Reading's Five Finger Rule

Do you struggle with finding the correct reading level when searching for the books you buy or check out of your local library for your children?  There is an easy way to determine if a book is too easy or too hard.

Use the Five Finger Rule.



Open up a book to any page.  It doesn't matter, first page, last page, or any one in between.  Have your child read the page.  For every word your child struggles with, hold a finger up.

• One finger up or just one word they didn't understand or know?  The book is "OK" but too easy.   

• Two fingers up or just two words they didn't understand or know? The book is still a good choice for your child but still a little too easy.  These books are best for when they are lacking confidence in their reading and reassurance is needed.

• Three fingers up or just three words they didn't understand or know?  This book is just right for your child, though, they may still need your assistance.

• Four fingers up or just four words they didn't understand?  This book is a little too hard for independent reading. With your assistance, it's still a good choice to help challenge them... especially for the child who is eager to learn.

• Five fingers up or five words they didn't understand or know? This book is just too hard. This book may be better suited for an older child or the parent to read to the younger reader. 

Next time you are choosing new books for your child to read, use the Five Finger Rule formula.  It will definitely make for better reading. No more breezing through a book because it's too easy and no fuss about not wanting to read because the book is to hard.  

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