READING PORTFOLIO
SUMMER READING ACTIVITIES
THE READING PORTFOLIO WILL BE THE FIRST GRADE YOU WILL OBTAIN FOR YOUR LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS. EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT DUE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, WE SUGGEST STRONGLY THAT YOU START WORKING ON THE ASSIGNMENT DURING THE SUMMER!!!!!!
DIRECTIONS:
- After you read your summer reading book, you must complete the four required activities and two from the elective activities.
- Each activity must begin on a separate page. Include the name of the book and author, and the name of the activity.SEE THE “SAMPLE ACTIVITY PAGE” for easy reference.
- The Concluding Activity must be done after the novel is read and you are ready to put your Portfolio together.
- Unless otherwise indicated, the complete Portfolio and all pieces of it must be typed, doubled spaced, using Times New Roman 12 point font. Set all margins at 1 inch.
REQUIRED ACTIVITIES: For your summer novel, complete the following:
- Reading Log – Maintain an individual copy of your reading log for your book. Make sure to update it on a daily basis and keep up with your readings so that you don’t fall behind. This log will include the date, chapters read, and a summary or even quotes that you feel are important from the chapter(s).
- Author Background – Using at least two different sources/references, find information about the author of your book to help explain why the author may have written this novel. Synthesize the information and write one paragraph on how their life may have influenced their decision to write the book.
- Background Builder – Using at least two different sources/references, find a theme, setting, or idea that is central to your reading that you would like to learn more about. If your book takes place during the holocaust, for example, then that should be your background builder focus. Find as much information as you can about this idea to help build your background as you read. Summarize the information about your background in one paragraph, making sure to link the idea to the book.
ALL REFERENCE MATERIALS SHOULD BE CITED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE AND INCLUDE COPIES OF THE REFERENCES. IF THIS IS NOT TURNED IN, THE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR GRADED.
- Vocabulary Builder – Write down at least 10 words that are new to you from the text of your book. Finish your vocabulary builder activity by drawing a word box for your words. Remember to include the word, a definition, a description, a drawing, and a sentence using the word.
GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY YOUR ACTIVITIES!!!!!
SAMPLES
SAMPLE DIVIDER COVER SHEET
(make this 1 full length page)
REQUIRED ACTIVITIES
Reading Log
Author Background
Background Builder
Vocabulary Builder
ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES (2)
COPIES OF REFERENCES
(THE DIVIDER COVER SHEETS CAN BE OF DIFFERENT COLORS AND CREATIVE)
SAMPLE ACTIVITY PAGE
(make this 1 full length page)
Title of book:
Author:
Activity:
SAMPLE CONCLUDING ACTIVITY: Gathering the Pieces of your Portfolio!
1. Make a Cover Page that includes your name and Language Arts class period. Title it “Reading Portfolio.” State the name and Author(s) of the books your read. Then list the contents of the portfolio and state where each piece can be located. Place this page at the front of your Portfolio. (This page should be done with your next year’s Language Arts Teacher)
2. Make a Table of Contents Page to be placed after the cover page which it will state where each piece of the portfolio can be located. (This page should also be done with your next year’s Language Arts Teacher)
REMINDER: MAKE SURE THAT COPIES OF ALL OF THE REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED IN THE PORTFOLIO. IF YOU ARE USING A BOOK AS A SOURCE, YOU NEED TO MAKE COPIES OF THE PAGES USED IN THE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER READING AND THE ACTIVITIES AND HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE SUMMER VACATION.
ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES: For each novel you read, complete 2 of the following:
Before and After. After reading the first chapter of your book, make a prediction as to what you think will happen next. Write one paragraph relaying your prediction. After you are done with the book, write one paragraph explaining whether your prediction came true. Total entry should be two paragraphs long.
Reader’s Choice. Make a photocopy of your favorite chapter or scene from the book. Then write a 5 paragraph expository essay explaining why it is your favorite chapter. Make sure to include details from the story to support your response.
Famous Words. Visit a quotes database(quotationspage.com, quoteland.com, etc) and find a quote that you believe a character from your book would say. Using examples and text from the book, write one paragraph explaining why you believe this quote is relevant.
You versus the book: Compare and Contrast. Compare and contrast any aspect of yourself(your personality and/or personal experiences) to that of a character in your book. Include a Venn-diagram and a two paragraph description for your portfolio.
Picture It. Make your book into a picture book! Include at least 5 pictures replicating different scenes from your book that you feel help summarize the important points. Any and all artistic mediums can be used(i.e.: photographs, sketches, collages, comic book strip, etc.)
From Words to Pictures. Find out if your book as a film adaptation. If so, view the film after having read the book and write a 5 paragraph essay responding to the following: “How does the book “translate” to film? Is the film a successful adaptation? Why or why not? “Make sure to support your statements with evidence and examples from the book and the film.
Ask the Author. Write a letter to the author asking questions or with comments about the reading. Didn’t enjoy the ending? Loved the conflict?Have a question about the protagonist’s motives?Let him or her know! Total entry should be no less than two pages long.
Read all about it! Find a book review written about your book. After finishing your book and reading the review, respond to the person who wrote the review. Do you agree with it? Which points? Why or why not? In letter format, write to the book reviewer letting him or her know how you feel about the review and what you would have written differently. Total entry should be no less than two pages long.
Sell, Sell, Sell! Imagine that you are an advertising executive that has just received a book-promotion deal. Your job is to sell as many copies as possible of your book. Think of an advertising campaign to help spread the word and convince people to buy, buy, buy! Ideas include a brochure, a power point presentation, and a radio or TV commercial. Make sure to retain a hard copy to insert into your Portfolio.
Musical Performance. Compose a two to three minute song about your book which will be performed in front of the class. Make sure to include the words to your song in your Portfolio.
Acting Out! Transform your favorite scene or chapter from the book into a three to five minute skit. Make sure to include any necessary background information so that audience members can follow the action. Include a copy of your script in your Portfolio.
Student Choice. Didn’t like the previous activities? Then come up with your own way to showcase your mastery of the novel you read. This choice must be approved by your Language Arts teacher for the year 2008-2009 before you begin working on it.
GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY YOUR ACTIVITIES!!!!!!!!!