MARCH G.R.T. Assignment - FANTASY

This month your task is to read a book in the Fantasy Genre.  Books in this genre have something different going on that separates them from real-life fiction.  It could be magic, monsters, creatures, or even super powers.  Whatever it is, there is something strange going on in the book.

The FOCUS for this month will be DRAWING CONCLUSIONS aka Inferring.  As readers, we take clues the author gives us to create our own ideas about the story.     
Sometimes it's very obvious.  For example, "Mark slammed his book on the table and stormed out of the room. "  You can use the TEXT CLUES - slammed his book and stormed out to INFER that Mark is angry.  Other times it can be more complicated.  One way to draw these conclusions is to create a T-Chart as seen below.

WHAT I KNOW FROM THE TEXT             WHAT THIS MAKES ME THINK (maybe)
Mark slammed his books
Mark stormed out of the room                        Maybe he is angry

     Your task is to draw conclusions using the text as clues and evidence.  You can do it during discussions or on paper.

           After finishing the book, please leave a comment including the following things:  

• 3-5 sentence summary (do not give away the ending)
• Write two conclusions you drew from the text.  Please include the TEXT and then your INFERENCE.
• Finally whether you would recommend the book and why/why not.
  For this please use the RATE format. 
  Restate and Answer (We would/would not recommend this book). 
  Tell why. 
  Explain why.

Enjoy this time reading together.  We are so excited to continue with this great program!

February G.R.T. Assignment - Historical Fiction

This month your task is to read a book in the Historical Fiction Genre.  These books use a real event or time period in history as the backdrop to the story.  By taking a mix of fiction, the new character, and mixing in some history, leaders and events, the author uses a story to teach you about the time, person, or event.

The FOCUS for this month will be SETTING.  When you read a book, the setting is not just a place where the events take place.  This is especially true in Historical Fiction novels.  It is almost as if the setting is a character.  That is exactly what we want you to look at this month.  As you read, find ways in which the setting has an impact on the events and characters of the story.  Create a list of how and why the setting had an influence.  Look for 3-5 examples.

           After finishing the book, please leave a comment including the following things:  

• 3-5 sentence summary (do not give away the ending)
• Write two of the ways in which the setting played a vital part in the story.
• finally whether you would recommend the book and why/why not.
  For this please use the RATE format. 
  Restate and Answer (We would/would not recommend this book). 
  Tell why. 
  Explain why.

Enjoy this time reading together.  We are so excited to continue with this great program!

January G.R.T. Assignment

This month your task is to read a book in the Science Fiction Genre.  These book have aliens, time travel, and technology.  Another indication is that they take place in outer space.  Every library has a sci-fi section, so just ask.  Some examples would be Star Wars, Animorphs, or Magic Tree House.

The FOCUS for this month will be a Character Study.  When you read a book, the character becomes a new friend as he/she comes to life.  Like real people, the character encounters problems and needs to find solutions to accomplish his/her goals.  Your job to to identify some of these Goal/Obstacle partnerships.

           After finishing the book, please leave a comment including the following things:  

• 3-5 sentence summary (do not give away the ending)
• a T-Chart giving at least one GOAL the character has and then 2-3 OBSTACLES in his/her way.
• finally whether you would recommend the book and why/why not.
  For this please use the RATE format. 
  Restate and Answer (We would/would not recommend this book). 
  Tell why. 
  Explain why.

Enjoy this time reading together.  We are so excited to continue with this great program!

G.R.T. December Assignment

This month your task is to read a book with a SPORTS theme.  Be it baseball, football, martial arts, or soccer, you get to pick the novel.  While you read it, be sure to talk to each other about the events, characters, and decisions that are made.  

The FOCUS for this month with be MAKING PREDICTIONS.  All readers make predictions, or guesses as to what will happen.  The important thing is to have text reasons for your prediction and to always check on them.  One idea is to use the attached chart to make predictions.  This way you can be sure to keep track of them.

           After finishing the book, please leave a comment including the following things:  

• 3-5 sentence summary (do not give away the ending)
• two of your predictions.  Include what you thought, why you thought it, and if you were correct
• finally whether you would recommend the book and why/why not.
  For this please use the RATE format. 
  Restate and Answer (We would/would not recommend this book). 
  Tell why. 
  Explain why.

Enjoy this time reading together.  We are so excited for this first month!