30-Minute Reading and Journal Entries

Required Readings: For each nine week period, students are required to read four (4) books.

I book = 150 pages

Each book must measure at least 850 Lexlile Levels

 (to confirm the book’s Lexile Level, go to www.lexile.com)

25 pts for each book read

 Required Homework:  Homework is an opportunity for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom.  It is also a time for students to go deeper in their thinking – a time to apply strategies and skills that were practiced in the classroom.  In addition, homework provides students the opportunity to become more independent in their thinking, as it lends itself to a quieter time for intrapersonal reflection. Homework will be assigned as needed.  However, there are daily Reading and Journal Entries.

 30-minute Reading and Journal Entries – A Must!
§ Journal assignment value: 30 or 40 Points Weekly (10pts for each daily entry)

Monday’s Focus – Uncovering the Meaning of Unfamiliar Vocabulary Words

* Provide a summary of the text read

*Discuss how the unfamiliar vocabulary word (s) was used in the text

*Share the strategies you used to uncover its meaning.  Use the dictionary to confirm meaning.

Tuesday’s Focus - Making Connections

* Provide a summary of the text read

*Discuss connections whether text to self, to another text, or to a real-world situation.

Wednesday’s Focus – Identify Relevant Details

* Provide a summary of the text read

*Identify the relevant ideas and their impact on how you understood the text.

Thursday’s Focus - Tone

* Provide a summary of the text read

*Discuss how the author’s use of word choice and phrases gave insight into how she/he felt.

NOTE: Your journal summary entry response must be at least five (5) sentences. The remaining points of discussions are at least three (3) sentences each.  Ensure your journal entry reflects that day’s focus.

The 30-Minute Reading and Journal Entries begin September 4, 2012.