P.I.C.K. stands for Purpose, Interest, Comprehension, and Know the Words.

P = Purpose

Consider your purpose for reading.

• Are you reading for pleasure?

• Are you trying to learn something?

I = Interest

When choosing a book, it should be something of interest.

• Look at the front cover.

• Flip through the pages to glance at photos or illustrations.

• Read the back cover.

• Read the chapter titles.

C = Comprehend

Is the book something that you can understand?

Read the first few pages.

• Did you understand what you just read?

• Do you remember what you read?

• Were you able to read most of the words?

K = Know the Words

Readers should be able to decode or read and understand the majority of the words on the page.

Try the "Five Finger Rule"

• 0-1 unknown words = book is too easy

• 2-4 unknown words = book is just right

• 5 or more unknown words = book is too difficult