I have a 9-year-old reading on grade level. What can I do to encourage her to move beyond this point?

Wow—it sounds like she’s got a great start. So many children struggle to read at grade level, it’s nice to hear about your success. A good place to start is increasing her exposure to vocabulary words and reading materials that are a bit beyond her. Tune into a key interest that she has—books on pioneer children, space, animals—whatever is a real interest or fun topic for her. Let her read books at grade level, and then sprinkle in a book or two that is just one grade level above. Take turns reading this higher-level book with her (i.e., you read a page, she reads a page). Help her with any words that she has difficulty with. Even if it’s a bit harder, because she’s interested in the story/subject, and you’re right there with her, it should be a fun experience for the both of you—thus increasing her vocabulary usage and reading abilities.

Also, just as part of your reading routine, pick a book that is a few grade levels higher and read it to her—a couple pages or chapters a night, whatever works for both of you. Letting her hear bigger vocabulary words and the different ways they’re used will also increase her understanding of these words. A word of caution—move slowly and don’t push. Make sure it stays fun and interesting. Make sure reading is a fun and delightful activity, not a daily chore. Good luck and enjoy the process of working and learning with your child.