Reading Program - wsfcs.k12.nc.us



Reading ProgramThis year, students will be expected to read three books per quarter. Certainly, I would love to see students reading beyond the required three, but experience has taught me that a good, challenging novel every three weeks ensures happier readers and less resistance from seventh graders. Those that wish to read beyond three- awesome!! I will give students the exact dates for the deadlines at the beginning of each quarter. Each quarter, one of the three required books will be read and discussed together as a class. The other two books may be chosen by the student based on their interests. I do expect the choices to be at an appropriate reading level so students will be challenged as readers. Levels should be increased as the year progresses. Books must be approved by me in advance so I can ensure an appropriate reading level. For the books of their choice, students will be encouraged to form Reading Groups of 3-4 that will read the same book independently, but come together in class periodically to discuss what is being read. I have collected multiple copies of several titles that the students can check out from me, but they are certainly free to pursue titles from other sources. Students that would rather not be part of a Reading Group for the books of their choice are certainly allowed to read and complete assignments independently. Students are NOT required to choose books from the AR list. Options for credit for completion of a book are explained below: 1. For books that are part of the accelerated reader program, students may take an AR test in order to receive credit for the book. A score of 70% or higher is considered passing. If they fail the test, he/she will not receive credit for reading the book. Past students have written tests for me for some of the popular books that do not have an AR test, so check with me to see if I have a student-written test for a book you have chosen. In addition to passing the AR test, students must also respond and reflect about their reading in a journal (one page) that I will check and grade throughout the quarter. Students will be given a Bookmark with several ideas for responding in their journal. Grammar and spelling will be considered as a part of the journal grade. DO NOT summarize the reading- write about your thoughts, feelings, questions, opinions, etc. Personalize your journal- make it yours! Include illustrations, stickers, wacky colors or comments, jokes, etc. 2. Create a page of a newspaper. The page should be organized into columns and “look” like a newspaper. Include 3 articles. One article could be a feature story about a character. One article could be a summary of the plot or discuss an important event in the story. One could be an editorial with your opinion about the book. One could be a character asking for advice and then write another as someone writing back to the character giving the advice to the character. You can come up with other ideas. A program such as Microsoft Publisher can help with formatting and design. I have sample newspapers to show you if you choose this option.3. Write the lyrics for a song about your book. You may want to choose a song and rewrite the words to fit the plot of the story. Include the main conflict(s) and how the conflict(s) were resolved along with any other details you want to include. Turn in the original lyrics and your version, typed if possible. Extra credit will be given for performing the song live or making a video for the class to see. 4. Create a children’s version of your book. Simplify the story so a child could understand the plot. Illustrate the book throughout and include an attractive front cover with your name as author. I have examples if you choose this option. 5. Character Scrapbook. Think about what you have learned about the main character of a novel, including his or her past, relationships, thoughts, motivations, and role in the story. Assemble a small scrapbook that the character might have created. Objects can include ticket stubs, photographs, letters, schoolwork and report cards, hobbies, and much more, depending widely on the character. You can include pictures of objects or actually collect physical objects and make a “treasure box” rather than a scrapbook. Include at least 10 items or pages. Include a brief essay explaining each item and how it relates to the story. 6. Use a tool like Creaza , Piki Kids , or Kerpoof to create a cartoon or comic strip summarizing the book or an important part of the plot. Include key characters from the book as well as the problem and solution.7. Create a video about the book. Use Creaza , Kerpoof , Xtra normal text to movie are all great online tools for creating short movie clips. Create an interview type show where you interview characters in the book, create a short movie trailer for the book, or actually have characters act out portions of the book.8. You decide- talk to me about other ideas you have for earning credit for your book. At the end of the quarter, the grade for each option chosen (one from each book) will be averaged together as an overall Outside Reading grade. This grade will be 15% of your final average for the quarter. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download