When do I adjust a student's goal?
It is essential that students using Read Naturally work in the level of material that both challenges them and allows them to succeed. Consequently, teachers need to continuously observe each student in order to know when to change reading levels and goals.
Occasionally, you will need to adjust a reading level or goal within a few days of beginning the program because of an incorrect initial placement. Usually, however, students work in their initial level and with their initial goal for at least two weeks and sometimes for several weeks before you need to adjust their levels and goals.
You need to consider raising goal rates or reading levels when one or more of the following descriptions apply to the student:
- Cold reading rates constantly increase.
- Only needs to read along once or twice.
- Only needs to practice a story without the tape a few times.
- Consistently surpasses his/her goal.
- Begins to show signs of boredom.
For more information, see Adjusting Levels, Goals, and Steps.