FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What supplies are needed for reading class?
Each student needs to bring a 3-ring binder, loose leaf paper, pencils or pens with blue or black ink, agenda, and his or her selected novel to class daily. Paper should be standard size, white notebook paper, either college or wide ruled. Assignments and tests completed using non-standard ink will not be accepted for grading. In addition, each student needs one green and one red colored pencil, as well as a package of 3x5 index cards.
What's this class about?
My goal is to help all students become better readers. A variety of direct instruction and hands-on activities help ensure that each student is taught to read carefully and thoroughly.
What are "words of the day"?
All Morton students are expected to study the definition of a new word each day based on a monthly theme. Students write the words and definitions in their agendas each day and are tested at the end of each month.
What independent reading is required?
Middle school students are generally required to finish a book and pass a computer quiz every two weeks. Students earn reading points based on their abilities and the difficulty of books they choose to read. Their efforts to meet these goals translate into at least one-third of their final grade each quarter. Those exceeding their goals earn extra credit. Many students are motivated to read constantly--during T.R.E.E. (homeroom), at lunch, at home, or during any other free time.
What is AR?
Accelerated Reader (AR) is the name of the personalized instruction program that is part of Morton's core reading curriculum. Renaissance Learning software is used to provide each student and his or her teacher with continual information about the development of the student's literacy skills. Students select books at their appropriate reading levels based on computerized comprehension screenings. This ensures that every student is challenged without becoming frustrated.
What books can be read?
A variety of books are available for check-out in classrooms and the school library. In addition, students may use books checked out from the Omaha Public Libraries or purchased from book stores. A student may choose any book that is on his or her reading level as long as Morton has a computer quiz available for it. Please contact the teacher to be certain your selection meets the guidelines.
Why should one learn Greek and Latin roots?
This foundation in the building blocks of the English language will help students understand the meaning of many words. Learning these roots and their English derivatives also gives each student a vocabulary strategy that can be a big advantage when taking college entrance exams. Spelling is easier, too, after learning the components of words. Students are introduced to approximately five new roots each week.
What is a book talk?
It is a formal presentation each student prepares, practices, and delivers to discuss his or her favorite book. This 5-minute speech includes a visual aid such as a poster or PowerPoint illustration.
Is there any extra credit?
Because students are expected to come to class prepared and successfully complete all assignments throughout the year, only one option exists for extra credit. Any student who exceeds his or her individual AR reading goal for the quarter will be awarded five extra points for that quarter.
What about absences?
Students always need to keep reading and studying vocabulary words. Check this web site for updated class information. The most successful students are those who are consistently in class on time and ready to work each day.
What is the best way to become a successful reader and wordmaster?
When a student sees the entire family reading for pleasure as well as enrichment, he or she is more likely to make a daily commitment to reading. In addition to books, it is helpful for students to read newspapers--either online or hard copy editions. Share and talk about what you read and new words you have learned. Solving crossword puzzles or playing word games are exciting ways to increase vocabulary and spelling skills. SCRABBLE is an inexpensive game that can be played by people of all ages and can be purchased as a traditional board game or in a computer version.