Reading 

Accelerated Reader

We use Renaissance Accelerated Reader (AR) program during the entire year. An AR reading points goal will be set for each trimester based on each students STAR reading score. The goal is generally based on 30 minutes of reading a night, at a student's individual reading level.  Families can and should sign up for e-mail notification of all AR test scores, and also view the 'quiz history' bookshelf through Renaissance Place. Sign up for emailed AR Quiz scores through your child's Rennaissance Account. On their iPad, Go to Clever→Rennaissance→Accelerated Reader→Progress (upper right corner)→scroll down to bottom of page→click on ‘Get Email Updates Track Your Child’s Work.’

If you would like to check a book for ATOS or BL reading level (BL= grade level), AR points, or for a brief story summary, we suggest you use ARBookFinder. You can also use the advanced search tab to search for classic or award winning books. 

Book Report Information  

Here is a powerpoint to help with the creation of Plotline Maps, for book report assignments: Plotline-Explained.ppt

Students are required to complete three book reports.  One book report is assigned each trimester.  In addition to the book report project, students will write plotline notes on their book, complete an Accelerated Reader comprehension quiz, and give an oral presentation.  Listed below are the report due dates.  Books must be selected from award lists or be considered classic literature:

 Newbery Award books, w/ Links , Newbery Award and Honor book, PDF List 

 California Young Reader Medal (Intermediate Award or Nominee)   

First Trimester -- Book Bag Book Report -- Presentations the week of October  21st, 2024   

Links to Directions, Worksheet, and Grading Rubric will be sent in October's newsletter

Second Trimester -- Storyboard Book Report -- Presentations the week of January  27th, 2025

Links to Directions, Worksheet, and Grading Rubric will be sent in January's newsletter

Third Trimester -- Story Box Book Report -- Presentations the week of April  21st, 2025 

Links to Directions, Worksheet, and Grading Rubric will be sent in April's newsletter

In Class Reading 

The texts below, as well as book report book selections, are used for reading comprehension, plot structure, character traits, author's point of view, theme, and summary.  

Teacher Read Aloud -- 

We begin the year wiith:

  This Island Isn't Big Enough for the Four of Us, by Gery Greer and Bob Ruddick (Friendship, Humor)

  After that, these books are lined up:

  Indian No More, by Charlene Willing McManis

 Sylvia and Aki, by Winifred Conkling

Out of my Mind, by Sharon Draper

Wonder, by R. J. Palacio (Friendship...and much, much more:)

Whole Class Novels -- (three of the books complement our history units):

• Treasure Island (abridged version), by Robert Louis Stevenson  (click here for a link to unabridged text and pictures)

• Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan  (Great Depression era, farm labor, immigration, Mexico, Mexican-Americans)

• Blood on the River, by Elisa Carbone      (Jamestown, Colonists, Native Americans)

• Sign of the Beaver, by Elizabeth G. Speare  (Native Americans, Colonists, French and Indian War)

• My Brother Sam is Dead  by James Lincoln Collier   (American Revolution)