Elementary Teachers: Is this a good idea...?

Question

Is this a good idea for an assignment for a reading class in 3rd or 4th grade?

Each month a student needs to read one chapter book in their reading level, take a test on it, fill out a worksheet about the book, and then draw a picture that has something to do with the book like drawing a scene from the book or drawing a main character. The students will have a whole month to read the book, complete the test, worksheet, and picture. There will be a rubric on how this will be graded and this is a big part of their reading grade.

Is this too much to ask for 3rd or 4th graders and if so tell me some better ideas.

If I did this assignment one time a quarter but they had to read 2 books that quarter and do this assignment on 1 of those books. Would that be better?

If you do the AR kind the test are already set into the computer.

Answer 1

I think that the task itself is a good one, but you may need to break it down into several sections, each with a shorter time frame than a month. A month is an eternity to a third grader. Their concept of time means that such a long term assignment may not be a good idea at that age. Instead, assign some part of the project every Friday to be completed by the next Friday or something like that. Then when the book is finished there might be a "grand finale" project.

Consider activities such as role plays of scenes in the book, group work where several students read the same book and work together on some aspects, building models or scenes from the book, etc. Children at this age will appreciate the "hands on" approach to some of the activities, which can be an excellent way to demonstrate their understanding of the book.

Other posters have given you some great ideas, so I am sure you will figure out an exciting way to make this work.

Answer 2

It might be a bit much for a 3rd grader, especially at the beginning of the year, but fourth graders should be fine. One book a month is not too much, especially if your students have any silent reading time in class, or if they read as part of their nightly homework.

I am a strong believer in high expectations...the students truly with accomplish more if you expect them to.

Another fun way to get your students into reading is through literature circles. Several students can read the same book, and each of of them can have a different job each week. For example, you might assign a group to read the first 40 pages of the book the first week. One student would be responsible for writing a summary, another for looking up difficult words, another could write about a personal connetcion they made with the book, another could draw several illustrations...the possibilites are endless. Then, the students could meet once a week, share their work, and discuss their book.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Why not have them write a short paper? 1-2 pages double-spaced? Worksheets are often perceived as 'busy' work. Also, some people excel in writing over multiple choice-type exams. The picture is a unique idea and it is an easy way to earn points.

As far as the intensity, that does seem a little much for every month, but I think it is do-able. I think it would be wise to give them class time to read and work. Maybe assign them each a group based on the book they are reading, and once a week take about 30 minutes to let the groups discuss how things are working out in the book, ask questions they may have, etc... Working in groups has been proven effective in helping individuals study for exams and write papers.

Also, I would give time points as to how much they should have read by each point. For example, by Jan. 17th, have chapter 1-4 read. Some kids have poor time management skills. It would help to have a guide.

Answer 4

Sometimes the higher the expectation, the better the performance. Why not 'grade' the kids into two sections. One of the sections is a once-a-month group and the other is less able therefore becomes a once-every-two months group.

It is not too much for the better readers I am sure.

Now, who is making up the tests? You may find yourself tooooo busy to do a good job. Have you read ALL the chapter books? I doubt it. Cos YOU will have to read them to make the quizzes you know!! perhaps a plot summary is a better idea, or a few sentences agbout the 'meanest' character or the 'person who solved the dilemma'. Stuff like that.

Hope you enjoy those little ones. Our future leaders.
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Answer 5

Sounds like a good idea, but don't forget that for such a long task (in terms of time) some of the kids will need to have it broken down into shorter time frames, especially if its new to them. They'll need help to manage their time and maybe checklists of when you expect them to finish certain amounts of it, so that they don't leave it to the end. Time management and organisation are skills that need to be taught, like anything else. Maybe break it up into weeks or steps for them and obviously, they'll need examples and practise at the type of writing you expect them to come up with.
For me, the only other thing that jumped out at me was that it does not allow the students to choose what they produce or to choose how they will demonstrate what they have learnt/read. Maybe consider offering a range of ways to present this info (say 10 options) and the students have a minimum they must choose. This would also allow your more capable students to do extra, whilst giving your less capable students a sense of ownership over the work and some achievement. For my way of teaching, its a bit limiting to say that there will be a test, a worksheet and so on for each text. That won't work for a lot of kids. Its important to remember that written work isn't the only way to assess what a child has learnt. Let the kids have some input into how they show you what they know.
I think its excellent that you have high expectations for the kids. If they know that you expect quality work at the best of their ability, that's what you'll get, not just from the kids who are high achievers but from everyone. Good luck.

Answer 6

Sounds like a great project, however some parent involvement will be necessary to keep the kids on track. I would suggest a weekly task to complete the project, with parents signature.
Pages read and signed off by the parent. Art work done, signed off.
Test....meaning you'll have to read the books too or is this a comupter program already set in place. Thinking about your time too!

Best wishes....

Answer 7

I did something similar to this with my 3rd graders. I think it's a great idea. For the closure to the assignment, I had students show their "reports" to the class. They had to basically write a summary of the book without giving away the ending.We also did ads for their books. Each student had to make an advertisement for their book complete with drawings and slogans, to entice others to read it. We hung them in the library. FUN FUN FUN! I love this part of teaching!!

Answer 8

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Answer 9

I think its a great idea. Some kids may struggle, but it is good structure and they will learn what middle school will be expecting of them soon. And also, if its on their levels, then it shouldn't be too difficult. I say GO FOR IT!

Answer 10

That seems like too much for every month. Try every trimester, or just once or twice in the year.

It's a good idea, though!