R.E.A.L.

Reading Enriches All Lives

R.E.A.L. Book Club
Block 1
Fall 2004

R.E.A.L.

Reading Enriches All Lives

Purpose:  The purpose of this activity is to provide students with positive experiences in reading.  In remaining consistent with our focus on the social and collaborative nature of learning, we are establishing "book clubs" whereby students reading the same book can discuss/debate and share their own thinking about the topics addressed in the reading.  These "grand conversations" will take place in a variety of forums:  discussion boards in Blackboard, face-to-face in classroom settings, through electronic mail, and the Virtual Classroom in Blackboard.

How to Begin:   The featured book is written by Rachel Simon and entitled, Riding the Bus with my Sister. The book is published by Plume Books, copyright 2003, ISBN:  0452284554.  If you choose not to purchase the  book, you should visit one of the WKU Libraries, the public library, or other lending facility.  You might also decide to purchase the book and share it with another person.  You can read reviews of the book on this website:  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0452284554/qid=1092257574/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/102-1176787-7124937?v=glance&s=books&n=507846.

What to do Next:  Start reading.  Make notes, questions, lists, etc., from the book to facilitate your discussions of the book.  Some of these might require some research into author, disabilities, ethnicity, etc, so that you get to fully experience the book. 

 You should implement a "double-entry" journal as you read:  Divide 8.5" x 11" pages in half.  On the left side of the page write quotes directly from the book.  These quotes should be particularly meaningful for you - you agree strongly, you disagree strongly, you have NO idea what the author is talking about, etc.- be sure and note the page number where you found the quote.  On the right side of the page directly across from the quote you should record YOUR reactions/questions.  This journal will serve as a VALUABLE source of information for you as we begin the discussions. 

"Symbol and Say" Activity:    As we read our schema causes us to notice elements of the book that others may or may not see.  The purpose of the "Symbol and Say" activity is for each person to bring an "artifact" - tangible item - that is representative of a major concept or focus of the book.  The artifact may represent something literal or interpretive.  Each person will show the artifact and explain the deep connection between it and the story/book.  This should be something that is personally meaningful to you - the artifact should represent something that gave you an "ah-ha" and is what you will likely remember most about the story/book.  The date for bringing this artifact will be announced in class.

Remember:  There are no RIGHT or WRONG answers in this ... these books should inspire you to THINK, QUESTION, INVESTIGATE, FORMULATE IDEAS, DEBATE ISSUES, and LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF AS A PERSON. 

 

Rubric
Criteria

0-11

12  - 19

20-25
Participated in on-line discussion of book and made valuable contributions to the discussion. 1 or 2 times 3 or 4 times More than 5 times.
Submitted double-entry journal on culminating day for entire book. Did not submit double-entry journal or journal was not in proper format. Submitted a double-entry journal, but is of questionable quality. Submitted an outstanding double-entry journal.
Shared artifact. Did not bring and share an artifact related to the book or artifact did not reflect the book. Brought and shared an artifact, but the link to the book was weak or the oral delivery was unclear. Brought and shared an outstanding artifact and was able to articulate the direct link to the book.
Contribution to the joy of the book club. Did not contribute to the overall enjoyment of the book club. Made some contributions to the book club. Made outstanding contributions to the book club and expressed obvious joy in the process.