Dear Parents,
Great News! In #th grade we use a reading program that will help our young readers thrive. We call it Outside
Reading, a program that will refocus on the joy of reading and that will provoke real and original thought in our young
readers.
As parents and teachers, we know how important reading is to a child's growing knowledge base. We know the
world that awaits them, so we understand that reading outside of school is important. However, there is no reason it
should not be enjoyable and actually teach them something at the same time.
With this being said, I am happy to replace the multiple-choice based reading system with Outside Reading. With
Outside Reading, students will no longer have to achieve a certain number of points. Your child will still be required to
read, but meeting a point requirement based on a multiple-choice test will no longer be his or her assessment. In #th grade,
from this point forward, your child will have only two outside reading requirements each nine weeks: one chapter
book that is appropriately leveled for your child of his or her choice and one non-fiction book or media publication of
his or her choice. (The student has the option to swap the one chapter book for two superhero comic books, but the
thinking level and assignments that go with the comic books are of an extremely high level. So, be forewarned.)
Children may choose what they want to read no matter the points, no matter the type of text. If you or I believe
they are under or overestimating their reading ability by choosing material that is beneath or above them, we will have
them select something more appropriate, giving you more say in what your child reads.
Each child’s reading tastes and reading abilities are different. What's more, our children need a media-rich
environment and an escape from any preselected book-only based system. So, if your child wants to read an article from
National Geographic to count as their Non-fiction Media Text, they can. If your child wants to read an online article
about their favorite video game, they can! If your child wants to read the newspaper, they can! Lego Magazine, yes! Teen,
yes! His or her Awana's reader, yes! If your child wants to read any book or publication, they can!
How will I assess their Outside Reading? At a higher level of Bloom's Taxonomy and meta-cognitive thinking
than a multiple-choice test! In #th grade we are preparing your children for a state writing and reading test. Both tests
require cognitive thought. Both are equally as important. Therefore, we believe that base-leveled questioning assessments
over pre-selected reading might be underserving our children’s needs. We are also preparing your children for a multisensory world of technology where creative ability is highly valued. Therefore, student assessment will involve:
 writing, creating, and developing original thought about what they’ve read (a total of two selected prompt
submissions to Turnitin.com per 9 weeks)
 using technology to create real-world, multi-sensory projects (a total of two selected creative tech
projects, one for each reading selection per 9 weeks)
Every nine weeks your child's chosen Outside Reading assessments will be due on the second-to-last Friday of
each 9 weeks. Your child can completely select how he or she wants to accumulate this major grade (see attached Outside
Reading Selection Sheets). On the day that all Outside Reading is due, he or she will also need to turn in the Outside
Reading Selection Sheet with your signature on it (additional copies can be printed from my website).
Thank you so much for your support and the support of your child's all-around education. Hopefully, together we
can build your child's knowledge of the world and recapture his or her love for reading and thinking once more.
Thank you,
######
#th Grade ELAR
Child’s name: __________________________________________________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________________
Please sign and return. Remove this entire top page and keep the rest for your reference. Students
may pick up more selection sheets from the drawer in my classroom or print them from my website
each 9 weeks.
*All writing and technology projects must be completely self-created. Any information, text or images, from other
sources used to create your project must be cited. Any information copied and pasted (even if you change the
words) must be cited. The result of plagiarism is an automatic zero and a possible referral. To cite used
material, refer to Bibme.com for instructions.
Name ___________________________ Outside Reading Selection Sheets
Due Date: __________
1. Chapter Book (Can be swapped for alternative #3)
1. Choose your ONE chapter book:
Title of book:
Author:
# of chapters:
# of pages:
2. Choose Your ONE Writing Assessment*:
(All writing assessments must be 200+ words and
typed.)
A. Summary
B. Daily Reading Journal (by day or
chapter)
C. Compare/Contrast Essay (only option for
books that have been made into movies- if
you can't get the movie, don't read the book)
D. Character Analysis- Describe the
changes the protagonist goes through
throughout the novel. Must use concrete
evidence to support ideas.
E. Literary Analysis- In a fully developed
essay, discuss (see teacher) as it is shown
throughout the novel. Must use textual
evidence to support ideas.
F. Theme Analysis- What is one of the
overlying themes of the novel and in what
ways does this theme manifest itself
throughout the novel. Must use textual
evidence to support ideas.
3. Choose Only ONE
Technology Project*:
(Not required)
Animated scene and plot
schematic of favorite
chapter
Digital comic strip of
favorite chapter
Point
Value
(worth
up to)
8
3
Value
(worth up to)
40
45
45
Method of turning in
assignment:
Turnitin.com
CHAPTER BOOK A
Turnitin.com
CHAPTER BOOK B
Turnitin.com
CHAPTER BOOK C
50
Turnitin.com
CHAPTER BOOK D
55
Turnitin.com
CHAPTER BOOK E or F
55
Turnitin.com
CHAPTER BOOK E or F
Suggested Free App or Software
(you may use any app that you
want)
Method of turning in assignment:
Toontastic (only one is free and it
is limited- in app purchases are
available) similar apps welcome
Comic Maker HD
Caption Distraction
Show your teacher during tutorials
Email to ########
Make a children's digital
picture book version
10
Book Press
iBooks Author
Email to ########
Video reenactment of
favorite scene
5
iMovie
Save in Google Drive and then share
Commercial for book
7
iMovie
with ########.
Print a QR code.
Save in Google Drive and then share
with ########
Print a QR code.
Timeline of events
2
Before Now
Email to ########
Other teacher approved
project: (See me)
Teacher signature:
Parent Signature: ___________________________________
*All writing and technology projects must be completely self-created. Any information, text or images, from other
sources used to create your project must be cited. Any information copied and pasted (even if you change the
words) must be cited. The result of plagiarism is an automatic zero and a possible referral. To cite used
material refer to Bibme.com for instructions.
2. Non-fiction Book or Media Publication (May not be swapped.)
1. Choose your ONE source:
Book
Title:
Author:
Year Published:
Print Publication
Title of Source:
Title of Article:
Author:
Online Publication
Website:
Title of Article:
URL:
Topic:
# of Pages:
BL (Base Level):
Topic:
Date of Publication:
Topic:
Date of Publication:
Author:
2. Choose Your ONE Writing Assessment*:
(All writing assessments must be 100+ words and typed.)
A. Summary
B. Opinions of topic using evidence from text to support
your opinion
C. Extended Research – read 2 (two) articles about the
same topic and then compare and contrast the ideas. I must
Value
(worth up to)
40
45
Method of turning in assignment:
Turnitin.com: NON-FICTION A
Turnitin.com: NON-FICTION B
50
Turnitin.com: NON-FICTION C
have the title, author, and publication info for BOTH! You can write the 2nd
citation on notebook paper.
3. Choose Only ONE Technology
Project*:
(Not required)
Word cloud of common and
proper nouns used in
publication
A chart, graph, diagram, or
analysis of data learned
from publication
Make a children's digital
picture book version
Video reenactment
Point
Value
(worth
up to)
2
Suggested
Free App (you
Method of turning in assignment:
may use any app
that you want)
Word Clouds
abc ya
Email to ##########
4
Google
Spreadsheet
Email to ##########
10
Book Press
Email to ##########
5
iMovie
Save in Google Drive and then share with #######.
Please be sure you have selected to allow anyone with the link to view your video in the
advanced settings when sharing.
A commercial selling item
or idea that the publication
was about
3-5 minute recorded eyewitness interview
7
Create a Quizlet stack of at
least 10 content terms from
publication
Create a how-to video of
what you learned
3
Quizlet
Select share, select the URL or QR code, email to ####
5
iMovie
Save in Google Drive and then share with ######
A how-to handout with
images
4
Neu.annotate
Email to #######
A timeline
3
Before Now
Email to ########
iMovie
Save in Google Drive and then share with #######
Please be sure you have selected to allow anyone with the link to view your video
in the advanced settings when sharing.
4
iMovie
Save in Google Drive and then share with #######
Please be sure you have selected to allow anyone with the link to view your video
in the advanced settings when sharing.
Please be sure you have selected to allow anyone with the link to view your video
in the advanced settings when sharing.
Other teacher approved
project: (See me)
Teacher signature:
Parent Signature: ___________________________________
Name ___________________________ Outside Reading Selection Sheets
Due Date: __________
3.The SUPERHERO Comics Alternative to a Chapter Book
Step 1: Choose and read your comic selections.
If you decide to swap a chapter book for 2 superhero comic books, here are the
Requirements for your selections:
 Must be Marvel or DC comics that are about superheroes
 Comics must be parent approved
 Must read 2 (two) superhero comics and take notes using self-created graphic organizers as you are reading to
aide in your thinking for your chosen writing prompt
 Must turn in your graphic organizers with your Outside Reading selection pages in the Homework Bin on the
same day Outside Reading is due
 Comic must not objectify women (just ask any female if it does)
 Comic must not glorify violence (Violence is a part of comics; however, your comic selections must not glorify
violence, meaning it must not make violence out to be flashy or cool. Just ask any mother.)
My Comic Selections:
1. Author:
Volume:
No.(#):
2. Author:
Volume:
No.(#):
Illustrator:
Title and Subtitle:
Marvel or DC
Date of Publication:
Illustrator:
Title and Subtitle:
Marvel or DC
Date of Publication:
Step 2: Choose your ONE Turnitin.com writing prompt:
Requirements of your chosen Turnitin.com prompt:
 Must be typed in Docs and submitted to Turnitin.com by the due date and time
 Must be organized into paragraphs (jot down an OUTLINE before you start drafting)
 Must use EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to support your ideas for your chosen theme. Generalizations will NOT
be accepted.
 Must be a minimum of 400 words (Why more words? Let’s face it; you’ve chosen to read less and THINK
MORE with this assignment, which is fine with me. Also, you cannot fully analyze your chosen theme and give it
justice with less than 400 words. I’m not even so sure 400 words will give your thoughts and opinions about the
text justice, but eh—it’s a minimum. You will find as you are reading and rereading that there is so much to say
and dig deep into with your chosen theme. 400+ words will not be difficult.)
 You must also title your essay by the prompt you chose and with the titles of both comics with their volume and
number. If you can’t manage to properly title your essay giving credit to your sources, read a chapter book. I
cannot grade an essay of which I don’t know the source.
Example Title:
#7 The Foil- Spiderman: The Mutant Factor Vol.1 No.15 and Silver Surfer Vol. 3 No. 36

When submitting your essay to Turnitin.com, you must submit it to the assignment called Comic Prompt.
Writing Prompt Choices:
All prompts are worth up to 50 pts. Circle the prompt you are going to do.
1. Good vs. Evil- Compare/contrast the ideas of good and evil in both comics. Use EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to
support your ideas. Thought stems: acts of goodness/ acts of evil/ lawful good, neutral good, chaotic good/ lawful evil,
neutral evil, chaotic evil/ What about justice? What qualities or traits represent good? What qualities or traits represent
evil? / Are good and evil always clear?
2. Internal Strength vs. Outer Strength- Compare/contrast inner strength and outer strength in the superheroes and (or)
villains. Use EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to support your ideas. Thought stems: What inner strengths are prevalent? /
Do inner strengths have a particular time they surface? / What outer strengths are prevalent? / What weaknesses inhibit?
/ Are outer strengths equally matched? / Are inner strengths equally matched? / So, where does true power or strength
come from?
3.The Superhero or Villain as a Round Character- Prove that the superheroes or villains are round characters. Use
EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to support your ideas. Thought stems: A round character is a character that shows more
than one side of himself or herself. They are not all good or all bad. They have a story behind them that makes them
more human than what the reader expects.
4. Internal and External Conflict – Analyze the internal and external conflicts that surround your superheroes. Use
EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to support your ideas. Thought stems: The internal conflicts of literature are Man vs.
Himself and Man vs. God; the external conflicts of literature are Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Machine
(technology), Man vs. Society, and depending on the scenario Man vs. God. / Does conflict have a role in driving the plot?
/ Do these conflicts exist in comics? / Do conflicts always center around the superhero and nemesis? / Can conflicts
parallel other conflicts? Can conflicts parallel forces outside of what a superhero can control, as in nature? Can true
justice be found through certain conflicts and not others?
5. Foreshadowing- Analyze the use of foreshadowing. Use EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to support your ideas. Thought
stems: Does foreshadowing exist in comics? Is foreshadowing in text? / Can foreshadowing be seen outside of text? /
How do the conflicts of literature play into foreshadowing (see definition in above prompt)? / Think about what might be
foreshadowing as you read. In the end, were your hypotheses correct? / Why would an author use foreshadowing?
6. Internal and (or) External Character Flaws- Compare/ contrast your superheroes’ internal and (or) external character
flaws. Use EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to support your ideas. Thought stems: Do superheroes even have flaws? / Can
flaws drive the plot? / Why would an author give a superhero flaws? / Can a flaw change? / Can a flaw manifest? / Can a
flaw lead to one’s demise? / Can a flaw save?
7. The Foil- Compare/ contrast possible foils to your superheroes. Use EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to support your
ideas. Thought stems: A foil is symbolically the image in the mirror. It is a living being that is a perfect opposite. In
literature, a foil will often manifest as a completely separate character, displaying the evils that the character or we do not
want to see in himself or herself, or our superheroes. These evils take on a separate life with an all too familiar contrast. /
Is a foil always bad? Can a foil be good? What revelations does the superhero have to deal with within himself or herself
as a result of the foil? Would you consider the conflict between a superhero and a foil Man vs. Man or Man vs. Himself?
Can a foil be the main villain? Is a foil always the main villain or just some sort of external or internal torment? Does the
foil literally manifest from the superhero (i.e. Hulk)? Does the foil manifest outside the superhero (i.e. Venom)/Do foils take
any part in driving the plot?
8. Are comics worthy to be called literature? Prove your opinion. Use EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to support your
ideas. Thought stems: What is literature? / How is it defined? / Are there opposing views to what makes quality
literature? / What do you think? How do YOU define quality literature? Use your texts either way to prove your opinion.
9. Is Justice Always Served? Prove your opinion. Use EVIDENCE from BOTH texts to support your ideas. Thought
stems: How would YOU define justice? / Is justice the result of truth? / Is justice the same as revenge? / How is justice
served in comics? Was it served? Or, was it partially served? / Could different endings justify the situations better?/ Did
another wrong have to occur for justice to be served? / Do two wrongs make a right? / Can justice ever fully exist?
10. Other teacher approved- Have an idea for a thesis? Come see me.
Step 3 (optional): Choose a Tech Project:
Choose Only ONE Technology
Project*: (Not required)
Video reenactment of scene
Point
Value
(worth
up to)
Suggested Free App or
Software (you may use
any app that you want)
4
iMovie
Method of turning in assignment:
Save in Google Drive and then share with
#########
Please be sure you have selected to allow anyone with the link
to view your video in the advanced settings when sharing.
3-5 minute recorded eyewitness interview with
“characters” at the scene
of a big twist in the plot
A news broadcast reporting
the chaotic actions and set in
the same city or place as one
of your comics
8
iMovie
Save in Google Drive and then share with
#########
Please be sure you have selected to allow anyone with the link
to view your video in the advanced settings when sharing.
10
iMovie
Save in Google Drive and then share with
#########
Please be sure you have selected to allow anyone with the link
to view your video in the advanced settings when sharing.
Parent Signature ___________________________________________
Steps to Turning in your Outside Reading
1) Submit CHOSEN Writing Assessments (Non-fiction Choice and Chapter Book or Comics choice) to
Turnitin.com separately. Your username and password should be your school email address and six-digit code.
BE SURE TO SUBMIT THEM TO THE CORRECT PROMPT LETTER and to TITLE them by prompt choice
and reading selection title!
2) Follow instructions from the Outside Reading Selection Sheet for how to turn in your CHOSEN Technology
Project (if you chose to do one).
3) Turn in your signed Outside Reading Selection Sheets to the Homework Bin on the day Outside Reading is
due.
Have everything turned in by 3:15 on the date due! No allowances may be made for assignments you have
known about all 9 weeks.
Setting up Turnitin.com for Students
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
On your iPad, select Safari and go to Turnitin.com.
To use Turnitin features,
Immediately [Add to Home Screen] when the page opens and then reopen the newly
Students will need:
made icon.
 a working school
Select [Create Account]
email address
Enter your school email address
 the Drive app
For your password, enter your school ID#
(Google Drive)
Select [Student]
[Submit]
Enter your Class ID #
2/3#######
I already have a Turnitin.com account, but I
5/6#######
need to enroll in a different teacher’s class:
7/8#######
1. Log in to Turnitin.com
Enter your Class Enrollment Password
2. On your home page, select the 2nd tab at the top
2/3#######
called “Enroll in a Class”
5/6#######
3. Enter your other teacher’s “Class/section ID.”
7/8#######
4. Enter you other teacher’s “Enrollment password.”
Put in your first name and then last name
(Remember that this is caps sensitive)
5. Press submit.
Leave the display name as it is
Put in your student email address again
Again, for your password, enter your school ID#
Saving a typed assignment to
Select a secret question and enter the answer
your Google Drive:
Agree to the user agreement
- Save assignment to
Now your account is made.
desktop
Submitting an Assignment
-
Submitting a Typed Essay
-
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
First, make sure your essay was typed in Docs and saved in Google Drive
From your homepage on Turnitin.com, select your class
Select Submit on the assignment you wish to turn in
You will see blue text at the top. It will say Cut &Paste Upload or Single File
Upload. Select Single File Upload from this blue drop down menu.
Here, you have the option of submitting your essay in various ways. Put in the title
of your assignment and then select Google Drive.
It might make you sign-in to Google Drive again- do it. You will then be able to
select the assignment from your Google Drive immediately from within
Turnitin.com.
Select the essay you wish to submit and then upload/submit it.
You will then get a receipt of your submission.
You may check back in your account at a later date to review your grade and
comments
-
-
-
Go to Google.com
Sign in (top right)
with your email and
your ID#
If it is your 1st time
using Drive, you will
be asked to set up
your account- do it.
Click on square dots
in the top right hand
corner.
Select Drive.
Push the upload
button (looks like an
arrow pointing up
with a line
underneath)
Select Files
Find your
assignment from
your desktop