English 4 iRead
Ms. D’s iRead Program
WHAT IS IT?
The iRead program is an independent reading program in which students will be required to pick one book each quarter and finish it by the end of that quarter.
WHY DO I HAVE TO?
While I do understand that not all teenagers say they like to read, most will be more likely to say it if they get to pick the book they are reading. There are a lot of quality Young Adult books out there (not that you are limited to choosing just them), and this will give you the opportunity to read some of them. AND, reading does have some benefits (it should go without saying), and you will have to do it in your future, whatever it may hold. This will also allow us to get to TALK about books we like (or don’t like) to help each other pick new ones.
SO WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
First, pick any book (minimum 250 pages). Second, read it by the end of the quarter.
SOUNDS EASY…THEN WHAT?
Ok, it gets a LITTLE more complicated, but hang with me…
-whenever you finish a book, update your Reading Log (binder in front of room)
-within a week of finishing your book, complete a CliffsNotes page for that book (a new one will be given to you at the beginning of each quarter)
-decide if you want to hold a Discussion Date with me or complete a Bell Ringer (I’ll explain in a minute)
-hand in your CliffsNotes to me (within a week!) and schedule the Disc Date or Bell Ringer
-complete Disc Date or Bell Ringer
And that’s it!
COMPLETE A WHAT?
Discussion Date—five-ten minutes with me before or after school, during lunch, or my prep period in which I’ll ask you questions about the book, you answer them, then you go on your merry way. I will have looked over the CliffsNote you handed in and have it there for your use.
Bell Ringer—three-five minutes in front of the class discussing the pros/cons of your book and giving an overall rating. DON’T PANIC! You only have to do this once, BUT it should be good. I will have looked over the CliffsNote, you will be able to use it, and I will prompt you along if you need me to. TIP—do this one on a book that you REALLY liked; it will make it easier!
*Both of these will occur within a week of you handing in your CliffsNote, so at the latest, you will do them within two weeks of finishing your book.
TIPS:
- If you don’t like your book, for heaven’s sake, CHANGE IT! The earlier the better!
- Visit the library during your study hall. I’ll LOVE to write you a pass for a new or different book!
- PACE YOURSELF, PACE YOURSELF, PACE YOURSELF, PACE YOURSELF
WHEN DO WE READ TOGETHER?
Whenever there is “extra time” in class (which is why you bring them daily) AND we’ll have a scheduled “iRead Day” each week where I’ll give you at least 20 minutes to read.
HOW WILL I BE GRADED?
The overall point total each quarter is 100 points, but I break it down a lot. Here we go:
-CliffsNote—25 points—neat, legible, and on time. If it is late, will require a Responsibility Reward!
-Diligence/Pacing—20 points—this means that you should show progress in your book week to week and should not have to rush to finish the book at the end of the quarter. While this is not an “all or nothing” category, your grade will definitely be impacted if you obviously are not reading much until the last week of quarter.
-Responsibility—20 points—this means that you remember to bring the book with you to class daily. If I say to get out your iRead book and you don’t have it, this grade will be impacted. Again, not “all or nothing” but I will get progressively grumpier about it if your forgetfulness becomes habit.
-Bell Ringer/Disc Date—15 points—these are earned by scheduling the day in a proper timeframe, meeting the required time length, and discussing your book in an educated, interesting way. No one likes to be bored!
-“Pop” Assessments—there will be about three of these a quarter. Basically, I’ll ask what’s going on in your book. I’ll keep them all quarter to see how your progress is coming too!
-Reading Log Upkeep—5 points—this is earned by remembering to fill in your Reading Log when you finish books. TIP—best time to do this is as class is beginning or at end. NOT in the middle of us doing something else! I will occasionally do a class run through and see if it is kept current.
SOMETHING TO KEEP IN MIND…
You will be SOOOOOOOO much better off if you finish your book early and get the Disc Date/Bell Ringer done with! If everyone waits til the last minute to do these, it will be a LONG day of them. Finish the book, do the CliffsNote, and get it done!
AND IF I FINISH EARLY…
You get to read another book! You will ALWAYS be required to have an iRead book. You can get a head start on the next quarter’s book! (However, you must wait until the next quarter to do your Discussion Director/Bell Ringer.)
TO SUM UP…
1. Pick a 250 page (minimum) book.
2. Bring it daily to class and read it often.
3. Finish it & get a new one
4. Update Reading Log
5. Complete CliffsNote within a week
6. Turn in CliffsNote and schedule a Disc Date or Bell Ringer
7. Complete Disc Date or Bell Ringer
8. Read more!
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES…
1. Extra Bell Ringer(s)
2. Outstanding Bell Ringer(s)
3. Earliest DD/BR per quarter
4. Book Banter Participation