 Choosing a “Just Right” Book What do I look for?

A book is “just right” if  print size is perfect (white space too)  topic is interesting  it passes the five finger test (just a few words too hard)  it’s from a series I have read  I understand and like the first paragraph  front fly, back cover, or back fly are interesting  reading level is in a good range

How do I determine the level? You can check the reading level by going to this site: Enter the title and author of the book you have chosen and click on Guided Reading (A-Z) Then click Find Books. Your book should come up with the Fountas and Pinnell reading level which was determined when you were tested. If not, it will give you the lexile or DRA level on the left side. We can help you convert that to the “Just Right” level you are looking for.

Goals for Readers  Select and read Just Right books  Build reading stamina – read for a long time  Expand higher level vocabulary to be used in writing  Question text for better understanding – before, during, and after reading  Read unpracticed independent reading level text fluently and with expression  Read for a variety of purposes  Determine the meaning of vocabulary for a variety of texts using word origins, root words, synonyms, antonyms, and structural analysis.

 Read series books.  Use a variety of strategies  Talk about/share your reading  Use strategies:  Prior knowledge  Visualize  Determine what is important information  Summarize  Analyze  Reflect

Time to set your own goal:  Think about what you want to improve.  Now set your goal and tell why you want to accomplish this.  How will you monitor your progress?  Be prepared to discuss this in a conference with your teacher.