JUST RIGHT BOOKS
The way to get better at anything is with practice. Students make greater gains in reading with the more practice they get. The books that help them the most are ones which they can read independently-- “just right” books. Here are some general hints to guide you in helping your child choose a “just right” book.
The reader should be able to:
These are some charts to help students choose “just right” books.
-
discuss the text and what is happening in it
The purpose of reading is to make meaning. If this is not happening, it is not a good book choice.
-
read most of the words correctly
Most means having 5 or fewer errors for every 100 words read (95% accuracy). It is only considered an error if the reader does not make a correction after reading a word incorrectly. Missing too many words affects comprehension.
-
read at a smooth pace and not constantly stop to sound out tons of words
The pace of reading should not interfere with comprehension of the text.
