1.2 Choosing ‘Just Right’ Books
1.2 Choosing ‘Just Right’ Books
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Choose books that are ‘just right’ for me so that I can understand and enjoy what I am reading
Choose books that are ‘just right’ for me so that I can understand and enjoy what I am reading
A. What are ‘Just Right’ Books?
Have you ever picked up a book and felt lost in a sea of words or, on the contrary, found yourself yawning because it felt too easy?
Choosing a ‘just right’ book is about selecting a book that matches both your interests and your reading abilities.
Imagine Goldilocks searching for the ideal porridge—not too hot, not too cold, but just right. In the same way, a ‘just right’ book should not be too easy or too difficult, but should provide just enough challenge to keep you engaged and help you grow as a reader.
Consider your purpose for reading, whether it is to learn something new, explore a different world, or simply enjoy a good story. Your purpose guides you in selecting books that align with your interests and reading level. If you are passionate about animals, a book on wildlife that is at your reading level might be ‘just right’ for you.
B. How Can One Find a ‘Just Right’ Book?
Imagine selecting a pair of shoes for a long hike. If they are too tight, you might end up with blisters and discomfort, and if they are too loose, you risk stumbling. Choosing a book is a bit like finding the right pair of shoes – it should fit just right.
To find a book that is ‘just right,’ look for a book that you are interested in reading and try the five finger test.
Read the following conversation between Sejal and Sunil to understand what the Five Finger Test is. Pay attention to the steps involved and how Sejal guides Sunil in finding a 'just right' book.
Fig 2.1: The ‘Five Finger Rule’ to Choose Just Right Books
Watch the video given below to understand how to pick ‘just right’ books using the five finger strategy.
Vid. 2.1: Understanding the Five Finger Test for Choosing a Just Right Book3
Remember the guidelines below when choosing a ‘just right’ book from the school library or school e-library.
Fig 2.2: Guidelines to Choose Just Right Books4
C. Why is Finding a 'Just Right' Book Important?
Finding a just right book to read is essential to:
Summary:
Summary:
A book is ‘just right’ when your purpose for reading and your reading level is aligned.
To find a book that is ‘just right,’ look for a book that you are interested in reading and try the five finger test. You may also refer to the rubric for further support.
Reading ‘just right’ books help us grow as a reader by ensuring we understand what we are reading and enjoy what we are reading.
Extension/Further Reading:
To learn an additional strategy for selecting ‘just right’ books, click here to explore the "I PICK" method. Watch the video from 2:35- 4:41.
References
1 Finding ‘Just Right’ Books. Reading Rockets (n.d.) (link)
2 Reading Strategy: Choosing a Just Right Book. La Grange School District 105 (n.d.) (link)
3 How to Pick Just Right Books - Five Finger Rule & I PICK Strategies. Mrs. H Media (2023) (link)
4 Choosing ‘Just Right’ Books. The Classroom Nook (n.d.) (link)
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