Reading Letter

As part of your homework this week, you are going to write a reading letter to me.  This is a way for us to communicate about what you're reading at home and it also helps keep me in the loop.  I'm excited to hear all about your adventures in reading! Check out the outline below and see the example that follows.  Don't forget to share your letter with me in google docs. Your letter is due Friday.  Happy Reading!

Reading Letter

Directions: You will write a letter to Ms. Mattson in google docs about the book you are reading at home.  Follow the expectations listed below to help you organize your letter.

Paragraph 1:

o   Introduce the book with the title and author.

o   Tell me about how far you are.

o   Tell me what made you choose this book.

o   Tell me any other books you have read in this series or by this author.

Paragraph 2:

o   Give a brief summary of the story so far OR since your last letter.

o   Include any answers to questions you had and anything new that you have discovered or figured.

o   Answer any questions that I have asked you from the previous letter.

Paragraph 3: The most important!

o   Share your thinking on your book. Use two or three ideas from the “possible topics for your letters” section. Include your thinking on strategies that we have been working on in reader’s workshop (ex. noticing author’s craft, asking questions, connections, inferring etc.)

o   Closing.

*Remember, you’re letters should always be in proper format with a date, greeting and closing.

Reading Letter Example:

September 10, 2013

Dear Ms. Mattson,

     I am reading The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman.  I am still on the first chapter of the book, which takes place in September.  I am reading this book with my class during read aloud.  So far, this is the only book I have read by Dan Gutman however, I would like to read the sequel when I am done: Return of the Homework Machine.

     This story begins with four kids: Snik, Judy, Kelsey, and Brenton.  They do not have much in common except they are all in trouble for using a homework machine.   Snik is a class clown and doesn’t care very much about school.  Judy is a know-it-all teacher’s pet and is very studious.  Kelsey is a bit flaky and does not care about her schoolwork at all.  Brenton is a genius. He prefers to spend time on his own, rather than with kids his own age.   At this point in the story, the four are being interrogated by the police department and sharing their sides of the story.

     I really like this story so far.  I wonder if the kids are guilty of what they are being accused of?  I am also thinking that although the kids appear to be very different, it’s possible that they may have more in common than they think.   I am looking forward to uncovering the mystery of the homework machine!

Sincerely,

(Your Name)