Happy Birthday
RAY
Reading All Year -- 2,500 book challenge
Get used to the acronym RAY, which means Reading All Year, as we'll work on this for the remainder of the school year. Reading is never an option in this class; it is something we do all of the time -- literally everyday. Please review the following goals and guidelines; then, find and begin reading your first book.
Goal -- Read 25 books in five genres by the end of the school year. You decide how many books to read in each genre -- the goal is at least one in each of these genres:
- realistic fiction (at least 3)
- science fiction/fantasy (at least 3)
- historical fiction (at least 2)
- mystery (at least 2)
- informational/biography/autobiography/memoir (at least 3)
- poetry anthology (at least 1)
- Mythology (at least 1)
Procedure -- We will read in class for 7-10 minutes everyday, so most of the reading can be done there. Reading is the only outside-of-class activity you ever have to do.
Reading Workshop -- We will complete one 3- to 4-week readers' workshop each quarter. This is a complete immersion in reading, including 20-30 minutes of daily independent reading in class, written reflection, book talks and other book-related activities.
Assessment -- No book reports or worksheets of any kind are attached to RAY. Periodically, you will be asked to complete a Focused Free Write on your book -- a reflection about it (more on this later). There will be other options for demonstrating what you've read such as, podcasts, blogging, and picture portfolios or anything else you decide is worth doing.
When does it begin? Now. Select and check out your first book today. Start reading.