*PARTNER+READS+Instructions*

April 13, 2011

Greetings 8th graders, and welcome to the pages of **Partner Reads**!

This year you have embarked on independent analysis through your Reading Logs and Reading Responses. Now it’s time to share your reflections in a new way through online “discussion.”

The **purpose** of Partner Reads is for you to...

...guide your own discussion about an interesting book in a way that increases understanding and appreciation for both you and your partner.

...utilize your knowledge of **f****oreshadowing, mood, setting, theme, symbolism,** and **character change** to make discussion meaningful.

...continue to support your observations by citing evidence from the book (direct quotations).

...inspire others to read the books which you choose and discuss!

Your **responsibilities**:

//(Keep in mind that these activities are instead of keeping a Reading Log and writing Reading Responses!)//

__**Day 1**__ **(Before you begin reading)**, each partner must:

1. Post a response in which you make predictions about the book you will read. What can you predict from the book’s title? What does the book’s cover (front and back) tell you about the book? Is the book fiction or nonfiction?

2. Pose 2 questions about the book to your partner. For example, you can ask what they predict to be the setting, plot, or genre. Is the book going to be funny, sad, realistic, or full of imaginary images?

Each __**Monday, Wednesday, and Friday**__, **(while you are reading)**, you must post a wiki response in which you:

1. Share your opinions/reflections about your reading

2. Respond to your partner’s question(s)

3. Pose a new question(s) to your partner

<span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">Although every question does not have to address one of the literary elements listed above, you must address them **all** by the time you have finished your book. In other words, at some point during your online discussion, you and your partner **must** ask questions (and provide responses about) **foreshadowing, mood, setting, theme, symbolism,** and **character change**. As with Reading Responses, you can write about these elements in any order you choose.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">Some **helpful hints** if you are stuck...
 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px;">Suggest an interesting passage (quotation) for your partner to look at in detail. What is the meaning of the passage? Why is this passage important?
 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">Ask your partner questions in which they must make predictions about what will happen later in the book. Is there evidence of foreshadowing to support your predictions?
 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">We have talked about authors’ techniques. What kinds of techniques does your author use to engage the reader (you!)?
 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">Do the events of the book connect to your life in some way? Can you relate to one or more of the characters? Why?
 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">Does this book remind you of another book you have read? Or a movie you have seen? Or a song? A poem? Which one and why?

<span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">If you are having trouble reflecting, it’s often helpful to begin with...
 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px;">This story/character/event reminds me of...
 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">I don’t believe that...
 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">I do/don’t agree with...
 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">I noticed that the author...

<span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">Ms. Chung and Ms. Craig will be reading the responses and joining in the discussion from time to time. We will also post focus questions or discussion suggestions each week to help inspire you! Remember, although this is an online assignment, your language needs to be appropriate and consistent with your Reading Responses.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px;">**Rise up and read on!**