How to Find a Just Right Book
A simple method to determine whether or not a book is too difficult for your independent reading.
Have you ever wondered . . .
Is this
book the right reading level for my child?
To find out
try the Five Finger Rule
Guidelines below apply to readers of all ages.
For Independent Reading . . .
- Open book to middle section; select a full page of text.
- Read the page (aloud is best).
- Put one finger up for every word you cannot pronounce or do not know.
- If you get five fingers up on one page, the book is too difficult for you to read independently.
- If you do not miss any words, but are reading very slowly and stopping to decode almost every word, you will probably not enjoy the book.
- If you get 0-4 fingers up, the book is just right for you. But, most importantly. . .
Is it one that interests you?
If you are listening to your child read aloud and providing help, you do not need to adhere fully to the rule above. An instructional, or guided reading level would be a little higher than an independent level. However, keep in mind that research supports the benefits of wide reading at one's independent level
Also, in stories designed for beginning readers, your child may need to sound out every word, but once he gets through the short page, ask him to reread it; the second or third reading should sound fluent, and will provide the necessary practice all beginning readers need. Form more information, check out the FLUENCY section.
*Nothing will show your child you care about his learning more than taking the time to listen to him or her read. It’s just another way for us to say, “I love you."
Good Luck
& Happy Reading!
