| First and second
grade students may borrow two books every week provided they return the
previous week’s books. One of these two books must be a book she can
read by herself. Students are familiar with the 3 or 5 Finger Rule for
determining the appropriate reading level of the books. For the easier
"I Can Read" books, the student uses the 3 Finger Rule. When
reading a page, if the student cannot read a word, she holds 1 finger up.
If, by the end of the page, there are 3 or more words she doesn’t know
(which means she has 3 or more fingers up) then the student knows that
book is too difficult. One or 2 fingers up means that the book is just
right. If, however, she knows all the words on the page then she should
read another page. If she knows all the words on that page, too, then that
book is too easy and she should choose another book.
Once the student identifies the "I Can
Read" books as too easy, then she advances to the fiction chapter
books. These books are longer and have more challenging vocabulary. The
test for reading appropriateness changes from the 3 Finger Rule to the 5
Finger Rule. When reading a page, if the student cannot figure out a word,
she puts up 1 finger. Zero to 4 fingers means the book is just right. If
she stumbles over 5 or more words by the end of that page (student will be
holding up five or more fingers) than that book is too difficult and she
should choose another chapter book.
Occasionally a student chooses a book that
is way over her reading level. She may think that this popular book is on
her reading level or she may choose it with the hopes that someone at home
will read it to her. Often the student and I will discuss the motivation
for the choice of that book. If she assures me that someone at home will
read it to her, then that book may be checked out.
If you have any questions about our policy,
please call Ms. Backman at 356-8408.
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