Reading Journal #3

Respond to one of the following readings from News for You or any newspaper article of your choice. (If you choose an article from another newspaper, such as the Orange County Register, Fullerton Observer, Los Angeles Times, The Daily Titan, etc., please include a link to the article in your blog):

• "Many Reasons for Drop in Illegal Immigrants from Mexico"
• "Mining the Sky Could Be Risky But Carry Rewards"
• "Making a Change: Canada to Toss the Penny"
• "London Plans Carefully for 2012 Olympics"
• "Rhino Killings Soar for 'Healing' Horn"
• "Dogs and Owners Have a Ball in the Dog Scouts"

*This Journal Entry and two comments will be due Saturday, June 30 by 6:00 p.m.

Reading Journal #2

Respond to one of the following readings or any reading of your choice that has been approved by me (on your own blog):

• "Skin: The Body's Canvas"
• "Saving the Panda"
• "Tracking the Snow Leopard"

*This Journal Entry and two comments will be due Friday, June 22 by 6:00 p.m.

Reading Journal #1

Respond to one of the following readings (on your own blog):

• "Planet Football"
• "What Makes an Olympic Champion?"
• "The Enigma of Beauty"

*This Journal Entry will be due Saturday, June 16 by 6:00 p.m., NOT Friday.  You must also make a comment on two of your classmates' journal entries by Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

Reading Journal Rubric

Reading journals will be graded using the rubric below.  Please remember to include all of the following to receive maximum credit (15 points):

Summary

Includes title of reading (in summary or post title)                                        _____/0.5_

Uses own words                                                                                           _____/1.5_

Includes main points                                                                                     _____/2___

Appropriate length (approximately 4-8 sentences)                                       _____/1___

Reflection

Presents a thoughtful response (thoughts/opinions/questions, etc.)           _____/3___

Appropriate length (approximately 4-8 sentences)                                       _____/1___

Things Learned

Includes three things learned about English                                                 _____/3___

Comments

Comments on at least two other readings                                                   _____/2___

Appropriate length (at least 3-4 sentences)                                                 _____/1___

Total                                                                                                             _____/15__

Grade	Points
A – Exceptional	13.5 – 15
B – Very Good	12 – 13.4
C – Satisfactory	10.5 – 11.9
D – Marginal	9 – 10.4
F – Failing	0 – 8.9

Reading Journal Instructions

• Choose a reading from the textbook or a homework assignment.  For TWO of your journal entries, you may respond to any reading of your choice.
• Read through the chosen text to gain an overall understanding of it.  Take notes, highlight passages of importance, and make observations as you read.
• In your blog, include the title of the reading.
• In the first paragraph of your blog, briefly summarize the reading in your own words.  Include only the main point(s).
• In the next paragraph(s), reflect on the reading.  You may want to discuss one or more of the following questions about the reading:
• What do you think about it?
• How does it make you feel?  Do you have any negative feelings about it?
•  Is there anything you agree or disagree with?  Why?
• What questions do you have about it?  What passages or ideas were difficult to understand?
• What particular passages or details stand out to you?  Explain why these passages caught your attention and/or might be important.
• How does it relate to your personal experiences or background?
• Does it remind you of an event that happened to someone you know?
• Would you like to acquire a personality trait or characteristic of someone from the reading?  Who and why?
• How has it changed you?  What did you learn?
• Who else should read it?  Should anyone not be encouraged to read it?  Why?
• Would you like to know more about this topic?  Why does it interest you?
• In the last paragraph, list three things you learned about English through reading (vocabulary, grammar, prefixes/roots/suffixes, spelling patterns, word forms, word combinations, expressions, etc.).
• You may include images, videos, and music on your blogs if you wish.

Welcome to Intermediate Reading & Vocabulary!

A journalist is a person who records daily events or keeps a journal.  In this class, you will all be journalists as you summarize and respond to readings in the form of a blog and comment on your classmates' blogs.  In our blogs, we will focus on content and NOT grammar or writing.  The blogs can help you prepare for class discussions and tests by allowing you to think critically about the readings, collect your thoughts, and raise issues for us to pursue.

Every Monday I will post a journal entry number where you can respond to the readings that you've done in or outside of class.  You will write your response on your own blog. Each response should be 2-3 paragraphs in length.  Plan to spend about 30 minutes a week on your blog.

Each week, you will also comment on at least two of your classmates' blogs.  Each comment should be at least 3-4 sentences in length.  By the end of the semester, you should have commented on everyone's blog at least one time.

Your journal entries and comments are due every Saturday by 6:00 p.m.  Late blogs and comments will not be accepted.

Be creative, have fun, and tell me your thoughts!