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ZPD Reading Level: Guide to Supporting Children's Reading Progress

Feb 27

2 min read

The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is a tool to help children choose books with a suitable level of challenge. In this article, we explore the ZPD Reading Level and the tools you can use to enhance the process.


What is the ZPD reading level?

The ZPD represents the spot between what a pupil can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. In reading, this basically means the gap between a pupil’s independent reading level and their potential level with support.

Using ZPD reading levels effectively can help schools and parents encourage progress while maintaining reading for pleasure.


Step 1: Assess current reading levels

The first step to using the ZPD, is to know your pupils current reading level. You will have your own system for doing this but here are some of our suggestions:


  • Regular reading: Make sure you are carrying out regular reading assessments to determine each pupil’s independent reading level.

  • Reading level: Identify their instructional reading level - this is slightly above their independent level and represents the upper bound of their ZPD.


Step 2: Create a ZPD-friendly book selection

Once you have the pupil’s ZPD,  make sure it is easy for children to discover books within their ZPD. Here are some ideas of how you might do this: 


  • Levelled reading systems: Use levelled reading systems like Lexile to match books to students' ZPDs.

  • Share insights: Encourage pupils to share the books that they have read and enjoyed with others who have a similar ZPD. 


Class ZPD: Some schools use a class ZPD range rather than individual ZPDs, this allows a bit of leeway for pupils to choose books that they want to read, even if they are


A selection of different picture books.

Step 3: Provide support for ZPD reading levels

The ZPD is also about what students can do with support. Here's how to provide that support:


  • Paired reading activities: Implement paired reading activities, matching students of different reading levels. Some schools use Reading Ambassadors, where older pupils support younger pupils.

  • Book discussions: Find some time in the curriculum to have book discussions to deepen comprehension and provide guidance. 

  • Start a book club: Consider starting a book club. Some schools use a volunteer or ‘Reading Ambassadors’ in their school to do this.


Step 4: Monitor and adjust ZPD levels over time

The ZPD reading level is not static and will change over time. Here are some reminders of ways to keep on top of this:


  • Regularly reassess pupils' reading levels.

  • Adjust book recommendations as pupils progress.

  • Be flexible - some pupils may progress faster in certain areas or genres.


We recommend using ZPD as a guide but ensuring that children still have choice when it comes to books that they would like to read. This is important when looking at creating engaged readers. 


Supporting reading progress with Pageticker

Pageticker is a new digital reading record that allows parents to log their children's reading progress and share it with schools.


  • Personalised recommendations: Our platform allows teachers to recommend reading-level appropriate books for children.

  • Easy parent-teacher communication: Seamless sharing of reading progress between home and school


Exploring digital reading records? Try Pageticker now.



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