The Goldilocks Theory

We have been talking about choosing books for Reading Workshop.  We have been discussing how we know when a book was too easy, too challenging, or just right.  We sorted books we read on how it felt when we read them.

One of the kids in Room 408 piped up and said, "That's just like Goldilocks!"

Room 408 is so good at making connections.  Teagan came in and said that she thought of books selection as she was in the shower...first the water was too hot (like books that are too easy), then too cold (like books that are too challenging), and finally it was just right!

Andrew had some deeper thinking as he realized that two of his book choices were from the same leveled basket but one was much more challenging than the other:

He shared that he didn't know a whole lot about the ocean, so the Bella & Rosie book was challenging.  However, he did know a lot about deer so that book seemed just right.

After we read and sorted our books, of course we had to talk about them with our partners!

How can you tell if a book is too challenging?