Reading Workshop: Extra Class Period

Each student is required to have an approved novel of his/her choice in English class daily.

Class Procedures and Expectations

1. Silent Reading:

During the extra class period, students will be required to read from this novel for the first 25 - 30 minutes of class.

***If a student fails to have the book in the extra class period, he/she will read from a selection of non-fiction material provided by the teacher and answer a series of questions, which will be due at the end of the period. These questions will replace lost responsibility points that would otherwise be deducted for missing materials.

2. Reading Dialogue:

After the silent reading time is completed, students will write in their Reading Dialogue (composition book that stays in the room) about their book. These entries are to be a “dialogue” between myself and the student.

Students will write the entries as a letter to me discussing material from the book they are currently reading. The letters can address questions they might have about the story, or make predictions about the outcomes, critiques of the author, characters, etc. I will respond to the letters in the composition book addressing their topics or questions.

            These dialogues are to be written directly after the silent reading time and completed before the end of class. The Reading Dialogue journal will not leave the room. I will write my response to the letter before the next Reading Workshop class.

3. Grading:

1. The silent reading portion of the class is graded as any other class participation grade (materials, staying on task).

1. The Reading Dialogue journal will be counted as classwork grade each week. Each entry will be worth 15 pts.

Dialogue Criteria:

-      Thoughtful, meaningful topics/ questions

-      Contain literary/reading comprehension elements (predictions, characters, conflict, resolution)

-      Contain discussion of writing styles and genres

-      Well-written in paragraphs, adhering to proper grammar rules

-      Legible

-      Each entry should be dated and contain the book title and author