Use Reading Programs for Third Graders to Prepare for Chapter Books

November 2, 2021

Reading Programs for Third Graders

By the time children reach third grade, they may have mastered sounds, sound blends and even grown to understand the basics of story comprehension. They can retell the basics of stories and maybe offer their own opinion about what they liked or didn’t like about the book.

In third grade, reading gets a little harder. This may be the chapter book year. Comprehension expectations may be a bit more involved. Reading programs for third graders can help them prepare to read chapter books, if they aren’t quite yet ready to dig into those longer books.

How Can Reading Programs for Third Graders Help Them Read Chapter Books?

Reading programs that offer more instructional lessons and content can help children who may be a bit nervous about starting longer books gain confidence. Reading more helps children become better readers.

Even if children aren’t reading below grade level, the more complex story plots and plentiful pages of chapter books could be intimidating. Reading content on reading programs could gradually expose children to longer stories.

Many reading programs—including Readability—are leveled to ensure that content is ideal for each reader. As children progress in their reading ability, the stories become more difficult and complex. Advancing through these levels can help children gain more reading experience and maybe become more proficient, too.

3rd Grade Reading Tutor Near Me

Some children may hesitate to read longer books because they do struggle with reading. They may lack confidence or have difficulty decoding words or understanding the story. They may get lost because reading is so difficult.

Parents may research third grade reading tutors. They may wonder “how do I find a reading tutor near me?” While there are many companies that specialize in helping to match children up with reputable tutors, reading programs also could provide virtual tutoring.

So how does this online virtual tutor work with reading programs?

Readability offers a built-in AI tutor. This unique tutor features voice recognition software that understands each child’s voice. With Readability, children read stories and lessons aloud. While reading, the tutor can understand when a child has mispronounced a word or is struggling.

When the tutor detects that a child needs help, it will provide assistance and feedback. The AI tutor also asks questions at the end of each story to test the child’s comprehension of what they read.

Children also can learn new words in each story they read. If they find a word that they don’t know, they can click on it and learn the definition.

The AI tutor acts as a personalized instructor for lessons. This ensures that children don’t feel that they are reading alone or without help. The tutor can always provide guidance.

Children only advance to a more difficult level when they have demonstrated proficiency with both reading fluency and comprehension. Sometimes children may need to stay at the same level for a longer duration. This shouldn’t concern parents. Every child is unique and progress can’t be rushed!

How Parents Can Help Their Third Grader Get Ready to Read Chapter Books

Parents can read chapter books to their child. In fact, parents can read chapter books to children before they even begin kindergarten!

When reading chapter books aloud to children, parents should make sure that the book is appropriate for their age. Some books might be too advanced in content for younger children. Parents should find books that might resonate with the child’s experiences and age.

For older kids, parents can let children pick books they want to read. Maybe they aren’t yet ready to read a certain book series, but they are really interested in the books. Parents can read these aloud to children.

Parents also can search for books by reading level. However, letting children actually pick their books (even books that parents read aloud) might be a better way to ensure that children stay excited about reading and engaged with the story.

Reading chapter books aloud to children might help them understand that the length of the book isn’t so intimidating. Parents can also read books a chapter at a time. After each chapter, parents and kids can talk about what’s happening in the book.

Talking about the book can help parents better understand that their child comprehends what is being read. If children are completely lost or confused or even disengaged, the book might be too difficult or involved.

Reading Programs for Third Graders

Introducing Chapter Books

When third graders feel ready to delve into books with chapters, parents might help them find chapter books that are shorter in length. These shorter chapter books can feel less overwhelming. Children can gradually graduate to longer chapter books.

Eventually, children will find books, series, genres and authors that resonate with them. While children should feel free to choose their own books, parents can encourage them to try and read popular favorites. Some books are universally loved, and these books can be a great intro to chapter books.

Beloved authors include Judy Blume, Lois Lowry, and, of course, Beverly Cleary.

Can Reading Games Help Third Graders

Reading games or apps that encourage literacy skills through game play can help children with basic skills like phonics, letter recognition, sound blends and even sight words.

Third graders might still have a list of sight words that they are expected to memorize. Parents could download games that help them practice these must-know words.

Children who are behind peers or who still struggle with basic concepts of literacy (like letter recognition and sounds) might benefit from games that help them develop these skills. Reading programs that are lesson-based (like Readability) can help children with these skills, too.

Reading Programs for Third Graders

Using Readability to Help Children Gain Reading Confidence

Parents whose children read at grade level but lack confidence to try to read harder books may want to encourage their child to use more immersive learning programs like Readability to help them. But how can parents know that a reading program or a virtual tutor will help?

Reading programs are all different. Readability grows with children and can be used from preschool through fifth grade; the program can be used by struggling readers or readers who want to gain confidence reading aloud. Not every program will be beloved by every child.

For this reason, many programs offer free trial periods that let children and their parents explore the program and all its features. Readability offers a free seven-day trial period; this free period allows children and parents to access stories and content via the program.

Parents are encouraged to sit with their children during a few lessons so they can become more familiar with the program, too. Children can explore all the immersive features. They will notice that all stories include colorful pictures and interactive content.

If children enjoy using Readability and parents feel confident that it’s a good fit, then they don’t need to do anything more. When signing up for a free trial, parents need to enter payment information; while Readability won’t bill for those who cancel their trial, those who wish to continue will be billed automatically.

Readability is a month-to-month subscription program. This means that parents can cancel the subscription at any time! And one subscription can be used for up to three users (this is a great feature for families who have multiple children that need reading help).

Ready to try Readability and its virtual tutoring assistance? Sign up today!