large view Which American author wrote East of Eden, Ms. Santillanes' favorite book?

Assignment:

Each English 2 student will read 500 pages per quarter from a non-class text and present a book talk for Ms. Santillanes during an appointment before or after school.  Students will also complete one outside reading project per semester.

Rationale:

The purpose of this assignment is to meet the California State requirement that students read 2 million words per year, as well as to foster an appreciation for reading for pleasure.

Details/Requirements (FAQ’s):

What sort of book may I read to fulfill this requirement?

• You may read any fiction or non-fiction book that you have not read before (it must be a book with a storyline.  Magazines, newspapers, articles, poems, manuals, or short stories do not count).
• The book should be appropriate for your reading level (use your best judgment.  If you have any concerns about your chosen book, see Ms. Santillanes). 
• If I find out that you have already read the book for another teacher, you will not receive credit. 

What goes on during the book talk?

• During the 5-10 minute meeting with Ms. Santillanes, you will have to prove that you read the book.  Ms. Santillanes will determine this by asking you a few questions.
• You must bring the book with you to have a book talk.
• You get credit for the number of pages you have read based on whether Ms. Santillanes is convinced that you have read the book. 
• If you want, you may take notes on the book as you read and then use those notes to aide you in your book talk.

How can I sign up for a book talk? 

• You may sign up by writing your name down on the appointment clipboard (at the front of the classroom) next to an approved appointment time.
• You must sign up for a book talk at least 24 hours in advance.
• The day before your appointment, you will find your name on a reminder notice on the whiteboard.  It is your responsibility to keep your appointments, write them down in your planner!!! 
• Do NOT wait until the last minute to sign up!!!  Appointments will run out quickly, so sign up as early as possible.  Ms. Santillanes will announce the deadline for signing up each quarter.  If you do not sign up by the deadline, you will not be guaranteed an appointment.
• If you miss an appointment due to an absence, reschedule immediately.
• There will be one make up day for book talks each quarter.  They will be completed in a first come, first served basis.

How often should I do a book talk?

• You must do at least one book talk per quarter (unless you have read more than the required amount of pages in the previous quarter).  Please don’t sign up for a second book talk until you have completed your first!
• You may talk about a maximum of 2 books at a book talk.
• You must have read a minimum of 100 pages to do a book talk.  You do not need to have finished a book to do a book talk.

How will I be graded on the book talk?

• You will earn credit for the number of pages you have read based on your ability to successfully convince Ms. Santillanes that you have read those pages.
• You must read 500 pages per quarter to receive an A.  You may get partial credit for reading less than 500 pages, but just aim for that goal.
• Extra credit will be offered ONLY in the fourth quarter.  You may receive 10pts extra credit for each 100 pages you have read over the required amount (limit 500 pages = 50pts).

 What if I start a book and just hate it?

• A book does not have to be completed to receive credit for the pages read.  You must read at least 25 pages, though, before you decide to stop.  Don’t torture yourself by forcing yourself to read a book you don’t like!  Remember, one of the goals of this assignment is to help you appreciate reading for pleasure. 

Can I read a book that was made into a movie?

• Regarding books connected to a movie or TV show… if you choose one of these books, you must also watch the movie and be prepared to compare and contrast the book and the movie.  If you do not convince me that you have read and watched both, you will not receive credit.

What if I do not convince Ms. Santillanes that I have read the book?

• If you try to report on a book and are not able to convince me that you have read it, or if you try to cheat, you will not get credit.  Repeat problems will result in disciplinary action and an alternative, and much harder, assignment.