HOMEWORK

We will be reading lit sets (chapter books) in class. Students will have a short time to answer comprehension questions after they have completed their reading. If a student doesn't finish, it becomes part of their homework. These comprehension worksheets also act as the record sheet for reading minutes at home. Students also memorize a POEM every term. 

POETRY DUE DATES:
  • Term 1: September 14th
  • Term 2: October 26th
  • Term 3: December 7th
  • Term 4: February 15th
  • Term 5: March 21st
  • Term 6: May 9th
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​If a student "finishes" their reading homework (lit set reading & comprehension question(s), please remind them they still have reading homework: we ALWAYS expect them to read OUT LOUD at least 10 minutes every night, Monday through Thursday.


​Research shows the best way to improve fluency (the rate and effortlessness of reading) is to practice DYAD READING:
- One book - Share the same book
- Two voices - The stronger reader should read a little louder at a "regular pace"
- One smooth finger - The stronger reader shows where you are
- Discuss "crazy" words that are difficult to understand 
- Have fun!!

BOOK BINGO

All students are encouraged to track the books they read this year! Students will be given a blank BINGO board with 5 colored spaces. Each colored space relates to a type of genre: nonfiction, realistic fiction, historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy. Every time a student finishes reading a book, they record the title of the book on their BINGO board and fill out a comprehension bookmark that relates to the genre of book. For example, when reading a realistic fiction, they might be asked to write a short summary; or share facts from the nonfiction book they read. 
Ready for the challenge???
A TOTAL BLACKOUT! 
Each student will read 25 books, fill out a bookmark for each, and be sure to read at least 1 book in every genre!
Because we understand that not all books are created equal, we separate the books by pages. Every 200 pages equals another book read. So, if you read Harry Potter 7, which has 607 pages, it is worth 3 books. And if you read a book from the "Who Would Win" series, which has 32 pages, it would be worth 1 book. Graphic novels are always worth 1 book, regardless of pages. GOOD LUCK & HAPPY READING!!

POETRY

All students will memorize one poem each term.
WHY DO WE MEMORIZE POEMS?
- improves confidence
- strengthens memorization skills
- exposes students to some of the finest selections in literature
- develops oral modeling and public speaking skills
WHICH POEM SHOULD I CHOOSE?
​Find a poem appropriate for your skill level, but allows you to stretch and grow.
Like goldilocks, don't pick a poem that is too easy, or too hard, but just right for you.
HOW DO I MEMORIZE IT?
​- Reading your poem daily.
- Keeping your poem in a sheet protector and crossing out words with a dry erase marker as you learn it.
- Writing out or typing your poem.
- Thinking of pictures in your head as you go.
- Repeating difficult lines over and over or in a specific rhythm (including transitions between lines).
​- Using props and animation

GRADING:

​Poem grades account for 10% of the reading grade.
  • In order to earn an A, students should be prepared with extra animation or enthusiasm involving: props, actions, or expression throughout their poem.
  • A note about being on time-- poems are usually recited during our reading time in the afternoon. Every student will receive an opportunity to recite their poem the day they are due. Students must recite their poem during the appointed time to receive full credit. Students will receive the poems well in advance with several weeks to prepare. Please use your time wisely.