Reader’s Notebook Sections
Section 1: (Chart: inside cover) This section is where you will write down all of the books you have
read and COMPLETED.
Section 2: (Notes/Handouts) This section is for all class notes and/or handouts. Every time you are
given a handout, you must glue it neatly into your Reader’s Notebook. These notes and handouts are important and should be used throughout the year for reference.
Section 3: (Active Involvement) This section is where you will paste/tape activity sheets that are
used to practice reading skills and/or concepts. I may tell you to jot down a prediction, visualization, connection, notes on a character or setting, etc. Sometimes you will do this with a partner. Even if you do this with a partner, you BOTH need to write in your own notebook.
Section 4: (Guided Reading) This section is where you will put all the information we do during guided
reading, or small group instruction.
*Each time journals are collected, I will look through sections 1-4. You will be graded on the following: Neatness of each section (cutting/taping, handwriting, etc.) Continuous completion of charts (reading list and mini lessons) Proper activity sheets Ideas written in complete thoughts
Section 5: (Letters) This section is where you will write all of your letters to me. You must write
ONE letter a week. When I collect your notebook, it will be every two weeks and I should see two letters. These letters should contain all appropriate paragraphs and be in a friendly letter format. Remember to use language that is appropriate to write to an adult. For example, your greeting will not say, “Yo, what’s up?” Please refer to the other handouts for specifics on how to write a letter. *Each time journals are collected, I will also grade section 5. Please refer to your “Letters” section for a grading rubric.
Sample Reading Notebook Grading Sheet
Name ______________________________ Reading Notebook Sections and Requirements Reading Charts Charts are complete and up-to-date Notes/Handouts Active Involvement Guided Reading Each section is neat (handouts, handwriting, etc.) Each section is complete (responses and handouts) Ideas are in complete thoughts Letters Format / Tone / Overall Quality Paragraph 1 - Introduction Paragraph 2 - Summary Paragraph 3 – Literary Element Date ______ Points Given ___ /3 (3 points) ___ /3 ___ /3 ___ /3 (3 points per section = 9 points total) #1 #2 ____/11 ____/11 ____/11 ____/11 ____/11 ____/11 ____/11 ____/11 (44 points per letter = 88 points total) Reading Journal Grade: ____/100
Friendly Letter Format
Date Greeting, (Dear Miss Davis,)
SKIP 2 LINES
The first paragraph of your letter should include basic information about your book. You should state the title, the author, genre, and category of your book; for example, is it easy, just right, or a challenge. Also, provide supportive examples as to how you know its genre and why you think it’s a certain category. After your introduction contains all the above information, go to the next line of your paper, indent, and begin your second paragraph. The second paragraph should be a summary that contains 6-10 sentences of what you had just read. For example, after you read your book for 30 minutes, begin writing your letter, and summarize in this paragraph what you read during those 30 minutes. This should not be a summary of your entire book; just the pages you read that evening, or time outside of school. Now that you’ve written your second paragraph, you’re going to go to the next line, indent, and begin writing the conclusion. This part of your letter is where you show what you know about the reading strategies and/or concepts that you’ve learned in class either that day, or that week. As a class, you’ll be keeping a running list of skills and/or story elements on a chart in this section. Remember, what you learn in class is what you apply when you read at home. You may refer to this list to help focus your reading and then use to help write this paragraph. SKIP
2 LINES
Closing, (Your Student,)
SKIP 2 LINES
Signature of Your Name
Friendly Letter Sample
9/23/2008 Dear Miss Davis, I am currently reading the book The Subtle Knife, by Philip Pullman. This book is the third book of a series starting with The Golden Compass. I normally don’t read fantasy novels, but it turns out that I’m really enjoying this one. I know that it’s a fantasy because it contains talking animals, or creatures that represent the spirit of humans. When I chose this book, I knew it was a “just right” because I tried the five finger test and found out that I had two words on one page that I didn’t know. That means that it is not too easy or too hard for me. Tonight was the first night that I started reading this book. The story began by describing a new character named Will. Will is a 12-year-old boy who seems to be taking on many adult responsibilities. For example, he is taking care of his mother in his father’s absence. At this point of the story, I don’t know where Will’s father is. His mother behaves strangely. She is confused about the everyday world and acts like a child. Toward the end of my reading session, Will brings his mother back from a walk to their house and discovers an intruder who is trying to steal valuable letters that belong to Will’s mother. Will tries to protect himself and his mother, but accidentally kills the intruder! The book is very exciting so far and it’s only the beginning! In ILA class today, we learned about story elements. Story elements are things that make up a story and they include characters, plot, problem/solution, theme, setting, and point of view. While I read tonight, I was able to identify important characters, an event in the plot, and the point of view. The two characters are Will and his mother and they were involved in an incident with an intruder in their home. I also was able to recognize some parts of setting, which was the neighborhood they live in and their own house. This story is told in the third person. I know this because the narrator is not involved in the storyline and knows the emotions and thoughts of all the characters. In conclusion, those were some story elements that I could identify while reading tonight. I look forward to writing to you again next week! Your Student, Joe Shmo