are *just* bright challenge and entertain themselves in school (which is what I did...I loved learning everything and would just read ahead or read something else and wait for the lesson to be over, draw, etc.) and that those who are "bored" have other behavioral issues going on. Many kids who are disruptive would be disruptive regardless of their academic potential, and many kids who are fast learners learn to work within the limits of the school system to still get the education they need. So don't think that just because he's advanced that he'll automatically find himself in trouble or acting out, which is a fear that a lot of parents have.

Ask his teacher and librarian for recommendations of books that are good for his age but challenging and make sure his classroom is stocked with selections for him and any other advanced readers and that they allow him to borrow those books from the library and don't restrict his selection to first grade level. There is a series called Great Illustrated Classics that my middle son loved in 3rd grade and was considered somewhat advanced for that grade...they were kid versions of classics such as Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, Moby Dick, Black Beauty, etc. and those might be a good for your son.

Just give him fun things to read.
What ever interests him!
We read books about sharks, firetrucks, dragons, dinosaurs - what ever our son wanted to know about I made sure I found books about it for him.
Boredom in the classroom is something many kids have to learn to deal with.
He'll have to slog through the boring stuff but once he's finished with what he has to do, then comes the fun stuff you can provide!
Don't let the school limit what he can learn.
You find ways to keep him excited and engaged in learning.

My son reads at a very high level and he was an early reader, too. I just have to echo what a lot of other moms have already said -- let him read whatever he likes, give him a broad range of options and read along with him! I was always an avid reader who devoured books from the time I was young, and my son is the same way. Don't worry about comprehension questions, just let him enjoy reading everything.

You should be discussing this with his teacher. First grade teachers have lots of experience dealing with a very wide range of abilities (so common at this age!) She will have a guided reading list for him and will be able to tell you how to best support him at home. Likely there are other advanced readers in the class and they will be given access to more challenging books.

The topics and subject matter, are very different in 5th grade books, than 1st grade.
Would you really want him to be reading about Preteen or Teenager subject matters, about boy/girl relationships and language, and otherwise?

So you need to, pick and choose, the books per subject matter.

The 'Redwall" book series is good.
Or, go to the Scholastic website, and see what books per subject matter is appropriate for him per his age.

He may be reading at advanced levels, but he is still 1st grade in age and development and in emotional development.

Totally not following your logic. Because he prefers a longer book with a more developed plot line he is therefore smarter and will be bored in school?

I know people a lot smarter than me who love! Family Guy. Can't stand that childish show. Does this one data point make me advanced or can we call it what it is, different taste.

Besides all the kids I know who were into reading were not that great at other subjects so they were never bored, they just spent the extra time learning the subjects they stunk at.

Yes!! When my oldest was in 3rd grade she was tested for the gifted program. The psychologist gave her several reading comprehension test and her lowest score was 9.7 grade and her highest was 11.7 grade. 2 years ago she had a perfect score on the writing portion of the PSSAs and she missed a perfect score on the reading comprehension by 1 question. She recently scored in the 95% on the PSAT. I am hoping she scores like this on the SAT and can get a few scholarships.

My youngest daughter is in 5th grade and her reading level tested at a 12.2 grade level a few months ago.

To answer your question...my oldest was a classic underachiever through elementary school. Very bored in school until HS which is a challenge for her. My youngest is an easy child and just does what she is suppose to do. She doesn't like her school reading books and she gets frustrated with the pace but academically she does great and goes with the flow. she brings her kindle to school and often finishes a book during the school day.

My advice...don't excuse bad behavior or habits on boredom.
Buy your son a kindle if you haven't already and let him read, read, read:)

Both my daughter and grandson were early, self-taught readers. He's now in 3rd grade, and he reports a bit of boredom, but his teachers have been great at differentiation within the classroom, and he's challenged along with the other advanced readers in his class. So we don't sweat the comprehension, since that's obviously excellent. We read for pleasure, both fiction and non, which is one of the best ways to keep kids enjoying reading. He's currently reading at high school level, and while he's a very active kid, he loves his books more all the time.

Our attention is more focused on grandboy's areas of challenge, which, at this stage, have more to do with fine motor control and neat penmanship. We do lots of art projects and balancing games (Blockhead this morning!) to help him develop in those areas.

