Five Finger Rule
This is a great strategy for parents to use with children when choosing books. Encourage children to use this rule when picking books independently.

1. Choose a book that you think you will enjoy
2. Read the second page.
3. Hold up a finger for each word you are unsure about or do not know.
4. If there are five or more words you do not know,  you should choose an easier book.

Still think it may not be too difficult? Use the five finger rule on two more pages.

Choose a book that is a good fit for you!
Help your child choose a book that's a good fit.  Have your child read two or three pages and ask these questions:

Will it be an easy, fun book to read?

• Do I understand what I am reading?
• Do I know almost every read?
• When I read it aloud, can I read it smoothly?
• Do I think the topic will interest me?

If most of your answers were "yes", this will be an easy book to read independently by yourself.

Will this book be too hard for me?

• Are there five or more words on a page that I don't know or am unsure about?
• Is this book confusing and hard to understand by myself?
• When I read aloud, does it sound choppy and slow?

If most of your answers were "yes", this book is too hard. You should wait awhile before you read this book. Give the book another try later, or ask an adult to read the book to you.

Website Resources:

• Resources and tips on reading to your children: www.familyreading.org 
  
• Tips for parents on how to develop early language skills: Ready 4 K
• Articles, resources and booklists for parents: www.rif.org
• How to select "just right" books
  
• Spellcity- website with games and activities for spelling and word sorts
  
• For more useful links, please click here

Spanish Website Resources:

• www.rif.org/kids/leer/es/leerhome.htm
• Colorín Colorado es un sitio Web bilingüe que provee información, actividades y consejos sobre cómo ayudar a sus niños a que aprendan a leer y tengan éxito en la escuela.

Help your son/daughter choose a book that is 'Just Right.'
A JUST RIGHT book is one that is comfortable to read but is a little challenging.  You can become a better reader by reading these books.  If you answer "yes" to most of these questions, the book is probably JUST RIGHT for you.
Is this book new to you?
Do you understand a lot of the book?
Are there less than five words on a page you don't know?
Is your reading smooth?
Are there a few places where you need to slow down and figure out some words?
Do you need a little help from an adult or friend?


Website Resources
*Book suggestions for youth and parents- http://www.reading.org/resources
*Hispanic Heritage Month Student Essay Contest, due Nov. 30th- http://www.powertolearn.com

Homework Help Resources- 
*Graphic Organizers. Excellent handouts to help students organize ideas (notes, lessons, HW assignments, pre-writing essays, etc) -Ed Helper Graphic Organizers

*Teton County Library Homework Help. Includes BrainFuse online tutors-http://tclib.org/index.php/kids
*Khan Academy. Over 2,600 video lessons reviewing topics common in middle school, high school, and college classes- http://www.khanacademy.org/  

For more useful links, please click here