Students who want to earn an A in reading are required to read outside of the assigned classroom reading. This reading should be recorded on the Reading Log that I print for your child. A different genre is required each nine weeks, and here is a list of the required genres for the two-year rotation.
1st 9 weeks: fantasy
2nd 9 weeks: mystery
3rd 9 weeks: biography/autobiography
4th 9 weeks: nonfiction
1st 9 weeks: adventure
2nd 9 weeks: poetry
3rd 9 weeks: historical fiction
4th 9 weeks: realistic fiction
What does my child have to do?
Your child needs to read at least 4 chapter books in at least 2 different genres for the reading log each quarter. One of the books must be the genre specified on that quarter’s reading log (the required genre can also be found above!), and one must be a Newbery or Newbery Honor book. I have over 300 of these in my classroom. Reading log books also count for your child’s AR average. Your child should take a test on every book he or she reads. By the way, books over 400 pages count as 2 books for reading log!
Why?
Outside reading is important to the development of critical thinking, vocabulary, and many other skills. In order to progress as a reader, research shows that students should be reading "good fit" or "just right" books. These are books that are on the child's reading level, not below or too far above. Additionally, students in the HA class should consistently be reading a variety or quality literature.
How do I know my child’s reading level?
At least three times during the school year, your child will take an online reading assessment called STAR. Mrs. Boyd will share the results with your child, and your child will write her/his AR level on the first page of her/his planner. The level listed will be a range (for example, 4.0-5.9). Your child CAN read books above the higher number, but books below the lower number cannot count for the reading log.