Independent Reading
There
is an expectation that you will always be reading a book independently from
what we have going on in the classroom. Extension time offers a great
opportunity to get some of this accomplished, but I also require students to
read at home in their free time.
All students must to read a certain amount of books per term, and there will be
assignments throughout the year associated with those books. When you finish a book, you must record
the title, author name, and the amount of pages for your own records.
Independent
reading is due at the end of each term. If you would like to turn your book
assignments in as you go along, I can give you feedback on the paper. If you
turn everything in at the end of the term, you will get a grade but no
constructive feedback
Written
assignments for independent reading will change each term.
6
books in a term = 100%
5
books in a term = 90%
4
books in a term = 80%
For
term one, I will ask you to
write a paragraph for each of the books you complete. Each paragraph will have
a different focus.
All
paragraphs need to be typed according to Brown Middle School formatting
standards. The book title, author and total page numbers need to be listed at
the top of the page. You will also need a parent signature for each paragraph.
Book
One – 7- 10 sentence summary
Book Two - Character
Identify and explain
changes in attitudes, actions, and the relationships of one character from the
book. Do you agree with the
characters' choices?
•
Choose one character
in your novel. Use either sticky
notes or your journal to track your thinking in regard to the way your
character changes throughout the story.
Pay close attention to their thoughts and beliefs, actions, and
relationships. Describe what have
you discovered, and whether or not you agree or disagree with their
choices. Use evidence from the
novel to support your thinking.
Book Three - Theme
•
A theme is an idea or
concept that an author weaves into a story. Friendship, adversity, growing up, and survival are some
examples of theme. Each novel as
at least one theme introduced, if not more. As you read, use your stickies to flag the parts of the
story where the theme is woven in.
Explain your thinking.
Book
Four – Point of View
•
How does the author
manage point of view in your story?
Does it change by chapter?
Is there only one point of view?
Choose a chapter or scene in your novel. Whose point of view is represented? How would it change if
it were told from the point of view of a different character? (you may re-write
a scene from a different point of view, if you would like.)
Books Five and Six – 7-10 sentence summary
