Tips for Choosing Books *READING "The more you read, the more things you'll know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
Please remember to read every day for at least 30 minutes. It is important to find books that are just right for you. When you pick up a new book, remember the
FIVE FINGER RULE: 1. Choose a new book that interests you 2. Open the book to a page in the middle of the book (no pictures) 3. Start reading the page out loud to yourself 4. Hold up a finger for EVERY word you cannot pronounce or do not understand
IF YOU RAISE: 0-1 Finger -- Put the book back -- it is too EASY! 2-3 Fingers -- This book is fine for an interesting read4 Fingers -- This book will be a challenging read; try reading it with a buddy 5 Fingers -- This book is not a good choice for now; please choose another title
While You Read... Remember the strategies you've practiced in Guided Reading Groups: 1. RE-READ sentences, pages and shorter books to build fluency, which means reading with speed (not too fast, not too slow), accuracy (pronouncing the words correctly) and proper expression (you should NOT sound like a robot!) 2. When you come to an unfamiliar word, try to sound it out; if you don't know the meaning, try using clues from the sentence or story to figure it out - Remember: good readers CORRECT themselves when they make a mistake; ask yourself: "Did that word make sense?" 3. Check for understanding (comprehension). Can you... - Name and describe the main characters in the story? - Tell where the story takes place (setting)? - State the problem in the story (if there is one)? - Make predictions about what is going to happen next (before you finish reading)?