Independent Reading

Reading is one of the most important things you can do now as a student, and for the rest of your life. You will have assignments in all of your subjects that will include reading. However, it is expected that you will also read independently. That means you will select what you would like to read and will find the time during the week to read.

In the past you may have kept a Reading Log where you recorded the number of pages you read each week. This year, in my class, you will not be required to keep a Reading Log. However, you will be required to complete a Reading Project each month.

The Reading Project involves selecting, and reading, a book from the "genre" of the month. Genres include Non-Fiction, Fiction, Biography, Poetry, etc. At the beginning of the month you will pick a book and have it approved by me. You will also be given a date on which your project for that book is due.

Reading Projects must be approved by me and could be:

a written book report
a book report oral presentation
a graphic book report (poster, diorama, etc.)
a performance book report (skit, interview, etc.)
an idea you come up with and we discuss
a "technology" presentation

Reading Projects will be graded, so you should do your very best. This includes:

picking a book that interests you
picking a project that interests you
starting reading early in he month so you have time to complete the book and the project
doing your best

I will meet with you through the month to see how you are doing and to help you if you need help. The table below shows you the genres for each month and the date the project is due.

Genre
Project Due Date
Nonfiction
September 30
Mystery/Suspense
October 31
Fantasy/Folk-tale/Tall Tale
November 30
Poetry
December 21
Historical Fiction
January 31
Biography
February 29
Science Fiction
March 30
Realistic Fiction
April 30
Student Choice
May 31

Two of your projects must use computer technology. This could include:

Podcast
PowerPoint presentation
ComicLife report
Videocast
SMART Board presentation
Voicethread

For the month of February you must read a biography of 75 to 100 pages. Your reading project will be a presentation report as described below.

     1) You may work with a partner who has read a biography of a person different than yours and create a Venn Diagram of their similarities and differences.

     2) You may work with a partner who has read a biography of a person different than yours and conduct an interview of each other presenting the key facts and information about each person.

     3) You may write a two-page summary of the subject of your book.

     4) You may create a visual timeline of the subject of your book that includes at least 10 important dates and facts.

     5) You may suggest another project idea. However, I must approve it before your start.

   Ms. Hartzell will direct you to appropriate books in the library. You may also select a book from Mr. L's library, your local library, or your home library.

     You will need to complete the rubric with the title of the book and author by Friday, February 10th. Your project is due Wednesday, February 29th. Late projects will be reduced one letter grade. Projects one week late will not be accepted and will be graded 50%/E.

     I am looking forward to your projects!!!