CHOOSING A BOOK WITH THE FIVE FINGER RULE: A SIMPLE METHOD FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOOK FOR YOUR CHILD’S INDEPENDENT READING ABILITY [this method is most appropriate for end of 1st grade up]
The easiest way to determine if a book is at an appropriate independent reading level for your child is to use the “five finger” rule.
*Have your child begin reading out loud. If they are a younger child, you want them to read no less than five-ten sentences and no more than a page if it is an older student.
*Raise one finger each time he/she struggles with a word for longer than 2-3 seconds.
*If they reach the end of the prescribed reading range before raising all five fingers, the book is written at a comfortable level for independent reading.
*If it is determined the book is not at an independent reading level for the child, DO NOT DENY THEM. Make it a read aloud book that someone reads with them instead!
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A GOOD BOOK!
*SIMPLY PUT, a good book is one a child enjoys reading.
*Keep your child’s interests and reading level in mind.
*Encourage them to select books on their own as soon as they show preferences.
*Let them pick two kinds of books if they consistently choose books that are not at their independent reading level—one to read with you and one to read on their own.
*Talk with your child, their input will help you guide them to good books.
*Let them look through a book and decide if this is a book they want to read in its entirety. If they don’t like a book after reading a chapter or a few pages, pick another one. READING IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN, NOT A CHORE.
Resources:
Reading is Fundamental—www.rif.org
American Library Association—www.ala.org
The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease, 5th edition, 2001
Choosing a Book with the Five Finger Rule was first published on NutsAboutReading.com
