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Book Talks and Accelerated Reader Dear Parents,

Your child is going to do a lot of reading this year! I am requiring my students to take at least 1 Accelerated Reader (AR) test each month. I may ask your child to read more AR books each month based on his/her reading level. AR is a computer-based program that tests the child’s comprehension of the book. Children may read AR books during the school day, during silent reading time or for homework. They may take the test in the morning after completing their morning work, after completing classwork assignments, or during silent reading time.

Once a month your child will give a 5-6 minute “Book Talk” to our class. Please see the schedule below for the dates your child’s book talks are due. I will send reminders in the assignment notebook, however, this should be considered a standing assignment that your child is responsible for each month.

Given that the students’ homework is to read for at least 15-20 minutes each night, this should provide plenty of time to read the book, decide on a project, and complete the project. This work is to be completed at home, as homework. We have discussed book talks at school, but it would be a good idea to talk with your child to make sure that he/she is completely clear about their monthly assignment. I have attached a list of ideas for book talks.

Please note that I am asking the children to choose a book of a specific type for each month. We will discuss the different types at school and I will offer suggestions to the children. Please let me know if you have any questions about book talks and what I expect.

Students will need to bring the following when presenting their book talks:
1. The book – I like to see the material they are reading
2. A written summary (several paragraphs in length) about the book, highlighting the problem and solution when applicable.
3. The project made and any props needed (props alone are not a project)

Fourth Grade Book Talks

Oct. 5 – Mystery
Nov. 9 – Funny
Dec. 7 – Realistic Fiction
Jan. 11 – Historical Fiction
Feb. 8 – Biography
Mar. 8 – Tall Tale or Myth
Apr. 12 – Non-Fiction
May 10 – Free Choice

Third Grade Book Talks

Oct. 18 – Mystery
Nov. 16 – Funny
Dec. 14 – Realistic Fiction
Jan. 18 – Historical Fiction
Feb. 15 – Biography
Mar. 15 – Tall Tale or Myth
Apr. 19 – Non-Fiction
May 17 – Free choice

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