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 30
Fantasy/Folk-tale/Tall Tale
November 30
Poetry
December 22
Historical Fiction
January 29
Biography
February 26
Science Fiction
March 31
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

Your second Independent Reading Project will be based on a mystery/suspense book. Your Reading Project will be a report as described below.

Write a 2 to 4 page book report summarizing the story: characters, events, and/or facts.
Write a letter or resume to a possible employer detailing the qualifications of the character for the job. You should include unique skills, qualifications, past experience, and references.
Make a pop-up book summary of an exciting scene from your book. Include a paragraph (10 or more sentences) describing what is happening in the scene.
Make a collage of pictures and artifacts that depict the main character's unique traits, attributes, or skills.
Make a poster Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting two or three characters from the story. Be creative - use pictures, color, different materials, etc..
Technology project. You must discuss your project with me and get approval before you begin.

Mrs. Hartzell has provided us with a list of all the Fantasy/Folk-tale/Tall Tale books in the library. It is on the clipboard in Mr. L's 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, November 13th. Your project is due Monday, November 30th. 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!!!