I've always been an enthusiastic reader, but I had to drop a book club once where the nice people got together to discuss the kinds of questions we got in high school to test comprehension. Good heavens, was that boring. I dropped the club after about 3 meetings, before it ruined my pleasure in reading.

The most important thing to remember is that just because he is capable of reading at that level doesn't necessarily mean he SHOULD be reading at that level. Remember, books like The Hunger Games or Twilight are at that level. I'd find him books on subjects that he loves and if the reading level is a little low for his capabilities, don't worry about it. Challenge him with questions that cause him to think deeper than just the words that he's dead and develop his love of reading.

IMO, keep doing what you are doing. Encourage him to continue to read interesting and challenging books. Perhaps have him suggest one you read together and then talk about. But I would mostly encourage his reading for fun and not make it into a literary lesson. Boys can be hard to get to read and your son enjoys reading. Don't squash it. If you think he will be bored, talk to his teachers about appropriate reading programs in school. He may be eligible for a different reading program from his classmates.

Yes, I know two little boys who read way way above grade level.

Chickpea was the same. She's in second grade now and reading at a 7th grade level. Yes, you can ask him comprehension questions if you are worried that he doesn't understand, but mostly, just let him read what he finds interesting. If you buy a Kindle, he can use he dictionary if he doesn't understand a word.

His school must be aware of his reading level. Ask them what they do to differentiate for him. I was bored in Reading/ELA from 3rd grade through 8th grade because of this same issue. The library saved my sanity.

I have a similar son.. tsught himself to read at 4.. now in first grade. The teacher didnt test his reading level all the way...he did fine up to level k,. (2Nd grade).. he cant write..penmanship is poor..his stories are not wellde veloped...

So he is in first grade..reading is easy for him,..writing is hard...math is ok...let your son be. He is an early reader but the other kids wll catch up.

I am curious how you determined he is reading at a 5th grade level. I always hear about kids reading Harry Potter in Kindergarten (not my kid). I would think your son's teacher or a librarian would have material that is more advanced, yet age appropriate.

My son is a strong reader for first grade, but I think he is within range. His school started Raz-Kids a couple of months ago (January). It has levels aa thru Z (5th grade). My son is in first and can read the level V, yet has trouble answering the questions. He is assigned to level O and it is fun for him to read it. I personally do not think Raz Kids is a real way to determine reading level, but it gives parents a ballpark idea. Most teachers give advice to not push the kids with reading advanced material. They want them reading a lot and for enjoyment. They would not want me encouraging my son to read level V. Also, the school does not label the kids (at least I have not been told his reading grade level). I would guess 2nd grade (a little above, but not extreme).

http://www.raz-kids.com/main/ViewPage/name/help_chart/

My preschool daughter can not read, but she is on level D. The first few levels are easy to memorize or guess because of the pictures.

Hasn't your school tested him for their accelerated reading program. Ours has the kids in the group doing work 2 years ahead (not 4) but they go into a lot of depth in what they are reading. The sort of text analysis I don't remember doing until high school.

At home - let him read what he wants. Go to the library a lot and let the librarian help him. We were allowed to take out as many books as we could carry when we were in elementary school (smart rule by my mom) and we did. Be a little bit careful - while his reading skills may be advanced, that does not mean he is in any way ready for YA themes in his literature.

My daughter has always read far above her age level. I never quizzed her on comprehension, I figured if she didn't understand a book, she would either ask me about it or put it down and read something else. I just let her read what she wanted to for the sheer pleasure of reading.

I have an advanced reader like that.....

I found her yesterday in the baby's room reading a toddler book. She smiled and said, "I love this book."

I'm with Sue t.

I follow my child's lead. We homeschool. I take her to the library, and she checks out books. She reads a lot of math readers. She also like science. But I never quiz her, nor do I worry about what she is reading, I follow her lead.

Why don't I quiz her? Does someone quiz you when you're done reading a book? How would you like it if they did? Like I said, I follow her lead. I assume that because she is reading X, she understands and enjoys it. Usually when someone reads a book all the way through on his/her own this is the case, so I assume it to be no different with my brand new 6 year old.

I tried to figure out her reading level based on comprehension at this time last year. I stopped after she tested out of 3rd. It's been a year, so I'd think she's at a 4th or 5th? It's just too bad there aren't any books at that level written for her experience level :-)

Just let your child be. That's usually the best thing you can do.

