Today in class we did the following:
1. I asked if you had your binder to collect your classwork. Then, you put your disclosure document into the binder.
2. We took a quiz on and then discussed note-taking and metaphorical thinking.
3. We had a discussion on casual reading verses critical/academic reading. (You took notes).
4. We discussed your options for outside reading. It must be something that will cause you to stretch and learn and grow; it must be something you'll use in college; it must be something you can discuss
by the end of the term. It will be due the week of Fall Break. We'll be displaying them as "museum pieces" and having oral book reports in a "museum tour" fashion.
Notes on Casual Vs. Academic Reading (the basic points)
1. Casual reading is for enjoyment, fun, pleasure or to pass time.
2. Casual reading often comprises magazines, cereal boxes, mass-market, best-selling, "vacation" books. It can include website browsing and some newspapers.
3. Academic reading is to learn. The first word that jumps to mind is often "textbook" and "boring." In ENGLISH, reading academically is reading to create, discover, and make meaning from texts that matter.
4. Reading academically means you are looking for "stuff" inside books like metaphors (literary elements), symbolism, lessons (theme), similarities to other writing (allusion).
5. Reading academically means you are engaged with the text and asking questions, thinking about the text, and responding to the text because you are interested in knowing why this book matters and what others have gained from the book in comparison to what you are discovering.
6. Academic reading often includes "classics"---but it can be modern fiction that is sweeping the world and well-known because it is beautifully written, or informative, or unique. Today's works will become the future's classics.
7. Academic reading often shows up on "must-read" lists. You can find those lists online for specific colleges (search recommended reading and then your preferred college name). They are in the back of AP English Literature guides. They are on the backs of Cliff's Notes and other college-level study material.
8. There is no substitute for actually reading academically. You can add to your understanding by reading other items, but not substitute actually reading the text and thinking with it and about it.
Mr. Nagro's Casual vs Critical reading Document found HERE
Mr. Nagro's Casual vs Critical reading Document found HERE
By Friday, September 4th, you must have chosen your outside reading book. You will need to bring it to class and write about the book. You will need to know the following items:
1. Title of the book.
2. Author of the book.
3. Why you chose the book.
4. Which list did you use to determine future use?
5. What do you hope to learn from this book?
