Planning Ahead

READING BOOKS FOR INFORMATION

If you know your purpose before you begin, you will use your time more wisely.

Decide what you need to discover:
__ lots of detailed facts
__ a specific answer for a specific question
__ general information
__ an appreciation for a topic

Decide on the type of writing:
__ formal with a high reading level
__ formal with a medium reading level
__ literary style
__ casual, humourous style

Decide how to read:
__ use the subheadings to skim along
__ use the index to discover the page you need
__ use the page of contents to find the chapter you need
__ read from the beginning, like a novel
__ browse through the book or journal

Decide how to record the information:
__ use a mindmap
__ use some other graphic organizer
__ take detailed notes
__ write down a specific piece of information
__ draw a picture or sketch
__ copy some sections, using quotation marks and giving the pg. no.
__ read and then stop and recite to yourself in your mind to make
sure you’ve remembered the important parts

Decide how to keep the information:
__ in a binder
__ in a journal
__ on a little slip of paper
__ in your head

NONFICTION RESPONSES

Many students know that to really learn about a topic, it is wise to read extra books. Here are two ways in which you can write book responses to those nonfiction books.

Did you know that GIVE AN INTERESTING FACT? Did you know that GIVE ANOTHER INTERESTING FACT? TITLE by AUTHOR (publisher, date) tells all sorts of AN EMOTIVE ADJECTIVE SUCH ‘FASCINATING’  facts about TELL THE TOPIC OF THE BOOK.  I learned that TELL A FACT and TELL ANOTHER FACT. I discovered that TELL A FACT and TELL ANOTHER FACT.  TITLE is a AN EMOTIVE WORD SUCH AS ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ book about TELL THE TOPIC AGAIN .

You can learn a lot about life from books.  I learned some useful information from TITLE by AUTHOR (PUBLISHER, DATE). TELL A USEFUL FACT. TELL ANOTHER USEFUL FACT. TELL YET ANOTHER USEFUL FACT.  Most importantly, I learned that TELL YOUR MOST MEMORABLE USEFUL FACT. Books are a great way to expand your general knowledge, to help you carry along facts that can help you in life.  And this book is great one to read if you want to learn SUMMARIZE THE MAIN TOPIC; E.G. HOW TO MANAGE YOUR MONEY.

Read some examples by students!

 [This page may be copied for use with students if the following credit is provided: ©2011 Sophie Rosen.]

Independent Non-fiction Reading Journal: An Evaluation
1. Read books, magazines or newspaper articles.
2. Record interesting information and ideas in this journal for class credit.
3. Be prepared to share what you’ve learned in our weekly discussion.
Content
• at least 1 page per week                N / M / F
• sources of information provided     N / M / F
Style
• neat printing or writing                   N / M / F
• correct spelling and grammar          N / M / F
You may earn the designation of ‘exceeding expectations’ by including personal connections.

[This page may be copied for use with students if the following credit is provided: ©2008 Sophie Rosen.]

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *