The Five Finger Test - Writing Research

Photo Credit: Tim Pierce (CC BY 2.0)

While most children's books are marked with a suggested age & grade, that is not always the best way to judge whether a book is at a child's reading level. Children at the same age or grade level will read at varying levels. The five finger test checks if a book is an appropriate reading level for a child.

The five finger test is simple to use:

1. Open up the book to a typical page. 
• (Not a half page at the beginning a chapter, or a page with a lot of pictures.)
2. Have the child read the page aloud, putting up a finger for each word that they are unfamiliar with or have difficulty reading.
3. Judge the reading level based on the number of fingers the child put up.
4. There are also a few question to consider. If the child answers "no" to any question consider a different book:
• Did you understand what you were reading?
• When reading aloud, were you able to read smoothly and at a normal talking pace?
• Does the topic interest you?

0 Fingers 

This book will be easy to read independently. Books like this can help build a child's confidence but are not very challenging. Consider a more difficult book.  

1 Finger 

This book will be pretty easy to read, but there will be some new words. The child can read independently but may require some help.   

2-3 Fingers 

This book is probably a perfect reading level for the child. It will provide them with a little challenge and new words, but shouldn't be too difficult. The child can read independently but may require some help. 

4 Fingers 

This book will be difficult to read and may cause frustration. It can still be a good choice for a confident reader. But you may want to set it aside until later, or read with an adult. 

5 Fingers 

This book is too difficult. It should either be put aside until later or read with an adult. 

While this test is meant to help children choose an appropriate book, it is also important to nourish their love of books and reading. Part of that means choosing a book that they can successfully read, and part of that means allowing them to read things that interest them (whether they are too easy or too difficult).

How many fingers is right for your child will vary, depending on how eager they are too read that book and how confident, or easy frustrated, they get while reading. 

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