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.

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: 

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

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

  
  

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: 

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

• Encourage pupils to share the books that they have read and enjoyed with others who have a similar 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 slightly above their individual range. This is because choice is important when it comes to reading for pleasure. 

  
  

Provide Support 

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

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

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

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

  
  

Monitor and Adjust

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.