Test #1: passes the 5 finger test : find a random page in a book and count how many words you don`t understand or have to slow down to figure out what it says. If there are 0 to 1 hard words it is too easy. If there are 2 to 4 hard words it is just right. But if there are 5 or more hard words it is too hard.
 |
| This student is doing the 5 finger test. |
Test #2: Feeling
comfortable reading the book: It is important to feel comfortable reading the
book because if you don`t feel comfortable reading it you won`t enjoy the book.
Test #3 : You
also should feel like it`s happening to
you. For example, you should hear the character’s voices in your head and you
should have the image and be feeling the emotion that the character has. If
these things are not happening in your head, it might be a sign that the book
is either too hard or not interesting for you.
Test #4: You
should also understand the plot and big idea. For example, in one chapter there
is one character and in another chapter there is a different character if you
can’t go with the book and figure out what is happening it is a sign that the
book is too hard. If you get just a little confused you can work to sort it
out.
Test#5: You
should be excited to read it. If you think it`s boring, it could be the right
level but not hold your interest.
Knowing when a book
is just right is very helpful when you need to find a book that you will
probably enjoy and be comfortable reading. That is something we are learning in
class.
Written by Mason, Giovanni and Max
Written by Mason, Giovanni and Max
This is fascinating. I am especially struck by Test #3. The philosopher Richard Rorty believed that reading is important largely because it can increase empathy. I think this is just what Mason, Giovanni and Max are getting at, though I would encourage them - and all of us - to reach a little, to try and stretch to find an empathetic relationship to a book and its characters. Thanks for this great list.
ReplyDelete