• How do you find a "just right book"

    It is very important that children choose "just right" books for their independent reading-books that are not too easy and not too hard.  An independent reading book should be one that can be read with high word-recognition (98% accuracy or better), fluent reading and strong comprehension (at least 90%) of the material read. 

    • I-PICK

      The acronym "I-PICK from the Daily Five is a great way to help children choose independent books

      I choose a book

      Purpose- I have a reason for reading it (entertainment, searching for information, etc.)

      Interest- The book looks interesting to me.

      Comprehension- I can understand it and I

      Know most of the words.  

       

      THREE FINGER RULE

      Another way to check for a "just right" book is Richard Allington's Three Finger Rule strategy:

      • Read the first page or two of a book(about 100 words)
      • Hold up a finger for every word you can't read
      • If you put up 3 fingers before finishing reading the pages, the book is probably too hard.

       

      Allington, R. L. (2012). What really matters for struggling readers: Designing research-based programs. (3rd ed.).  Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon

      Boushey, G., & Moser, J. (2006). The daily 5: Fostering literacy independence in the elementary grades. Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers