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Reading Assignment Planner

ASSIGNING THE READING TASK

Reading Tool

Strategies of Independent Strategic Readers Supported by this Reading Tool:

1. Have strategies to use when encountering new words.
2. Connect new knowledge to make meaning.
3. Think ahead to what might be coming.
4. Continually evaluate own understanding.
5. Create images of what is being read.
6. Periodically summarize what is read.
7. Use textual cues, visuals, and organization.
8. Have a plan for how to approach the task.

HOW TO USE:

* Complete the "Reading Assignment" section by entering the pages or text to be read. Include a due date, if appropriate.

* Determine what you expect students to know or be able to do as a result of completing the reading assignment. Enter these expectations in the "Purpose/Expected Results" section.

* Select the terms from the reading that are important for understanding the text. List those terms in the "Vocabulary" section.

* Check the "Text Features to Watch" that will provide guidance to students as they read. If the text has unique features, add them to the existing list.

* Check the "Suggested Reading Tips" that students might use to help them accomplish the purpose of the reading.

* Note any parts of the text that are especially important in the "Pay Special Attention to" section.

TIPS/VARIATIONS:

The first time you use this tool, consider completing each section before giving it to students. As students continue to use the tool, ask them to complete it from your verbal instructions.

After giving students some insights into the content of the reading assignment, have them determine the best purpose for the reading. Make sure students come to consensus on a common purpose.

Ask students to place a star by those vocabulary words or terms that they already know. They might also add words to the list by scanning the reading assignment.

Consider having students continue to add new vocabulary words they don't know as they complete the reading assignment.

Explain any text features or reading tips that may be new or unfamiliar to students.

READING STRATEGIES FOR THE CONTENT AREAS

Reading Assignment:

* Be specific about the assignment.
* Include page numbers and/or titles.
*You may also include a due date, if appropriate.

Purpose/Expected Results:

Write the purpose in terms of what the student should be able to know or do as a result of completing the reading assignment.

Vocabulary:
* List the vocabulary words or phrases that are important  to understanding the text and that you think students may not know.
* Encourage students to add any words they don't know as they read.

Text Features to Watch:

Check the text features that will help the reader understand the text:
* Italicized words
* Headings/subheadings
* Pictures/graphs
* Bold-faced words
* Footnotes

Suggested Reading Tips:

* Scan
* Make predictions
* Make inferences
* Use a graphic organizer
* Summarize
* Analyze perspective
* Organize details
* Take notes
* Check strategies that will be useful for this reading assignment:
*  If there are any sections or passages that students take special note of, list them.

Sample