The Importance of "Just Right Books"

Students seem to be adjusting to the routine of school. Classrooms are busy and there's the familiar hum of learning swirling throughout the building. Teachers have begun the job of teaching. One of the first lessons each year is teaching kids how to pick books that are "just right". Easy books don't challenge enough. Difficult books are frustrating and kids can't learn how to "think their way through text" if all their time is spent decoding words. Just right books offer a balance of easy reading and challenging vocabulary and ideas. As adults, we rarely choose a book that is too difficult or in a subject that we have no background knowledge. These books are simply too hard to understand. For instance I would not be successful trying to read my daughter's organic chemistry book! As adults we tend to read material that entertains us, that we have strong interest in, or books that challenge us without frustration. The same holds true for kids. Here is one simple way to see if a book is in the ballpark for your child.

• Ask why the child has chosen a book. Check the true interest in the book (re-reading favorite text is encouraged as long as they're also choosing new text as well)
• Ask your child to pick a page out of the middle of the book and begin reading.

• If they do not come across any unknown words or difficult words, the book is typically too easy
• If they come across 4-5 unknown or difficult words, the book is typically too difficult
• If they come across 1-3 words that are unknown or difficult, the book is typically "just right"

As always, use your best judgment when helping your child choose reading material. Feel free to post any questions or contact me through email. (kathleen.heim@oldham.kyschools.us)

Happy Reading!
Kathy Heim
Literacy Coach

Welcome to a new school year!

Families and Students,

Welcome to a new school year! I enjoyed meeting new families and reconnecting with returning families during orientation today. Several kids stopped me to tell me what the have been reading over the summer. Now that's music to a literacy coach's ears! In addition, the school is looking so much better - shiny new floors, cleaned up classrooms - Mr. Mike and his crew deserve a huge thank you for all their hard work! It looks like everyone is ready to start the year.

I will be posting literacy related articles, links, and information throughout the year. Stop by often to check out our blog. In addition, please post questions and/or comments as needed.

l look forward to working with you and your children this year!