Reading is fundamental to academic success. Children spend hours from preschool to third grade learning how to read. From third grade on, children spend hours reading to learn new subject material. As a Peditric Speech Therapist, I’ve been asked the following question: My child is an accurate reader, but seems to read more slowly than his peers. Should I be concerned? For reference, Hasbrauck and Tindal (2006) published reading norms for grades 1-8. The following is a general rule for the number of accurately read words produced in a minute by a young reader by grade.
Reading Norms | Words Read per Minute by Grade:
- By the end of Grade 1, your child should be reading approximately 53 words correctly per minute.
- By the end of Grade 2, your child should be reading approximately 89 words correctly per minute.
- By the end of Grade 3, your child should be reading approximately 107 words correctly per minute.
- By the end of Grade 4, your child should be reading approximately 123 words correctly per minute.
- By the end of Grade 5, your child should be reading approximately 139 words correctly per minute.
- By the end of Grade 6, your child should be reading approximately 150 words correctly per minute.
- By the end of Grade 7, your child should be reading approximately 150 words correctly per minute.
- By the end of Grade 8, your child should be reading approximately 151 words correctly per minute.
This is only a guideline, and there are variations to the speed of successful readers. However, if your child is well below these norms or, if at any time your child is becoming frustrated or unhappy with the speed of their reading, it is advisable to seek help to better allow your child to succeed in their academic setting.
