finding a 'just right' book
It can be difficult finding a book for your child that is not too hard or too easy, but is just right. There are some simple tricks your child can use to select a book that is at their reading level.
The 5 Finger Rule
Easy Books
Hard Books
Just Right Books
The 5 Finger Rule
- Choose a book that you think you will enjoy.
- Turn to any page in the book.
- Hold up a finger for each word you are not sure of, or do not know.
- If there are five or more words you did not know, you should choose an easier book.
Easy Books
- Do I understand what I am reading?
- Do I know almost every word?
- When I read it aloud, can I read it smoothly?
Hard Books
- Are there five or more words on a page that I don't know, or am unsure of?
- Is this book confusing and hard to understand by myself?
- When I read it aloud, does it sound choppy and slow?
Just Right Books
- Do I know most of the words on a page?
- Do I understand what I am reading?
- Is the book is a little challenging? Is it not too easy or not too hard?