Letter P.A.L.S. K- 3rd grade program, featuring the Pet Shop Pen Pals, is not a leveled reading program. It is intended to serve as a free content resource used in a shared/guided reading environment. Although the letters have been tested and will range from a 1.3 grade/reading level to a 3.0 grade reading level. Every weekly letter for the K-3rd grade 2007 Winter Session program will be the same for Kindergarten, First, Second and Third Grades, however, starting in the 2007 Fall Session there will be a separate program letters for K-1 and Grades 2-3.

Every child reads differently, even children in the same grade. There is an easy way to see how you and your child should read a Letter P.A.L.S. letter. Have your child read the first page of the letter out loud. Count the number of words he or she has trouble with. If it is only a few (1-5) words, the letter should be read BY your child as you listen. If it is 6-10 words, read the letter WITH your child and be ready to help with unfamiliar words and phrases. If your child struggles with more than 10 words on the first page, read the letter TO your child.

Typically, Kindergarten and First Grade students will need the letter read TO them, Second Graders will need to be read WITH or BY them, and Third Graders will read each letter BY them.

Please choose what you feel is most appropriate for your child and enjoy the time spent together learning about the lives of their new friends!

By working together, all children can become strong readers!