Reader’s Journal
Your Reader’s Journal will look completely different from everyone else’s! It should express you and your journey as a reader this, 2015-2016, school year. Keep track of the books you read and the lessons you learned from them. Write notes to characters, draft plot diagrams, sketch characters, write an extra chapter, change an ending, cast actors for the movie, write a chapter in a different perspective, jot down your favorite quotes or compare a book to a song, movie or poem. The possibilities of what you can create in your Reader’s Journal are truly endless; however, there are a few things you must do in your Reader’s Journal.
1. Your Reader’s Journal must have a table of contents, and must have all of its pages numbered. This is necessary to help you stay organized. Trust me you will be thankful you did.
2. Page 3(maybe 4 -7) needs to be a running list of books you have read during this school year. ( Yes, you can go back and add ones you read BEFORE you created this journal) I would recommend putting a rating with each book. I might even jot down when and where I read it.
Example: The Orphan Train- 4 Chai Lattes – Read on my way to Illinois State.
3. The cover of your Reader’s Journal must have a picture of you reading on it. Your Journal needs to be a composition notebook, like the one below.
4. You must read at least 10 books this school year (not counting the ones we read as a class.
5. For five books you must complete five choice projects in your Reader’s Journal. ( That equals 25 choice projects, five for each book)
Some Ideas for Choice Projects
1. Collage- Create a collage for your book that expresses its overall theme. What was the message of the book? What did it teach you? Why did the author write this book?On the opposite side of the collage write a well-written and supported paragraph describing your collage and how it represents your book’s theme.( 150 words typed).
2. Character Cards- Create up to five character cards for the characters in your book. These cards should include, but are not limited to the following: a picture with a three sentence description of their looks (supported by quotes from your book), biggest fear, most likely found doing, most likely found reading, strengths, weaknesses, family members, and a quote.
Students have glued an envelope into their notebook to hold cards.
3. Book Review- Take on the role of a book critic and write a review for your book. Explain what you did and did not like about your author’s writing style. Was there too much dialogue? Was there not enough description? What did the plot lack? What did you love? Write a 250 word review for your book. Your review should be supported with two quotes from the book.
4. Write a letter- Take on the role of a character and write a letter/note to another character in your book. Show knowledge of your story in your writing, offer advice, seek advice, express a crush, offer an apology, or show true appreciation. Your letter needs to have proper format and be at least 250 words.
5. Rewrite the ending- Didn’t like the ending? That is okay, because you can rewrite it. Stay true to your author’s writing style, and don’t change the theme, but do change the ending. Have fun! Be creative! Your new ending must be at least 300 words with a 100 word rational.
6. Author’s Biography- Research the author of your book. Represent your findings in well-written and supported paragraph. Key information you may wish to included: birthplace, birthday, family, education, hobbies, religion, and other works they have written.
7. Quiz- Create a ten question quiz for your book. On the opposite side of the quiz, write a paragraph explaining why these are key questions to proving that someone has read and understands your book.
8. Sound Track- Create a sound track for your novel. Your sound track must have at least 8 songs on it. You will also need to write a 200 word rational with text support.
9. Vocabulary- Create a vocabulary list of at least 15 words that you learned while reading. Each word must be accompanied by its definition and the sentence it was used in, in your book.
10. Prequel- Create the prequel to a sequel. Do you wish your book had a sequel? Well, now here is your chance to get it in the making. Your prequel needs to be at least 300.
11. Poem- Write a poem summarizing your book. The poem needs to fully cover the book and show knowledge of its theme and characters.
12. Backstory- Write a backstory about a secondary/background character. Do you wish you knew more about a certain character? Well, now here is your chance! Be creative and thorough with your details. 250 words.
13. Choice- Have a brilliant idea that is not on this list? Well, I am not surprised. Share it with me to get it approved.
Your Reader’s Journal should come with you to class daily, and it is my hope that it goes with you everywhere. There will be periodic Reader’s checks. As long as it is with you and you can show me your favorite page you will get full credit.
Grading for your choice projects
Each of the five books you submit will be worth 100 points.
20 points for each project 15 points for the writing of your project based of off the Six Traits writing rubric. All writing should be Typed, MLA format and securely mounted in your Reader’s. 5 points for being creative, unique and original.
Due Dates:
August 24- Monday- Bring Journal and picture of you reading to class- 10 pts.
October 2- Friday- First five projects are due.
November 20- Friday- Second set five project are due.
January 15- Friday- Third set of five projects are due.
March 11- Friday- Fourth set of five are due.
May 13- Friday- Final five projects are due.
missharju 