Conferring with a Student Who Doesn't Have a Good-Fit Book
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Have you ever sat next to a child who had a book that was too hard? The discussion that follows can be a very delicate one. When faced with this type of one-on-one conference, does your mind race? Are you thinking, "Do I say something? Do I let her just struggle and wade through, pretending it doesn't matter that she's missing so many words?" This inner dialogue is visible on the faces of Gail and Cindy as Charisma stumbles through her chapter book.
Listen in as they give her an "out" and a plan that enables her to "save face." Charisma will independently reevaluate her books; ideally abandon the ones that are too hard; and return tomorrow with good-fit books that will help her achieve her goal. If not, the instruction about her book selection will get a little more specific.
This is a strategy you might like to try next time you hunker with a student who falters through a book they are interested in but can't read accurately or understand. Good fits are key if students are going to grow as readers.