The “Five Finger Rule” for choosing a just right book

   The 5-Finger Rule for choosing a “Just Right” book helps to evaluate student’s ability to read the words. In order to use this strategy, have your child open a book to the middle and begin reading. For each word the child doesn’t know, have them put up one finger. If at the end of the page you have:

5 or more fingers up: The book is too hard. It is a save for later book.

4 or more fingers up: The book is okay to try, but may be too challenging.

2-3 fingers up: The book is just right
.

0-1 fingers up: The book is too easy.

To figure out whether you child understands the book, ask questions about the story. Some sample questions are:

•  Who was in the story?

•  What happened in the story?

•  Where did the story take place