Independent Reading Assignments
1st Book Assignment
- Choose a book of fiction that you've always wanted to read.
- Complete ten reader response entries.
- Participate in class discussions and writings related to the fictional elements of your book.
2nd Book Assignment
Choose a biography or autobiography of an historical (before 1900) American or world leader.
- Complete fifteen double-entry reading log entries.
- Compose and deliver an informative speech about the subject of your biography or autobiography.
3rd Book Assignment
- Form a Book Club, select a novel of interest to the group.
- Complete ten reader response entries.
- Present a 15-20 minute group Book Talk.
4th Book Assignment
- Choose a biography or autobiography of a modern (after 1900) American or world leader.
- Complete ten double-entry reading log entries.
- .Write a resume for subject of your biography or autobiography
Reader Response Entries
As you read, complete Reader Response entries for the book. You should have at least 15 separate entries. You can set them up on paper, or use the template on Google Classroom.
As you read, write your personal response in a Reader Response entry. State your feelings, thoughts, reactions, and questions about situations, ideas, actions, characters, settings, symbols, plots, themes, and any other elements in the story. You can't be wrong in your responses, so take risks and be honest. Write about what you like and dislike, what seems confusing or unusual to you. Tell what you think something means. Make predictions about what might happen later. Relate your personal experiences which connect with the plot, characters, or setting. Don't just summarize the plot. Let me hear your voice.
These starters are simply suggestions for you to use. Remember your response journal is a place to record your reactions and questions, not a place to simply summarize what you've read. Sometimes a brief summary will be necessary to get your point across. Support your summaries with what you are feeling as you read your book. Doing this will help you get the MOST from your book.
Directions
As you read, write your personal response in a Reader Response entry. State your feelings, thoughts, reactions, and questions about situations, ideas, actions, characters, settings, symbols, plots, themes, and any other elements in the story. You can't be wrong in your responses, so take risks and be honest. Write about what you like and dislike, what seems confusing or unusual to you. Tell what you think something means. Make predictions about what might happen later. Relate your personal experiences which connect with the plot, characters, or setting. Don't just summarize the plot. Let me hear your voice.
These starters are simply suggestions for you to use. Remember your response journal is a place to record your reactions and questions, not a place to simply summarize what you've read. Sometimes a brief summary will be necessary to get your point across. Support your summaries with what you are feeling as you read your book. Doing this will help you get the MOST from your book.
Directions
- At the top of the entry, write the title and author of the book (1st entry only), the date, the number of the entry, and the beginning and ending page numbers.
- Each entry must be at least 150-200 words.
- Make sure you use correct grammar, spelling, and complete sentences.
- Complete 15 separate entries.
Sample Entry Starters
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Double-Entry Reading Log
As you read, complete a double entry reading log for the book. You should have at least 10 separate entries in your log. You can set them up on notebook paper, or you can download the blank log posted below:
The purpose of a double entry reading log is to help you understand and analyze what you read. As you read, note in excerpts that strike you in some way, perhaps something you question or don’t understand or something you agree or disagree with. Then once you have noted that part, react to it, reflect upon it, question it, or think about how it is related to other parts of what you’re reading or to something outside the text. The two sides of the double-entry reading log should be a dialogue between you and the reading.
Directions:
The following are ideas to help you begin. Not all areas need to be addressed.
The purpose of a double entry reading log is to help you understand and analyze what you read. As you read, note in excerpts that strike you in some way, perhaps something you question or don’t understand or something you agree or disagree with. Then once you have noted that part, react to it, reflect upon it, question it, or think about how it is related to other parts of what you’re reading or to something outside the text. The two sides of the double-entry reading log should be a dialogue between you and the reading.
Directions:
- Divide a page lengthwise into two columns.
- At the top, write the title and author of the book (1st entry only), the date, the number of the entry, and the beginning and ending page numbers.
- In the left column, write a note from the reading. Include the page number. Make at least five notes, per log entry.
- Then in the right column, write your reaction to that entry.
- Complete 10 separate entries.
The following are ideas to help you begin. Not all areas need to be addressed.
Reading Notes1. Quote directly from the reading: words, phrases or sentences that for you clearly suggest meaning or that you simply like.
2. Write down anything you find challenging or different: any image or idea, or way of saying something that strikes you in some way. 3. Write down any parts you don’t understand or parts you have questions or problems with. 4. List words whose meanings you don’t know for sure. 5. If you need to, draw pictures or diagrams to help you understand the reading. |
Reflection Notes1. Comment on a direct quote. Explain why you found it significant or enjoyable. Or paraphrase it.
2. Explain why you found something challenging or different. Analyze it. 3. Try to explore anything that confuses you or gives you trouble. Write your question(s). You don’t have to answer the questions, just try to figure out what the questions are. Or challenge the point being made: argue. 4. Consult a dictionary and write down definitions of words you don’t know. 5. Explain your drawings to achieve further understanding of the reading. 6. Make any closing comments about your reactions to the reading as a whole. |