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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Note that I am an Usborne Books & More Consultant and that the above article may contain links which direct you to my shopping site where you can purchase the books which I may have highlighted in this article. All purchases made through these links to my shopping site will in return will earn me a commission at no additional expense to you.

Great Leaders Don't Set Out To Be A Leader...

I have worked in retail for so many years.... pushing sales has NEVER been a thing I enjoyed doing. Never has been never will be. I actually turned down a couple of positions while I still worked at Sears because I knew I was not aggressive enough to succeed. I knew I would be setting myself up to fail if I accepted the positions. Hence why I stayed in receiving or helped on the sales floor doing mark downs, ad sets, or doing resets.

While I am an independent consultant with Usborne Books & More, the last thing I want to do is push a sale, beg for my friends and family (or even their friends and family) members to buy books. What I really enjoy doing is sharing Usborne Books & More's amazing award winning titles with everyone. Sharing how these books can help improve the literacy of our children, grandchildren, and all the children in our lives. I want to make a difference in the life they create for themselves. I want to make a difference in the lives of families everywhere.

When I post a message or send a private message asking if you'd like an invite to my party, I'm not doing it to force you to join, participate, or even to buy. I'm doing it because I want to share with you something I think will be a benefit to your children, grandchildren, or any of the children in your life. I ask, because I don't want to annoy my friends and family by adding them to a party without their permission.

Maybe you aren't interested in attending an online party, maybe you are busy the evening I'm hosting, or maybe you just truly not interested.... I will understand, I just ask that you communicate that with me. That last thing I want to do is keep asking each time I host an online event because I truly believe I have something of interest for your family and come across as being annoying or pushing to make a sale.

I also just ask that you maybe consider help me grow my business and spread literacy by liking, sharing, commenting, or even posting a gif or emoji on my posts. Maybe your friends and family will see the post and find it beneficial to their family. Together, we can give our children a brighter future through literacy. When children are given the books they need to improve their literacy skills, books that broaden the world they live in, books that give them the power to become the person they dream of being, it will give our children a better world to live in.

To those who share, like, and comment on my posts often, I Thank you! Because of you, I continue to do what I do without giving up. Because of you, I'm reaching children and families who are falling in love with books and working on building a better future for them. Thank you!

• Want more literacy tips, news updates about Usborne Books & More promotions, giveaways, activities, and more? Join me at Discover the World in Lisa's Secret Tree House
• Shop my Online Bookstore
• View the Digital Catalog
• Are you in need of a fundraiser for a group or organization? Check out Cards for a Cause
•  Know an organization in need of books? We can work together to do a book drive! Usborne will match 50% of funds raised! Reading Is A Gift
• Need help placing an order? Fill out this FORM and I can help you!

Note that I am an Usborne Books & More Consultant and that the above article may contain links which direct you to my shopping site where you can purchase the books which I may have highlighted in this article. All purchases made through these links to my shopping site will in return will earn me a commission.