OUTSIDE READING PROJECT

YCDS- MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH 

            Reading, interpreting, and analyzing literature is one of the most important academic skills. The Outside Reading Projects focus on reading independently for comprehension and enjoyment. For each of the four academic quarters, students will be required to perform the following:

1. Select and submit for approval a book you are interested in reading. See me for a reading list if you need choices.
2. Complete the reading of said book during study halls, English class, SSR block, and free time at home.
3. Select and complete a response project (see approved responses) based upon your book.
4. I am mostly interested in creative, thoughtful, reflective responses to what you are reading independently.

Approved responses

1. Write a summary of the story that includes characters, time, setting, conflict, and resolution of conflict.

2. Write an interview between you and a character. (Include an introduction, question/answer format, and a conclusion)

3. Write a poem that is related to the book. (16 line minimum)

4. Write an analysis describing a character. Include why you selected that character, and their strong/weak points. (Cite examples from the book)

5. Design and publish an electronic webpage or newsletter that captures the essence of your book.

6. Write a personal letter to a character in the story. (Ask questions of the character and share personal connections)

7. Maintain a dialectical journal during the reading of your book. (Right side respond, left side reflect about the right)

8. If you have a creative idea for a response, please see me.

9. Design and construct an in-depth and interesting poster detailing your book’s content.

Format

            Refer to my Final Draft/Project Requirements handout. Please ensure that a cover page (project title, book title, author name, your name, date of submission). I am looking for quality of responses and creative thought. The length of projects will vary according to the project selected. See Mr. Tomevi for specifics.

Grading

These written projects will be weighted at 30% of your quarter grade. Unless otherwise specified, the Pennsylvania Writing Domain Rubric will be used for final assessment of the written portion.

Due Dates

1^st quarter project due no later than: Monday October 20^th

2^nd quarter project due no later than: Friday January 16^th

3^rd quarter project due no later than: Monday March 23^rd

4^th quarter project due no later than: Friday May 22^nd