I just started a new Independent Reading curriculum with my kids this year. I am excited about it and thought I would share here!
At the end of last year, I spend hours and hours printing, copying, and assembling books from http://www.readingaz.com . I made two copies of each book from Levels F through P, and laminated the covers. I store these in labeled, leveled baskets in my classroom. (Pictures soon!)
Each level has two “Benchmark Books” for assessing Independent, Instructional, and Frustration levels. I test my kids the last week of each month to determine their independent reading level and see if they have moved up a level.
Each week, I let my kids pick ONE book from the appropriate leveled basket. They store this book in a folder which also contains a bunch of activities.
Here is a book I purchased to implement this program:
This book contains ten different “contract” levels - each “contract” has reading, writing, skills, vocabulary, etc. activities that the kids have to complete to go with their selected books. They are responsible for completing these activities during their spare time - due by the end of the week. They really enjoy the activities, so I have had no problem getting them to complete them! With this extra reading and comprehension practice at their level, I hope to see my kids move up a level or two every month. I also intend to increase their contract level monthly. (I usually model the activities for the new contract with a story we are all familiar with before assigning them)
On Friday, they each take an individualized quiz on their book - these are also off of http://www.readingaz.com. I use these as an extra reading grade, which is a nice boost for some of my lower kids who just can’t be successful with on-grade-level texts and tests right now.
Here is another book with some good independent reading response activities:
I am planning to use this book next year to try a different approach to this. It contains a variety of activities for responding to reading as well, and a "checklist" for the students to complete for each book. After using the other book this year, I am interested in trying something else to see which approach works better.
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