Independent Reading
An essential element of the English 2 program is our independent reading program. It is designed to accommodate the various skill and interest levels in the class, so that all students are being challenged appropriately while simultaneously practicing skills we have been focusing on, and developing a love of reading.
Students are responsible for reading a minimum of four independent reading books a year. These do not include the additional core texts we read as a class. While some time is given during class for students to read, students should be spending significant time at home reading nightly. Below is a description of each project.
Students are responsible for reading a minimum of four independent reading books a year. These do not include the additional core texts we read as a class. While some time is given during class for students to read, students should be spending significant time at home reading nightly. Below is a description of each project.
Project #1 |
September - October 2016 |
Essential Question: What does it mean to make a claim about a text? Can I support my claims with evidence from the text?
Students choose any book at an appropriate reading level that interests them. During the reading of their book, students complete a reading log and, after they have finished the book, a final project related to the skills we have been focusing on. |
Project #2 |
November - December 2016
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Essential Question: What does it mean to actively participate in a discussion and how can discussion deepen my understanding of a text?
Based on their interests and reading level, students are assigned to a Literature Circle, a group of 3-4 other students who will read the same book together. Groups establish a reading schedule and each week, individually prepare open-ended, text-based questions about areas of ambiguity in the text. During weekly Literature Circle meetings, students discuss their questions and then individually, choose one to write a response to supported with evidence from the text. |
Project #3 |
February - March 2017
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With a partner, students choose a book at their reading level that interests them and write a series of letters about the novel, including observations they have made and questions that they have. Students are given class time to exchange and respond to these letters with their partners.
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Project #4 |
April - May 2017
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May - June |
No independent reading is assigned.
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