The paragraph-building block opens: combining simple sentences into compound and complex ones, relative clauses, and extracting the single statement a paragraph makes — a paragraph treated as one unit of thought.
Grade 4 (approx. ages 9–10) · approximate gradeKumon Reading Level DI (Combining Sentences) is the 13th of 26 levels in the Kumon reading program, where children learn the paragraph-building block opens: combining simple sentences into compound and complex ones, relative clauses, and extracting the single statement a paragraph makes — a paragraph treated as one unit of thought. It typically aligns with grade 4 (approx. ages 9–10) reading work, though Kumon places children by ability rather than age, so the grade is a guide, not a rule.
Level DI builds directly on Reading Level CII: 5W1H Questions & Charts and prepares children for Reading Level DII: Topic vs Main Idea. It is one of 26 Kumon reading levels covered in this independent parent guide series.
This is an independent parent guide, not an official curriculum or placement assessment. Topics and pace can vary; your child's instructor can confirm their current work.
Read one passage together, then let your child try the next one alone. A few small exercises to try together — let your child attempt each one first, then use these prompts when they need a nudge.
Original examples written for parents — not scanned worksheets or reproduced passages.
Say: Why did we stay inside? Because of the rain.
Say: Join with because — the rain caused the staying.
We stayed inside because the rain fell.
We stayed inside because the rain fell
Say: Connect the two sentences with who.
Say: The boy who studied hard…
…won the prize.
The boy who studied hard won the prize
Short, calm, and daily beats long and pressured. These small habits make Level DI stick — pick one and start tonight.