First and second graders are allowed to check out two books each week. My rule of thumb is that one of those books must be a "just right reading book for them." This is a book that they can read, but is not too easy and not too hard. The teachers are also discussing how to choose a just right book using the "five finger rule." Read a page from the book - if you can read all but one word on the page, then it's probably too easy. If you have a hard time with 4-5 words, it's probably too hard. Two or three challenging words per page is just right! The kids are encouraged to use their fingers to count the words that they don't know. Here's a visual to help with that:
The second book that first and second graders choose can be their choice. So you might see them coming home with a book that seems not right for them! That's ok! Learning how to make choices is important, so I encourage them to have fun with that second book choice.
Students in kindergarten and transitional take home one book per week. I will tell them each week whether it needs to be a "just right reading book" or can be their choice. So, again, you might see a book that makes you curious about their choice. But you should also see them regularly bringing home books that they can read alone or with you. Oh - and picture books are always ok! :)
I hope this helps! As always, if you have any questions about the library or just want to discuss the books we have, feel free to email me at khevenor@littletonps.org. Happy reading!
