READING!

In my class, students are expected to read a book of their choice at the beginning of each class period AND a total of two hours each week outside of class. Students are required to make continuous progress through their books, which the teacher will monitor through observation, conferences, and reading records.

Once a grading period, I will lead students in goal-setting for their independent reading. Goals may include (but are not limited to) reading a certain number of books, selecting a book from a new genre, choosing a book that is at a higher Lexile level than they are used to, etc.

Once a student has selected a work and received approval from me to read that work, we will work together to determine a "Plan of ATTACK" for successful completion of the text and any correlating assignments. The process for grading student progression through each reading assignment and for grading the culminating assessment at the conclusion of each text will be discussed in great detail with all students and posted on Google Classroom once the grading rubric has been constructed.

*Please note that I suggest students read selections at or above their grade level. This can be determined by going to Accelerated Reader Book Finder to determine a book's lexile number. (Please see the chart below for lexile numbers typical for each grade level.) However, if a student shows great interest in a work that is slightly below the typical lexile number suggested for his/her grade level, I will wholeheartedly approve of that student reading the book in which they are interested! Additionally, if a student feels he/she will struggle less with a book that is listed at a lower level, then that, too, will be fine. The purpose of our school-wide reading initiative is to GET KIDS READING! However, we also want students to be aware of their ability levels and to really push themselves outside of their comfort zones. (In essence, no more Diary of a Wimpy Kid!)

(To determine a book's lexile number, students should go to Lexile Framework for Reading.)