How you can help your child choose books that they can read:

Try the "Five Finger" Test:

1. Open up the book you have chosen.
2. Begin to read somewhere in the middle of the page.
3. Each time you come to a word that you do not know, hold one finger up.
4. If you have no fingers held up when you finish the page, the book may be too easy for you.
5. If you have less than five fingers held up, but more than one or two fingers, the book might be just right for you.
6. If you have all five fingers held up before you get to the end of the paragraph or page, the book is probably too hard for you. Think about choosing another book.

Many teachers are using the acronym IPICK when teaching their students how to choose books that are a good fit. Here are the steps you and your child should use when choosing a good fit book.

I PICK

I look the book over

Purpose: My purpose for reading this book is_______. They might want to do research for a report they are working on, or find a new author to love, or get lost in an entertaining story.

Interest: I am interested in this book. They might love mysteries, fantasy, dinosaurs, or funny books. They may be motivated to learn about an animal because they are trying to persuade a parent for a pet.

Comprehension: I understand what I am reading. They should read a section of the book to see if they comprehend the text.

Know the words: I know almost every word. They know almost all of the words (99% accuracy).