Choosing a “Just Right Book”

Second grade is the time to become an even better reader! Students can do this by choosing books that they enjoy reading and that are on their reading level. We call books that appeal to the student and are at their reading level “Just Right Books.” Students must be able to read the story and comprehend what they are reading in order for it to be just right!

This week we had a mini-lesson on choosing a Just Right Book. I showed the students three shirts. One was for a baby and much too small, one was HUGE, and one was just right. I also showed the students three shoes. One was a baby shoe (too small), one was a large adult’s shoe (too big), and one was my shoe (just right!). When we choose books to read it is just like choosing a shirt or shoes. Some books are too easy for us, some books are too hard, and some books are just right! Some second graders might be ready for chapter books at this point, but many are not. It is most important that students are not only reading as much as possible, but that they understand what they are reading.

The students were taught the “Five Finger Test.” When a student selects a book to read they should read the first page. Each time they come to a word they can’t read or don’t know they hold up a finger. If they come to five words on the first page or two that they can’t read then that book is TOO HARD! That’s ok! They simply need to select an easier book that is “Just Right” for them. 

Thank you for helping your child select books this year that are just right for them. Whether they be picture books or chapter books at this point, my goal is for the students to begin to recognize, on their own, the books that are too hard, too easy or JUST RIGHT for them!