Choosing “Just Right” books can be challenging for students and there are many factors they can consider when they are picking library books. Their first impulse might be to look at what their friends are reading and choose the same book. They must also consider whether or not they will be able to read and understand the words in the book—determine its readability, and that’s where the “Five Finger Rule” comes into play. In addition to readability, here are some other things they can think about as they search for a book they will enjoy reading.
- Do I like books by a certain author?
- Is the information in this book useful to me? What topics or subjects interest me?
- Does the title make me curious about the rest of the book?
- Do I like the illustrations?
- Does the first sentence or paragraph make me want to keep reading?
- Does the blurb make me want to read more?
We want students to develop into lifelong readers. Choosing “Just Right” books is a first step in that direction |
| Five Finger Rule |
Sometimes it is hard to decide if a book is too easy or too hard before you check it out of the library. Here is a test to help you decide.
- Choose a page near the middle of the book to read.
- Read the page.
- Put out one finger every time you come to a word you do not know.
- If you get all five fingers out, the book is too hard to read now. Choose another book instead.
When you get to the end of the page, check how many fingers you have out. |
| None: |
This book will be easy for you to read. |
| 1 finger: |
This book is O.K. for you. |
| 2 fingers: |
You will be able to understand this book. |
| 3 fingers: |
This book could be hard to understand. |
| 4 fingers: |
This book will be difficult to read and understand |
| 5 fingers: |
Choose a different book today. | | |