Reading

Reading is the backbone of our classroom. It is my belief that a strong reading program will lay the foundation for many years of academic success and a love for learning. During the school year, the kids will complete four major book reports; one per quarter. In addition to individual book reports, the students and I will read a class novel, together, each quarter. Finally, I will try to complete two read aloud books each quarter, so the kids should be reading a minimum of, sixteen books in their fourth grade year. 

Reading logs, partner reading, informational texts, and Journeys are also a large part of the reading program in class. There are details in the sections below that elaborate more in projects and assignments.  

Reading Logs

Reading logs are a regular and essential part of our class. Students receive "points" for each day that they read a minimum of 20 minutes at home. The purpose is for students to read each day (not 100 minutes over the weekend or 40 minutes on Tuesday to catch up for Monday).
The logs are due on a rolling basis and should have dates on them. I will give credit as they are turned in and filled out correctly (with parents initials). The points students receive will be added to their overall reading grade, counting towards their final grade.

​It is simple: If students read and turn in their logs, they will see their grade improve significantly while naturally benefiting in fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. If students do not turn in reading logs, they will not be given a "0" on the assignment, they simply will not receive any points.
I have a yellow folder by the classroom door filled with new reading logs. Below is a PDF copy of the reading logs for you to download and print if necessary. Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.

Reading Logs (PDF)

Read Aloud

Frindle
​Wonder
Where the Red Fern Grows
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Out of My Mind
Island of the Blue Dolphins
​The Sign of the Beaver
​Hatchet

Culture Investigation Project

Cultural Investigation Mini-Project

Cultural Groups in the United States
Alaska Native Groups
List of Ethnic Groups
​​Historical Ethnic Groups
List of Indigenous Peoples
World Cultures
List of Countries

Lexile Reading Levels

Match Lexile Reading Levels with books here!

Class Novels

Charlotte's Web
​My Side of the Mountain
The Indian in the Cupboard
​Shiloh
Island of the Blue Dolphins
​The Big Wave

Stepbook Book Reports

This is a foldable book report project. The sections include:
Main Cover
Characters
Setting
Summary
​Book Review

Literacy Circles Book Reports

Literacy Circle Packet​

Newbery Book Reports

Description and examples coming...

Newbery Award Winning Books

Biography Book Report

The students will read a biography book and create a Google Slides presentation.  Please see the handout and review other 4th grade student-examples.

The Biography Project is due on a rolling basis. I meet with the kids one-on-one to pick their due dates with them. 

Biography Project
Biography Project Example #1
Biography Project Example #2
Biography: Recommendations​

cereal box book reports

More to come here...

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