Katie Swope · Book Engagement Ladder
Find your child's level, then grab a book that meets them there.
Guiding and teaching at the level your child is at leads to better vocabulary, print awareness, and story retell. Start at the bottom, find your child's best-fit level, and meet them there.
Not sure where your child is? Take the free Range of Functioning quiz to find your starting point.
Level 1 · Explores the Book
Your child mouths, pats, or turns pages without following the story. Look for bold, simple pictures, not busy with lots of characters or actions.
Level 2 · Identifies Named Pictures
Your child points to or looks at a picture when you name it. Look for simple scenes and common vocabulary. Repeated, lift-the-flap, or tab books work well.
Level 3 · Fills In the Familiar Word
On a repeated book, your child fills in the last word of a line after you pause. Look for repeated phrases that are visually engaging.
Level 4 · Retells the Story
Your child narrates or acts out part of the story in their own words, even loosely. Look for simple story lines that are visually engaging.
Tip: check your local library first. Most of these are easy to find there, and a fresh stack every few weeks keeps book time exciting.