At Ben Franklin our students are taught how to select a book by using the I-PICK and Five Finger Rule strategies.
P- Stands for "purpose" What is my purpose for choosing this book?
I- Stands for "interest". Am I interested in the topic or what I see on the front and back covers?
C- Stands for "comprehension". Do I understand what I am reading and can I tell someone what my book is about?
K- Stands for "knowing" the words. Do I know most of the words on the page?
Once the child has selected a book, h/she uses the five finger rule to see if h/she knows most of the words. The child will read a page and hold up a finger for every word that is too difficult. If the child holds 0-1 finger, the book is too easy. If h/she holds up five fingers the book is too difficult right now.
When a child is interested and wants to read a book that may be too difficult, suggest reading the book to him/her or save it for a time when the child will be ready for it.
