At Zion, we teach the "five finger rule." When searching for a book, students should open to any page and start to read. As they come across words they don't know, they hold up a finger. By the end of the page, if students have five or more fingers up (5+ words they don't know), they should realize the book is too difficult. If they have no fingers up, that book might be too easy.
Accelerated Reader
Did you know that most Berenstain Bears books are written at a 3rd grade reading level? It's often hard for us, as adults, to judge the difficulty of a children's book. Accelerated Reader is a program that organizes books by readability. You could refer to this website as starting point to help your child choose appropriate books. (A book level (BL) of 3.7 indicates the average 3rd grader in the 7th month of school should be able to read it.)
Listen to a Parent
Children can listen at a higher level than they can read to themselves, which means they are never too old to be read to! I notice many children wanting to read difficult books that have been made into movies or are popular among their older siblings. Choose a book that is 2-3 grade levels above your child's reading level.
Books on Tape
Most libraries let you borrow books on tape, and I would also recommend checking out the actual book, itself. Then, your child can follow along as they listen to the story. Books on tape provide great exposure to vocal expression and fluid, well-paced reading.
Closed Captioning
Why not make the most of screen time? If you turn on the closed captioning during TV shows and movies, your child can't help but read the words as they appear on the screen. (According to The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease, The Cosby Show script was written at a 3rd-4th grade reading level.)
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