Reading: Ages 7-14
The 'Goldilocks
Method' -
How to Pick Out a Book
That's Right For You
Today's
Snack: Since we're going to be talking about the old folk tale, Goldilocks,
we might as well have some PORRIDGE! You can serve oatmeal with a sprinkling of
brown sugar and cinnamon . . . or tapioca with white sugar on top . . . or
Southern-minded kids might like some cheese grits for a change of pace. All of
these come in easy-to-make mixes. Enjoy with milk - not too cold, not too hot,
but just right!
--------------------
Supplies:
School library or
public library
Of course, you don't want books that are too easy to
read. Who wants to read "baby books"? What a waste of time.
And of course, you don't want books that are too
difficult. Too many hard words you don't know! Unfamiliar, "dark" or too-adult
themes! Who likes THAT kind of punishment, when you're a kid just looking for a
good story?
Of course, everybody wants you to learn how to choose
books that are fun and meaningful and neither too easy nor too difficult, when
you are selecting books to read in your spare time.
How to pick out the right books, every time?
Naturally, if the cover looks interesting, you've
read something by that author before and liked it, or the subject matter or
topic is of interest to you, a book with all of that going for you might be
just the right one to read.
But is the language inside it too easy, too hard, or
just right for your current reading status?
Use the "Goldilocks" method -- only, instead of
porridge that's too cold, too hot or just right, you'll be looking for a book
that's not too easy and not too hard - but jusssssssst riiiiiiiiiiiight for
your reading enjoyment!
Among other questions you can ask yourself as you
review possible books to read, use the "five finger test." As you look at a
sample page in the book, keep count on the fingers of one hand as you come to
unfamiliar words. If you have to extend five fingers on one page, that book's
vocabulary is probably too difficult for you, and you will be frustrated trying
to read it. So forget it!
Here are some other good tips:
http://www.booknutsreadingclub.com/goldilocksrule.html
Now go to the library bookshelves at your school or
public library, and put your new "Goldilocks" knowledge into action.
