Sometimes students need help finding books that are at their level. Books that are too easy or too challenging can leave a young reader feeling frustrated. The Five Finger Test for Right Fit Books is a quick way to determine if your child’s book is an appropriate selection.
Open the selected book to a random page and ask your child to read out loud. Hold up a finger each time they encounter a word they are unsure of or do not understand.
1 Finger: Hold up your thumb when the child misses the first word. This book will be easy.
2 Fingers: Hold up your thumb and forefinger in the shape of an L. This will be a good learning book.
3 Fingers: Hold up your fingers in the shape of a “W”. This stands for warning that this book may frustrate you and you may not enjoy it.
4 or 5 Fingers: Hold up your whole hand. Missing four or more words means it’s time to stop and pick a different book.
Open the selected book to a random page and ask your child to read out loud. Hold up a finger each time they encounter a word they are unsure of or do not understand.
1 Finger: Hold up your thumb when the child misses the first word. This book will be easy.
2 Fingers: Hold up your thumb and forefinger in the shape of an L. This will be a good learning book.
3 Fingers: Hold up your fingers in the shape of a “W”. This stands for warning that this book may frustrate you and you may not enjoy it.
4 or 5 Fingers: Hold up your whole hand. Missing four or more words means it’s time to stop and pick a different book.