Five Finger Rule

How to Pick a Book Using the Five Finger Rule

You want to pick a book that is not too easy, not too hard, but JUST RIGHT!

 

1. Open the book.
2. Begin to read.

 


 

3. Put one finger up for any word you do not know.*

 


 


4. At the end of two or three pages, if you have:
1 finger: This book is good for you if you understand the text.
2 fingers: This book is good for you if you understand the text.
3 fingers: This book may be too hard for you but could be a good choice if you understand what you are reading.
4 fingers: This book may be too hard for youChoose only if you can understand what you are able to read.
5 fingers: Pick another book.**

 


*To Parents and Caregivers
We try different strategies for decoding a word including
· Using picture clues.
· Sounding out the word.
· Skipping the word and reading the rest of the sentence, then going back to the problem word.
· Looking for a word inside the problem word that they know.

** To Parents and Caregivers
If a student borrows this book, we suggest that you read the book together.
The student’s second choice should be one that he/she can read with little or no help.





Video is directed to students showing how to use the 5 Finger Rule.


 

For parents or caregivers with tips on how to select the "just right book."