That's my son! He was reading 6th grade level books in 2nd grade. He's a really great reader and we just have to make sure to find books that he will enjoy, will challenge him, yet still are good for his maturity level. The librarian has been extremely helpful. Sometimes I will read a book first before giving it to him if I am not sure...since now he's reading at a young adult level. The school put him in the "gifted" program which he really, really enjoys. He goes to that 3x a week, so he does miss some classroom time. They are always working on different research projects in there that the kids are interested in, and they give multimedia presentations to the parents. He has become an excellent public speaker through this. He is in 4th grade now and is fine in his grade level classroom though because he is challenged enough with doing book reports, and especially math. He got a teacher this year who gives a ton of homework. He might read at a very high level, but he is where he should be.

His comprehension could be different than his actual reading level for sure. My daughter is an extremely advanced reader. She's in second grade reading pretty much anything and everything, even NYT articles...but of course her actual comprehension is less. Still great, but less. We homeschool, so I have a whole grammar/writing curriculum based on comprehension that I do with her, so I know she's GOOD at comprehension, but not nearly as good as she is at reading. We have practiced answering detailed questions to all her reading and doing sequence of story drills etc. With practice, she has improved. So. Yeah. Let him read read read, but be aware, he probably does not ABSORB and COMPREHEND books that far above his level. He will. But you don't want to do anything to turn him off to reading.

He could very well get bored in school, so definitely be sure you challenge him at home and encourage him to talk to you about what he's reading. That's the best way to see if he's getting it. In our area, the books they have kids reading in public schools are pretty air-headed and fluffy just to "con kids into reading" it seems, so be sure he has books of substance to read and discuss at home. Some classics listed in first and second grade levels in Charlotte Mason's lists would be considered high school level to some...so "5th grade level" is subjective too. Here are some great reading lists to make sure his brain is optimally challenged, links by grade in left column:
https://www.amblesideonline.org/curriculum.shtml

I have two that are on par and two that are ahead. None of my kids get 'bored' with reading. I have tons of books available to them at home and I read (I feel that I excelled at reading because I saw my parents reading).
Something that I have done with my two that are ahead is journaling. They tend to get bored with the schools Raz Readers site rather quickly, so I hand them their journal and they can build upon the raz kids stories or make their own. My second grader is ahead in reading and always aces her spelling tests-she loves to make her own books. I just supply her with magazines to cut pictures out of. my two that are on par for their age usually get encouraged when they hear how creative her stories, essays, and poems are.
Just keep it light and fun. It's not a requirement-just a suggestion.

Speak with the school Librarian.

We had the same problem at our school. A kindergartner came to school reading on a 5th grade level and by the end of the year he was easily reading on the 7th grade level.

The elementary librarian worked with the middle school Librarian to find the appropriate books.

They spoke with him to determine his interest and then were able to find fiction and nonfiction to meet his needs. He was a bit more mature than his 5 then 6 years of age. So they worked with that too.

He was fascinated by space and Science fiction.. so they were able to supply him with those as well as other subjects.

No need to test comprehension. Reading for fun should be fun!

Just find lots of books for him to read at home that will keep him interested - which means you need to read them first, unless you don't mind him stumbling onto things you might wish he didn't know.

For example, last year I gave my then 1st-grader the Judy Blume series that starts with Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. He LOVED the books, would laugh out loud at them. Little did I know that in one of the books, the main character explains to his little brother the truth about Santa. I wasn't prepared for that yet, but it was my own fault for not reading the book before I gave it to him.

So - learn from my lesson and find chapter books that interest him AND read them first to make sure that the content is appropriate.

FYI - for the past year, my son has loved the Dan Gutman books "My Weird School Daze". The characters don't always have great behavior, but as long as your child understand that he can't copy the behavior he reads about in books, they are ok. The characters do silly stuff, but at least they don't have too much tween boy-girl drama, which is what I'm trying to avoid at this point.

I definitely think it's important to make sure he's really comprehending what he's reading. I don't just mean at a basic level, where he can repeat the storyline. I mean talking about asking him questions that require deeper level thinking. That is what will prepare him for later grades when he really needs to answer test questions about the things he reads. I'm sure he knows what's happening in the story, but does he know why the author chose to write it a certain way, or what he's hoping the reader will learn from it? Is it critical for a first grader to know this stuff? No. But, if you're looking for ways to challenge your son, that is better than having him read books that he's capable of reading but that have content that may be too mature.