Each and every year, I present a lesson on “Just Right Books.” Each and every year, I feel that it falls just a little bit flat. I continue to see kids choose those GIANT books that I just KNOW are not a good fit. I really don’t want to become the book patrol and force each kid to read out of their books, just so that I can ensure that they have a good fit. I want the kids to choose just the right book independently.
Over the years, I have tried several strategies. I compared book choice to Goldilocks, but the kids seemed too focused on Goldilocks and her porridge. I created a PPT describing the IPICK method, but I seriously lost the second and third graders part way through that. I knew that I needed something different. Thus the birth of “If the Book Fits … Read It”
I used a combination of the shoe analogy with my own version of the PICK Strategy. I have found it to be the MOST effective lesson yet. I loved it. Maybe you will too. Here goes nothing …
Continue the lesson by comparing shoes and books.
Show pictures of shoes that have specific purposes: i.e – ballet slippers, rain boats, and scuba flippers. Ask students to share how each pair of shoes is used. Ask them if they have a certain pair of shoes for a certain purpose at home. Then, initiate a discussion on why kids read books. Be sure that students mention both entertaining and informational purposes. Further discuss how the purpose for reading influences the types of books that you might choose.
Ask kids if they have ever been shopping with a grown-up for shoes. Does the grown-up always agree with them about the shoes that they like? Does the grown-up want you to try on a pair of shoes that you don’t like? Lead the discussion towards the idea that everybody likes different things. What interests one person doesn’t interest everybody! I show pictures of flip-flops, cowboy boots, and clown shoes. Then I discuss that I really only like one pair of these shoes. I don’t mind if someone else wears cowboy boots; they look great on some people. They just aren’t for me! Further explain that books are EXACTLY the same way. Certain people love certain books, but they may not be “just right” for everybody. I then give the kids the following tips for finding books that interest them.
1. Look at the front cover. I talk about both the quote, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” AND “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
2. Read the blurb on the back. This short summary will help a reader get the gist of the story.
3. Flip through the pages. Pay attention to the size of the text and illustrations.
4. Think about whether you have enjoyed this series, subject, or author before.
Both books and shoes should be comfortable. Ask students what makes a pair of shoes comfortable. Then, I show the kids a picture of bunny slippers and explain that there isn’t anything as awesome as your favorite comfy slippers. However, I then pose the question of whether I should wear my slippers everywhere. There is usually instant laughter. What a perfect opportunity to talk to kids about that favorite book of theirs! We all know those kids that choose the same book EVERY time they come to the library. Yes, it’s comfortable, but you can’t read it all the time.
0-1 Fingers: Too easy … Like the bunny slippers! Nothing wrong with a little cozy and comfy, but we shouldn’t read it ALL the time.
2-3 Fingers: Just right … Like a pair of sneakers. Books that are just right are best for reading. They are comfortable enough to stick with for a little while.
4-5 Fingers: Too hard … Like a pair of high heeled shoes or new dress shoes. Challenging can be TOTALLY worth it … if you LOVE the book, but it won’t always be comfortable.
I think that the Five Finger Rule is a great tool to teach kids. It can help them to be more independent and reflective in their book choice, but I believe that it should be taught as a guide only. If a student is genuinely passionate about a subject, series, or title, and the text is deemed too hard, they should have the opportunity to try to wrestle with it!
