Reading

Students reading on or above grade level are assigned to reading groups based on reading level as determined by a Qualitative Reading Index score and their personal free reading. Each group is given a choice between 2 or 3 books. The group chooses the book they will read. Once the book is chosen, the students in each group work together 4 days a week on assigned reading and comprehension/discussion questions. They meet with me one day a week.

Groups
I have one group of students that is far enough below the grade level benchmark that they struggle when working with a chapter book. This group of 3 students works daily with me on fluency, reading and decoding skills, and comprehension skills. This group works with a Basal Text, as it offers them shorter stories and each story focuses on one reading skill. The students have enjoyed this Text because of the relatively short length but still high interest level of the stories. Attached is a written version of a Reading Lesson in which two groups are working independently and I am working with the third (Basal) Group:

Reading Group Book Projects
Once each group finishes their novel study, they complete a book project. They are given a list of ideas based on a variety of learning preferences. Students may choose which project to complete, or they can submit a written idea for an alternative project. Some student projects are pictured below. for their book project. ||  ||
 * [[image:100_0535.JPG width="320" height="240" caption="This student read "The Westing Game" in his reading group. He chose to create a replica of the Westing House. He also wrote a piece about the importance of the Westing House in the novel."]] || [[image:100_0532.JPG width="320" height="240" caption="This student read "The Kid Who Ran For President" in his reading group. He chose to create a replica of the White House for his book project. He also wrote a piece about the White House's importance in the novel."]] ||
 * [[image:KidPrez_game_1.jpg width="432" height="557"]] || [[image:Westing_comic.jpg width="320" height="411"]] ||
 * Some students chose to create powerpoint presentations