11Tuesday. ELA Kick Off. 2014.

Independent Reading Afternoon Chat

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1 When & Why IR?

3 How will I invest my students in our reading-level test?

2 What reading-level test will I use?

Agenda

ESSENTIAL QUESTION:Why does IR matter so much & how can I prepare to create a culture of IR?

DIAGNOSE YOURSELF:How much do you know about the power of independent reading? How much do you know about what it takes to get IR going in your class?

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Quantitative Big Goals: 1. Ss will grow 1.9 years in reading OR 4 points on the ACT.

2. Students read ___ # of books.3. Students read ____ # of pages.

Why IR?

If we want students to grow as readers, then we must make time for and foster TONS of independent

reading.

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But, there is a high threshold to making IR happen in your class.

Finding books! Building a classroom library of at least 300

books that meet your students’ interests & push them to develop more interests

Developing a system of accountability Developing a system of book-love

NOT TO MENTION… Working hard to get to know your students, unit-designing, writing lessons, grading student-writing, building adult relationships ALL IN THE FIRST WEEKS!

Given all of this, we have some recommendations for you!

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Calendaring IR with StudentsMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

July 28

August 4

August 11

August 18

August 25

September 1 SATURDAY Sept. 6 Kick Off 2– Prepare to share results with Ss & develop IR plan.

“Recruit” books for your library: letters to family/friends, used book stores, magazine subscriptions

Your 1st Days! How will you infuse the importance of independent-reading in everything you and your students do? How will you learn what they want to read about?

Reading level testing!Invest & prepare Ss for reading level testing

Score & track reading levels

Build hype about checking out books! Recruit student-library-leaders.

Unit 1! Reading & writing with students!

Unit 1! Reading & writing with students!

Unit 1!

Unit 1!

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PRESENTS to help build Independent Reading !(1) BOOKS for your library!(2) Sample letter!(3) IR Calendar!(4) Sample Amazon Wish List with

books with characters of color!(5) Reading level tests &

administration guidance

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EXPLORING GOALS: (10 min)(1)Read the sample letter, and revise it for you & your people. SEE IF YOU CAN FINISH IT!(2)Pick up your reading level tests & review them. What do they test? How long will students have to test?(3)Choose some books!(4)Talk to a volunteer about your IR calendar.

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Investing & Empowering Your Students

Pretend that you are a student…1.What did you learn during this mini-lesson?2.How did the teacher ensure that you have choice and agency with this reading level test?3.How did the teacher/ classmates make you feel on a mission?

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Gut Check:What are our take-aways?

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BREAK!You only have a little

more time to craft your cELebrAtion!

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Synthesizing this day

WHOA, WE DID SO MUCH.

Take 15 minutes…(1)Add IR and other conclusions to your vision.(2)Jot down what you KNOW you don’t know & what questions are on your mind AND share these with someone.(3)Finish your note of affirmation & celebration for your secret, creepy buddy.

CIRCLE UP:•Choose ONE WORD to share with everyone about your vision right now.•Give your note to your person & then hang it up!