How do you choose a "Good Fit Book" for independent reading?
Here are some tips:
For very early readers in books with only a few sentences on a page:
Use the "Goldilocks rule". Think about the last three fingers on your hand as bears. In turn, when you get to a hard or tricky word, fold down first your "Papa Bear" finger (tallest), then your "Mama Bear" finger, and finally your "Baby Bear" finger (pinkie). If you get to the three bears on one page, the book is too hard for independent reading and the child will need assistance to read it.
For more advanced readers with many paragraphs on a page:
You can use an adaptation of the Goldilocks rule called the Five Finger Rule. Each time the reader gets to a tricky word (one they can't pronounce, or don't know the meaning of), fold down a finger. If you have folded down all five fingers by the time you get to the end of the page, again the book is too difficult for reading without assistance. A child may be motivated by high interest to plow on, but comprehension will likely be compromised. A steady diet of books in the too difficult range will eventually discourage readers. (This is comparable to what most adults experience if they had to read a steady diet of a tax preparation manuals).
For those looking for a mathematical guide..."Good Fit" books for independent reading are books the reader can read with 98-100% accuracy.
The I PICK acronym guide may assist all readers in choosing "Good Fit Books".
I choose a book.
Purpose- Why do I want to read it?
Interest- Does it interest me?
Comprehend- Am I understanding what I read?
Know- I know most of the words.
Use the "Goldilocks rule". Think about the last three fingers on your hand as bears. In turn, when you get to a hard or tricky word, fold down first your "Papa Bear" finger (tallest), then your "Mama Bear" finger, and finally your "Baby Bear" finger (pinkie). If you get to the three bears on one page, the book is too hard for independent reading and the child will need assistance to read it.
For more advanced readers with many paragraphs on a page:
You can use an adaptation of the Goldilocks rule called the Five Finger Rule. Each time the reader gets to a tricky word (one they can't pronounce, or don't know the meaning of), fold down a finger. If you have folded down all five fingers by the time you get to the end of the page, again the book is too difficult for reading without assistance. A child may be motivated by high interest to plow on, but comprehension will likely be compromised. A steady diet of books in the too difficult range will eventually discourage readers. (This is comparable to what most adults experience if they had to read a steady diet of a tax preparation manuals).
For those looking for a mathematical guide..."Good Fit" books for independent reading are books the reader can read with 98-100% accuracy.
The I PICK acronym guide may assist all readers in choosing "Good Fit Books".
I choose a book.
Purpose- Why do I want to read it?
Interest- Does it interest me?
Comprehend- Am I understanding what I read?
Know- I know most of the words.
Happy Reading to you all as the darker days of November are here.
