In order to work on a variety of skills, students will be expected to complete three weekly assignments. Time in class will be given, and if used wisely, these activities should be easily completed. Students need to get in a routine with these assignments and have been given the first month to practice and get feedback on these weekly expectations.
Newsela
Each week you are to read 3 assigned current event articles from the Newsela site. The articles should be read at your Lexile level to improve your reading skills. The quizzes are to help you better understand what you read and provide you immediate feedback. I am looking for improvement in your reading skills. We will meet to discuss your progress. These may also be used for class discussion. There will be one question you will have to answer weekly based on the articles.
We do this assignment
- To build background knowledge about our world (people, place, events)
- To strengthen reading informational text skills and vocabulary
- To improve critical thinking skills
Article of the Week
Each week you will be responsible for an article of the week. These will be posted each Monday. They will be assessed on reading and writing skills. At times, we will use these for class discussion (small group or debates). You should have completed the article by Monday.
We do this assignment
- To build background knowledge about our world (people, place, events)
- To strengthen ELA skills such as reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language
- To strengthen “human skills” such as empathy and compassion
Reading Minutes (Monthly Book)
You are expected to be reading books for enjoyment. Of the books you read, you will have to do two book activities per quarter. The expectation is that you read 20 pages a day at least 5 days a week. If you choose to read 100 pages in one sitting, that is fine. I expect 5 entries a week and to see progress in your books. The form can be filled out online or on paper. This assignment should only be minutes of the books you are reading for the book projects.
We do this assignment
- To enjoy books and reading
- To share a love of reading with others
- To practice creativity in different types of projects