Reading University (RU) is an academic program that introduces students to quality literature and non-fiction, improves writing skills, encourages critical and independent thinking, and increases independent reading. Students are required to read a specific number of books per quarter from the Reading University book list and complete a written assignment for each book read. The book list contains fiction and non-fiction selections. Writing assignments range from a simple response to a thorough report. Each grade level has differing requirements for numbers of books read.
VOCABULARY is the primary indicator of student academic potential and the primary skill reflected on national IQ and college entrance exams. Vocabulary is most effectively acquired through INDEPENDENT READING. It is estimated that to be academically proficient over time, students need to learn 3,000 new vocabulary words each year. This is obtainable if students read independently every day. Students who become excellent readers with large vocabularies and who perform well academically read independently an hour a day or more. Thus, it is vital to the goals of American Preparatory Academy that each student becomes an independent reader.
Goal of Reading University
The goal of the Reading University program is that each American Preparatory Academy student becomes a prolific independent reader. Students will read independently for 30-60 minutes daily at a minimum. Our aim is to develop students who enjoy reading as entertainment but are also able to read for information and to analyze high quality literature that may have little entertainment appeal.
Each student who completes his K-9 education at American Preparatory Academy will have independently read over 130 books through the Reading University program alone. Students read additional literature selections and novels in their classroom coursework.
Reading University Program
1. Requires students to read a specified number of books each quarter, according to their grade level requirements.
2. Requires students to engage in writing activities related to their reading which include pre-writing exercises, book responses, and book reports.
3. Provides incentives for students by way of points awarded for each book read, which points can be redeemed at the school RU store.
Academic Requirements Per Quarter
| Grade |
Reading
|
Writing
|
| K |
8 Books
|
4 pre-writes, 4 reports form A
|
| 1 |
8 Books
|
4 pre-Writes, 4 reports form A
|
| 2 |
6 Books
|
2 pre-writes, 2 reports with pre-writes, 2 responses
|
| 3 |
6 Books
|
3 responses, 3 reports with pre-writes
|
| 4 |
4 Books
|
2 responses, 2 reports with pre-writes |
| 5 |
4 Books
|
2responses, 2 reports with pre-writes
|
| 6 |
4 Books |
2 responses, 2 reports with pre-writes
|
| 7 |
3 Books
|
2 reports, 1 response (per semester)
|
| 8 |
3 Books
|
2 reports, 1 response (per semester)
|
| 9 |
Course Reading
|
Course Writing directed by teacher
|
Program Schedule
Grades K-1: Students read, then complete pre-write activities and reports and turn them in to the classroom teacher, completing the required 8 responses/reports by the end of each quarter.
Grade 2: Students read and complete writing assignments each quarter. If students read and complete a writing assignment in class, the teacher will let the parent know so they can adjust their at-home number of assignments needed for that quarter.
Grade 3: Students independently read and complete written assignments by the end of the quarter.
Grades 4-6: In order to assist students in pacing their work, the quarter is divided into 2 RU periods. One fiction book report and one book response is due in each period, according to the due dates established by the teacher. Book reports need to be written about fiction books. Book responses may be written on fiction, informational, biographies or other non-fiction books.
Exceptions: Twice during the year in grades 4-6, teachers will assign students to read a non-fiction selection (from the RU list) and write a corresponding book report. One will be a biography and the other an informational book. The biography report forms and informational report forms will be given to the students by the teachers. The teacher will notify students and parents when these writing projects will be due.
Jr. High: Students need to read and write reports by end-of-quarter deadlines.
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