In the 7th grade and 8th grade literature classes, the students will read individual choice books. I have three bookcases, which contain a variety genres, but the students may bring books from home or from the library. In addition, the students may use the school library. Audio books are fine, too!! The books range from intermediate level to high school. I do not censor what the students are reading. For example, last year three students read the novel IT. If you don't want your students reading a certain type of book or ones written by a particular author, you will need to take care of that at home.
Every day during literature class, the students will read for 10 minutes. During that time, there will be an assigned student (record keeper) to keep track of the titles of the books that each student is reading and the page numbers. The record keeper's job will be on a rotating basis per week. While the students are reading, I will be holding student conferences with two or three students each day.
7th Grade:
HOMEWORK: Usually, the only homework the students will receive for literature class is to read at least 10 minutes outside of class. This can be done during homeroom, study hall, before going to bed, etc.
8th Grade:
HOMEWORK: The students will need to read at least 10 minutes outside of class. This can be done during homeroom, study hall, before going to bed, etc.
There will be some homework for 8th grade literature classes...
Grading for individual choice books:
7th Grade
- Minimum of three books per quarter (C); four books (B); five books (A)
- Five points per week for reading outside of class (based on pages read)
8th Grade
- Minimum of four books per quarter (C); five books (B); six books (A)
- Five points per week for reading outside of class (based on pages read)
There will be a category on the literature teacherease.com grade book called "Books" which is worth 30% of the students' overall literature grade.
Credit for Books
In order to get credit for their books, the students must pass the AR test (if there is one) at 60%. If a student receives a 50% score, he/she can fill out a detailed AR sheet. If the student scores less than 50%, the book will not count.
If there isn't an AR test, the students will complete the detailed AR sheet.
Parents' HELP:
Students may need encouragement from you, so they can begin to form good reading habits. Please promote reading at your home even if you're not a reader. We don't want to pass on a negative attitude toward reading and or school. It's a part of the students' lives, and we want them to have a positive attitude and an "I can do this" mindset.
Please email me or call me if you have any concerns.
Thank you,
Mrs. McGuire
