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OVERVIEW
This class is designed to academically challenge and intellectually stimulate students through the use of award-winning novels. By encouraging students to read a variety of classic literature and having them write responses and book reports, they will learn and improve the essential academic skills needed to advance in the subjects of reading comprehension, writing, and communication. It also serves to enliven interest in other content areas and as a forum for formulating opinions and discussing topical issues. The course is also intended to expose students to a wide variety of literature so that they come to see it as both a valuable and enjoyable pastime.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of assigned reading, classwork, and homework, the students will be able to:
- Comprehend the plot of an age and level appropriate novel
- Demonstrate reading comprehension through writing essays
- Recognize, identify, define, and describe literary elements employed by the author(s)
- Recognize and describe the tone and style employed by an author(s)
- Write a coherent essay in response to literature using supporting evidence from the novel or other reliable source material
- Write an opinion and personal response to a literary work
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of vocabulary presented in the reading
- Demonstrate understanding of unfamiliar words by using the context
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Students will read one novel every two weeks (one half each week). More time may be allotted for levels 4 and 5 as necessary. For each novel, students will learn a given list of vocabulary (approximately 15-25 words, more for levels 4 and 5) to assist them in their reading.
During the first hour of class sessions, the students will engage in group discussions of the novel's themes, literary style, characters, setting, and plot. There may also be discussion on related topics that are useful in building a complete understanding of the novel and/or the author's intent, e.g. historical context, author's biography, geography, etc. Students will be expected to complete all reading assignments before class begins, arrive prepared to answer questions and fully participate in oral discussions. Students are also encouraged to bring their own questions and comments to class discussions. Discussion time will also be used to review and practice new vocabulary. Students may engage in other types of classwork to further stimulate learning and comprehension, such as small group work and informal projects/presentations.
The second hour of class will be primarily dedicated to preparing written responses to questions about the novel and may include the students' own opinions and feelings. These writing assignments will range from one paragraph to a formal five paragraph essay. The in-class discussions and writing prompts are designed to prepare the students for the comprehension and vocabulary exams that follow the completion of each novel.
As a culminating experience, there will be a book report required for each novel, due on the exam date.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
Each book will be distributed to the class the week prior to the class meeting. Fees for the books are included in the course fee, so all books are the student's to keep. The book must be brought to class along with the 'Book Club Binder' given at the first enrolled class. Students are expected to keep their books and binder in good condition (no drawings, purposeful damage, etc). Students who are absent the day a new book is distributed are responsible for obtaining the book from Etum Academy in a timely manner or for making other alternate arrangements to obtain the book.
A complete list of all books used for the five levels may be obtained from the instructor or director. Book Club lists are subject to change due to availability, changes in California standard curriculum and Frameworks, perceived usefulness and appropriateness for age/level, and emergence of new material.
Vocabulary Tests
Vocabulary tests will be based on the vocabulary lists given to the students with each novel. All vocabulary words are taken directly from the book. Exams will use a variety of evaluation methods including, but not limited to: matching, providing synonyms and antonyms, and writing sentences and definitions. Students must also be able to spell the words correctly.
Comprehension Tests
Comprehension tests will be based on the novel. Tests are typically composed of 10 multiple choice questions, however levels 4 and 5 may be presented with short answer or fill-in the blank questions. Questions are worth one point each. Attentive reading, class discussions, and writing activities should adequately prepare students for the exams.
Class participation
Students are expected to actively participate in class during every class meeting. Participation is made through asking and answering questions during group discussion, completing and turning in written work in a timely manner, constructive contributions to class activities and group work, completing reading assignments before the class meeting, and turning in book reports and other assignments on time.
Book Report
The book report will vary for each class level and age/grade. Levels 1, 2, and 3 will complete a book report questionnaire given by the instructor. The instructor will present the rubric for grading these questionnaires. Levels 4 and 5 will write a formal essay responding to questions or topics presented by the instructor. Length and parameters of the essay will be determined as appropriate for each report. Reports may be typed or hand-written if the writing is legible. Spelling and grammar will be considered in grading all reports. Book reports are due the day of the exam.
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