Motivational Tips for Reading Part 5

Tip #5 Act it out - really get into the character.  What does this character sound like?  Read any quoted dialogue in the voice you imagine.  Stop for a minute and think about how the character would react in a new situation that is not in the book.  Does this character have any personality quirks?  The more invested in the people in the story you become the easier it will be to finish the book.

Do you like to laugh?  Then check out this list of Funny Fiction for Teens.

Motivational Tips for Reading Part 4

Tip #4 Still looking for suggestions on what to read next?  Check out Amazon.com.  Do a search for a book you've read that you really like.  Scroll down to where it says "customers who bought this item also bought..."  This will lead you to other books in the same style as your favorite.

Still looking for a book to read?  Check out this list of 10 Great Young Adult Novels with Strong Female Lead Characters.

Motivational Tips For Reading (Part 3)

Motivational Tips For Reading

Tip #3:  Read the first page...out loud.  It will help you visualize the story.
              Many times you may feel that if you don't like the first page, you
              don't want to read the rest.  Reading out loud, engages you in
              story and encourages you to read further.

Motivational Tips for Reading Part 2

Tip # 2 Try reading a book series - Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Princess Diaries are excellent books that will hook you in with the first in the series.  Once you've read one you'll be itching to pick up the next.

Check out this list on Good Reads for the 100 Best Young Adult Series Books.  It may help you find your next favorite book.

Don't forget the Bluford Series of books.  You can even listen to the audio and read along for free at this link - http://bluford.org/audiobooks/

Motivational Tips For Reading (Part One)

  Motivational Tips For Reading  

We have noticed recently that some students have been struggling with independent reading (which is an important part of your English grade).  Reading comprehension (understanding what you read) affects your performance in other subjects and standardized tests as well.  This week we will look at tips to motivate you to become a better reader. 

Tip #1:  Experiment with a variety of reading material.  Choose books that
              interest you.  If you have trouble finding something you like, ask
              your teacher, librarian, or book store clerk to suggest some books
              based on your hobbies or interests.

Looking for a good, young adult mystery book?  Check out these reviews http://youngadultbookreviews.com/category/mystery/

February Vacation Events at the Cranston Library

The Cranston Central Library has some great events for February Vacation Week.  Below are a few examples but check out their website for more options.

Friday, February 15, 2013

3:30 to 4:45 Date it or hate it! Try this new and exciting way to find a book you might like to read! As cool music plays, spend a few minutes with a book. When the music stops, quickly rate the book and go on to the next date. It's fast, fabulous fun! Take a chance, you just might fall in love, with a book that is!  Munch on party food as you vie for Valentine-themed prizes in fun competitions. Bring your favorite book, if you wish, and try to set-up other teens on a blind date with your book.  If you succeed, you will win fun prizes. This program is open to those in grades 6 to 12. Call 943-9080 X 121 to register, or for more information

Thursday, February 21, 2013

3:00 – 4:30 Teen Iron Chef Challenge – Take the challenge and combine the ingredients into an original and delicious creation.  The library supplies the ingredients.  You supply the imagination and Creativity.  No cooking experience required.  If you do not want to compete, no problem, come sample the creations and vote for your favorite.  Prizes will be awarded to the team voted the favorite by the judges.  For grades 5 and up.  Call 943-9080 X121 for information or to register for this special February School Vacation Program.

Friday, February 22, 2013

2:00 – 4:00 Frankenweenie - From Disney and creative genius Tim Burton comes the hilarious and offbeat Frankenweenie, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life - with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town learn that getting a new 'leash on life' can be monstrous. Frankenweenie is alive with enchanting fun for the whole family in eye-popping Blu-ray. The MPAA rating for this film is PG. Free admission. Free snacks!   

Sticky Notes Reading Strategy

Sticky notes are amazing.  They come in all shapes, sizes and colors.  They can also be a valuable tool when you are trying to understand what you read.

Put sticky notes on the text as you are reading.  

Use them for :
Definitions -Define words in the text with which you are unfamiliar.
Sum-ups - Write down what just happened.  For example, "George just stole cookies from the cookie jar."
Predictions - Guess what will happen next in the story.  For example, "George may get grounded if his parents find out."
Questions - Write down what you are wondering.  For example, "What does 'justice' mean?"  Or, "I don't understand this part."
Connections -  
Text-to-self - Compare a character or an event to yourself.  For example, "I stole a cookie once."

Text-to-text - Compare a character or an event to another book.  For example, "This reminds me of how Stanley got in trouble for stealing in Holes."

Text-to-world - Compare a character or an event to what might be going on in the world.  For example, "People steal other people's things in the real world, too."

Text-to-media - Compare a character or an event to movies, TV, computer games, video games etc.  For example, George reminds me of the character from "Dennis the Menace."  

This information was found at Susan Parker's Reading Strategies Page. Head over there for more tips.

Western Hills Library at Ricat

Just checked out the Western Hills Library link on the http://ricat.net/  website. So many great educational resources. Check it out!