How to use your student's reading level to choose the correct Sonlight Core or Multi-Subject Package

After you use the Quick Reading Assessment to determine your children's reading level, please consider two other important factors as you choose your Sonlight program(s):

1. Age - Though young children sometimes read at very advanced levels, please note that the content in those Sonlight levels may contain material that is too mature for young children. We suggest you use your children's reading level as the maximum level they could be in, but then consult the Sonlight Core or Multi-Subject Package information in your Sonlight Catalog or on our website to make sure your students fit in the typical age range for that program. (Please know that if you choose a program for a child outside of the recommended age range, you will have to adjust the material as you go to make it suitable for your child.)

   Note: Once your students read above the Readers H level, you no longer need to consider their reading level when you choose their Sonlight Curriculum program; you may choose strictly by age or other factors.

2. Language Arts Abilities - Sonlight's Language Arts programs coordinate with the Readers in our Core programs. For example, if you choose Core D, then you should choose the Language Arts D program because its assignments reference the Readers in Core D. Therefore, before choosing a reading level, it's helpful to consider whether or not your student has the Language Arts skills for that particular reading level. You can view the topics addressed at each Language Arts level by looking at the Topics and Skills list in our Language Arts IG samples. These skills include but are not limited to: mechanics (e.g., capitalization, punctuation); grammar (e.g., subject-verb agreement); writing ability; and fine motor skills. If you have a very young advanced reader (e.g., a 5-year-old who reads at a 3rd grade level), you may also want to consider his or her fine motor skills when choosing a reading/language arts level.

Usually used by...

At the top of each of our product pages you will find two indicators to help you determine if that product is appropriate for your student. One is for the ages and the other is the grade levels that the product.

EXAMPLE: A product with the age and grade levels shown above is usually used by students between the ages of 7-9 who have a grade level of 2, 3 or 4. Even if a 6-year-old has a 3^rd grade reading level, this product may not be appropriate because of his or her age.

Please also consider the product samples as you consider your selections.

For free, personalized advice, you may chat with one of our live Sonlight Curriculum Advisors. You can also visit Sonia, our online internet advisor. Get better advice while browsing Sonlight by filling in your student profiles on our site.