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READING STRATEGIES MINILESSON

�Discovering Books that You Really Like to Read�

The purpose of this lesson is to help students discover topics in reading that will spark their interest and encourage them to read without prompting.� By recognizing subjects and content areas that they like, it will help them to become motivated to read more.�

Sixth Grade Competency Goals

Goal 5� The learner will respond to various literary genres using interpretive and evaluative process.

5.01�� Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive �� reading program by:

Reading self-selected literature and other materials of individual interest.

5.02�� Study the characteristics of literary genres (fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry) �� through:

Reading a variety of literature and other text (e.g., novels, autobiographies, myths, essays, magazines, plays, pattern poems, blank verse).

Materials Needed:

Media Center

Librarian

Pen/pencil

Paper

Handout

Time: 30-32 minutes total

5-7 minutes for the librarian to talk

15 minutes to choose a book

5 minutes to check out

5 minutes travel time to and from the library

Preparation:

�� Speak with the librarian to set a time to bring students to the media center.� Ask the librarian to give a short talk, about five to seven minutes, about books and where to find subjects of particular interest to the students.� Be sure that the librarian has appropriate books for all levels of readers.� Low level readers should not be given primary grade books because of their difficulty in reading.� They need books containing subjects that interest them with easy to read vocabulary.

Warm-up Activity

�� Today you are going to learn how to choose books that you will enjoy reading.� We are going to go to the Media Center, but before we do, I�d like everyone to take a moment and think about issues you should consider when selecting a book to read.� Some examples that you might include are the length of the book, your reading level, and what subject interests you.� Now I�d like you to think of ways to select a book.� Raise your hand and I�ll write your ideas on the board.�� At this point, I will write their suggestions on the board.� �Now that we have put together a list of things to look for when choosing a book, I�d like you to take out a sheet of paper and a pencil.� On your paper, please make a list of five subjects that interest you.� For example, if you enjoy baseball, you might want to put sports on your list.� Other suggestions are dance, farming, and mysteries.� When you have approximately five items on your list we�re going to go to the Media Center and use that list to help you find a book that interests you.�� Wait for students to compile their lists.� �Now that your list is complete, I am going to give you a handout. �This handout is a basic book summary.� When you have finished reading your book, you are to complete the handout.� Does anyone have any questions concerning the handout?�� Answer student�s questions.� �Now, when we get to the Media Center the librarian is going to take a few minutes and explain how to find books that interest you and where to find those subjects.� After the librarian has finished talking, if you are unsure of where to find your book of interest, you may ask her.� Remember that there is no talking in the Media Center and please show respect to the librarian and any one else who is in the Center by following the rules.�� Have student gather their lists.� �Please bring your list and line up at the door.� Once we leave the classroom there is to be no talking, and you are to stay in a single line.�� Escort the students to the Media Center, making sure that the talking is kept to a minimum so that other classes are not disturbed.

Guided Practice:

�� As students enter the Media Center, �Please find a seat and sit quietly.�� After the students are seated, the librarian will talk about finding a book of interest and the location of books.� While she is talking, you, the teacher, should be keeping an eye on students and making sure they are not socializing.� After the librarian had finished speaking, ask the students, �Does anyone have questions for the librarian?� If you know they type of book you are looking for and where it is located you may go find a book.� After you have found a book that interests you, please have a seat at one of the tables and look over your choice.� If you are satisfied with your selection you make check your book out now.� If you want to make a change, please do so now and then check it out at the desk.�� I, the teacher, will help any student who seems to have trouble locating a book of interest.� After everyone has found a book to read and is seated ask the students to line up and return to the classroom.� After they are seated at their desks, tell the students, �Your book summary is due one week from today.�

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�� (10 POINTS)

�� NAME:_____________________________

�� DATE:______________________________

�� PERIOD:____________________________

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BOOK REVIEW

SECTION I (6 POINTS EACH)

BOOK TITLE:

AUTHOR:

PUBLISHER AND LOCATION:

DATE OF PUBLICATION:

NUMBER OF PAGES:

ON A SCALE OF 1 T0 5 (5 BEING THE HARDEST), HOW DIFFICULT WAS THIS BOOK?

SECTION II (11 POINTS EACH)

IDENTIFY AND DESCRIBE THE MAIN CHARACTER (THREE SENTENCE MINIMUM):

SETTING OF THE STORY (TWO SENTENCE MINIMUM):

PLOT (FIVE SENTENCE MINIMUM):

ENDING (TWO SENTENCE MIMIMUM):

SECTION III (10 POINTS)

FIVE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE THIS BOOK:

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

WHY: