Mrs. McGowan's First Grade: Just Right Books

Reading "Just Right Books"

Goldilocks tried the Three Bears' porridge, chairs, and beds. She found the ones that were "just right" for her. The books your child reads can be thought of in the same way. A book that is "just right" is one that your child can read independently. It is not too hard and it is not too easy. It's a good fit - it's "just right".

Here is one way to help your child choose such a book. Teachers call it the

FIVE FINGER RULE

Go to the middle of a book, count the unknown words (using fingers to keep track is fine). If there are five or more, the book is too hard for now. That's a book to read with someone or save for a later time.

Another important consideration - some first graders have learned to read many words. They even may be reading "chapter books". However they might not be understanding what's been read.

Ask your child lots of questions about the story in general and about specific pages to see if he really understands what was read. It also is important to monitor your child's choices for appropriate content.

Visit these pages for more reading/writing resources:

Strategies to Become Better Reader

Teacher's Bookshelf

Back to Lots About Reading

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