One important piece of reading
instruction Marlin teachers assist their students with is choosing a GOOD FIT book. A
GOOD FIT book is a book that students can read and are interested in
reading. To choose these books, the
teachers model IPICK.
IPICK is an acronym that stands for the following: I choose a book to read, Purpose (Why do I want to read it?),
Interest
(Does it interest me?), Comprehend (Am I understanding what I am reading?),
and Know
the words (I know most of the words).
Here are a few steps that you
and your child can follow in order to choose GOOD FIT
books:
1. Have your child choose a book. This is the first
I in IPICK.
2. Ask your child, “What is your purpose for
choosing this book?” You may also want to ask, “Is it for fun or to learn
something?” This is the P in IPICK.
3. Ask your child, “Is this a book you are
interested in reading?” This is the second I in IPICK.
4. Have your child read a page of the book. After your child reads the page, ask your
child, “Who or what did you read about and what happened?” This is the C in IPICK. If it is a GOOD FIT book, your child should
be able to answer your question.
5. Have your child read another
page (or use the same page) and ask, “Did you know the words?” This is the K in IPICK. Your child should know all or almost all of
the words in order for it to be a GOOD FIT book.
Going through the steps of
choosing a good fit book should only take a couple minutes. Once children are familiar with the IPICK
process, they have an easier time choosing GOOD FIT books. Children may need more guidance from mom or
dad as they choose good fit books. This is an ongoing process and takes
practice. We will continue to learn and
practice choosing GOOD FIT books at school.
Adapted from The Good Fit letter
for parents written by Alicia Darby from www.thedailycafe.com
