Just Right Books
A "Just Right" book is one that your child can read independently without assistance. Think of the "Just Right" book as a book you might read at the beach - it is not too difficult to read, it holds your interest, and you can comfortably get through the material. Most of all, the book is just right for you!
An independent reading level is one in which a child reads with few errors and has a strong understanding of the text. Encourage your child to use the "Five Finger Test" to quickly assess whether a book is just right or too difficult to be read independently.
The "Five Finger Test"
Looking for that "Just Right" book for your child? Browse through any of the following websites to locate books based upon your child's independent reading level.
An independent reading level is one in which a child reads with few errors and has a strong understanding of the text. Encourage your child to use the "Five Finger Test" to quickly assess whether a book is just right or too difficult to be read independently.
The "Five Finger Test"
- Select a book of interest.
- Open to the center of the book and begin reading out loud from the start of the randomly selected page.
- Raise one finger each time you come to a word that is too difficult.
- If you have five fingers raised by the time you have reached the bottom of the page, the book is too difficult for you to read with ease. You might be able to enjoy this book on your own in the future or this could be a great book that your mom, dad, grandparents, or older siblings could read aloud to you.
- 5+ fingers raised ------> Too Hard; 1-4 fingers raised ------> "Just Right"; 0 fingers raised -----> Too Easy
Looking for that "Just Right" book for your child? Browse through any of the following websites to locate books based upon your child's independent reading level.
- Scholastic's Book Wizard
- Beaverton School District Leveled Books Database
- McCarthy-Town School, Acton, MA Leveled Book Lists
- A to Z Teacher Stuff: Leveled Books Database
- Friends School Haverford - Books Arranged by Guided Reading Level
- Leveled Book List - Guided Reading Levels: C-I
- Leveled Book List - Guided Reading Levels: H-M