Goal for the class:To expand skills in reading –
comprehension & fluency To expand skills in writing –
organization, ideas/content, voice…
Enhance vocabulary skillsEMPOWER KIDS TO LOVE
READING!!
7th Grade
8th Grade
Justice
Identity: self, places, times
The Human Spirit
6th Grade
Mon
ster
s &
A
ccep
tanc
e
Reading quizzes, MAZE reading, fluency checks, MAP testing, …Writing samples over time, writing rubrics, …
3,000 students w/limited literacy skills drop out of school every day in this country.
Kids who do the most recreational reading become the best readers-reading up to 4,700,000 more words per year.
Struggling readers who do not read voraciously will never catch up.
Internet reading produces shallower reading than book reading.
55% of people who read “below basic” are unemployed.
Learning to read vs. becoming a true “reader” is like night and day.
UNDERSTANIDNG TEXTSummarizingCreating ConnectionsInferringClose Reading/AnnotatingSelf-Regulating
RESPONDING TO TEXTCite textual evidence to support personal opinionsDetermine how elements of literature shape the development of the story over time.
PRODUCING TEXTWriting different styles/genres/purposesSpeaking: Engage in effective, collaborative discussions
CRITIQUING TEXTEvaluate the author’s use of literary devicesMake judgments of a work’s worth, value, bias
HAVE KIDS READ FOR FUN! Support ourchoice book reading project.
Make sure kids re-read the weekly story at home – sign.
Use & check their agenda/DPR to make sure homework is understood and completed.
Help with e-mail, flash drives, Google Docs as tools
Check PowerSchool & Schoology -www.mrswardsreading.com for updates on HW & grades