How to Choose a Just Right Book
One of the challenges for young readers is choosing a book that is not too hard, not too easy, but "Just Right." Here is a link to the video that I showed the children before our first weekly trip to the Obama School Library. At this age, I encourage students to read TO someone, read WITH someone (a parent, sibling, or stronger reader), read independently, or even enjoy a podcast or audiobook.
At Obama Montessori in St Paul, Minnesota, all students have a weeky opportunity to check out books that interest them. In grades 1 - 3 we are building the independence to make wise choices. One of those choices is which book to read.
Not EVERY book that a child reads has to be the HARDEST book they have ever tried. In my classroom, we learn that humans read for a variety of reasons: for information, to be entertained, or sometimes because of the person we are reading with.
In the video above, you can see more about the I P.I.C.K. method.
P – Purpose: You know why you are reading the book (for fun, to learn a topic, or to practice a skill). Sometimes we read to hear an exciting story but sometimes it's to learn a new recipe, how to beat a video game, for the latest summary of our favorite sporting event, or manybe even to complete some arts and crafts.
I – Interest: You actually care about the topic or story so you stay engaged.
Interest can be a great way for children to try books that really STRETCH them . If a student knows a topic well - marvel comics, cooking, minecraft, ballet -- they might be able to easily decode words that would challenge another reader unfamiliar with the genre.
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