-------Original Message------- From: Barbara Punchak Date: 3/29/2007 3:11:16 PM To: 'A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades.' Subject: [LIT] Grading novels? On the subject of "grading" the novels: I have been doing Literature groups in my six 8th grade classes for the month of March. The first week was preparation for the novel (anticipation guides, etc.). Each class is doing a different novel, but are required to do the same "assessment" activities. We do "Written conversation"..which is the group asking each other fat questions, get answers and respond; a sticky note menu which has the students connecting, predicting, inferring, finding good figurative language etc.; a character trait chart; a Mandala graphic which is based on colors that symbolize the main character's traits; all these assessments are weighted differently,but it enables me to come up with a "grade" for the students. I read with each class and facilitate the assignments, discussing as I would with adults about the content of the novel. Hope that helps. It really is very easy if the students are aware of what is expected in the beginning. I really don't like the "role sheets" for groups; the kids really hate them and treat them as monotonous work. I think the role sheets are great for the lower grades to get the kids ready for higher level thinking. Janet Smith 8th Grade Reading Conneaut Middle School Conneaut, Ohio _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org
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