You may need to look twice at the titles above to realize they are in fact two different stories.... one, of course is the old classic we know & love so well: Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The other though is a varied version I use to help reinforce the concept of choosing the right fit: Goldisocks and the Three Libearians. This quirky story that mirrors it's original fable, tells the story of Goldisocks exploring the home of the bear family. Instead of trying to find the porridge, the chair & the bed that are "just right", Goldisocks tries to find the book & reading spot that are "just right". I use this story as a segway into the Five Finger Rule - using this handy (excuse the pun, terrible excuse for a joke) system to figure out whether a book is a good fit for your reading level. I'm sometimes a little conflicted as I plan this teaching concept: part of me wishes to make the library a space of free reign - have students pick whatever it is that grabs their interest as passion for books, for words, for stories, for facts, for art is what I want to foster.
At the same time however, the catch can be: choose a book that is too hard & it sits in the backpack unread & reading itself quickly descends into a chore & a seemingly insurmountable challenge. And this is something I fear the most. So! My goal here in the library is to try to encourage interest and ability - crazy notion I know - don't worry I'll settle down eventually. By reminding students of the 5 Finger Rule, I hope to ensure those students choosing books to read independently, are equipped with books they actually can read independently. And by encouraging high interest books, I hope to help those students who may just want a book on their favorite snake to read with a parent at home, can also find exactly what they want. It's a challenge my friends, but I am determined to help our Reed students find that book - be it chapter, picture or non fiction, that is just right for them. For that particular day anyway.
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Ms CahillWelcome to the on-line home of Reed Library! I'm so pleased you came to visit & hope you keep coming back to read my blog on our latest happenings, new books & our exciting digital citizenship program! Archives
January 2019
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