Choices

What shall I read?

Help!

http://www.taggalaxy.com/

When faced with shelves and shelves of books, how can I make a good choice?

In the Library

I know what level I am reading in the classroom, and I know my AR level.But what about the

library?

When a book is assigned a reading level, this is what it is based on:Length - the number of pages, the number of words, and the number of lines on the page.Layout - Font size, position of text and illustrations, space on the page. Plot – simple or complex? Order of events? Repetition?Illustrations Words, phrases and sentencesContent and Theme

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4177

Pinnell, G.S. Matching books to readers

When you make your choice, you can flip through the book, check the number of pages, look at the font size, and at how the words and illustrations are set out on the page, read the blurb, ask a friend for a recommendation and then make your choice.

http://www.mrssanosclass.com/Reading/Justrightbooks.htm

But you don’t have to do this alone……………

What can I do?

In the library, there are ways to get help:Your librarian will help you chooseYour friends may make recommendationsThe OPAC may tell you the level of a book

There are other aids you can use:Can it be for me?The five finger testThe Goldilocks testWhat are my rights as a reader?

You can use these on your own, or you can discuss them with a friend, your librarian, your Mum or Dad, or your teacher.

"CAN IT BE FOR ME"Cover, Author, Number of pages, Illustration, Title , Book blurb, Excerpt First page, Opinion of others (awards, reviews), Reverse (back of title page My friends, Entire book (credited to Mary Akers, LM_NET List Serve)

The Five Finger TestIf you have 5 fingers up

on one page, the book is too difficult to read on your own.  4 fingers up may mean the same - you'll have a tough decision to make.  If the book's summary sounds great, then try the book.    If you do not put any fingers up,  but are reading very slowly and sounding out almost every word,  you will not enjoy the book. You can always come back to a book in a few month’s time, or in the next school year.

http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showthread.php?t=65161

The Goldilocks Test“Too Easy” books

1. The book is short . 2. The print is big. 3. You have read the book before. 4. You know all the words in the book. 5. The book has lots of pictures.

“Too Hard” books 1. The book is long. 2. The print is small. 3. There aren't many pictures in the book. 4. There are a lot of words that you can't figure out. 5. There's no one to help you if you get stuck. 6. You don't know much about this subject.

http://www.britishcouncil.org/kids-stories-goldilocks-activity.pdf

"Just Right" books

1. The book looks interesting. 2. You can figure out most of the words in the book. 3. Someone has read this book aloud to you. 4. You have read other books by this author. 5. There is someone to give you help if you need it. 6. You know something about this subject.

http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/english/goldilocks/scenes_gallery.htm

The Digital WorldThe internet gives you access to pages and pages of information. Remember that the same process should apply when using online resources.Apply the 5 finger testUse the Goldilocks principleAsk the librarian to show you ways of finding useful information, and then to help you to use it.Ask yourself:Is this website right for me?Do I understand it?Is the information what I need?

MagazinesYou have access to many magazines

and periodicals through the library.How many titles have you tried?Use the same skills for choosing magazines as you do for books, and enjoy some different reading material!

Audio books………CDs and Playaways

Sometimes listening to a book gives you the opportunity to enjoy a title that might still be difficult to read…….try listening for 5 minutes, and then make a judgement!

Listen in the carListen while you exerciseListen before you go to sleepListen while you do your chores

http://store.playawaydigital.com/

As you look for a book, remember that you have rights as a reader!

http://www.walker.co.uk/UserFiles/file/Rights%20of%20the%20reader/NYOR_ROTR.pdf

http://www.walker.co.uk/UserFiles/file/Rights%20of%20the%20reader/NYOR_ROTR.pdf

http://www.walker.co.uk/UserFiles/file/Rights%20of%20the%20reader/NYOR_ROTR.pdf

http://www.walker.co.uk/UserFiles/file/Rights%20of%20the%20reader/NYOR_ROTR.pdf

Finally, remember that:the library is there for you! It is a welcoming space – come and make yourself comfortable.the library staff is there to help youthe most important thing is to enjoy what you readIf you don’t enjoy it now, wait six months and look againDiscuss what you are reading with your friend, your librarian, your Mum or Dad, your teacher