Folder Books Increase Reading Scores

For years I have done the traditional reading programs in my classroom. Students read and answer questions. However one year I decided to mix it up and turn things around. I required students to read a book of their choosing for 45 minutes, at the end of that time write a summary of what they read for the day. The students needed to keep track of how many pages they read each day. When the student was finished with the book I had them (using Bloom's Taxonomy)write questions. The student then had a photo copy of the book cover made and types up the questions he or she wrote. We glued these items in a folder, put the original book inside the folder and the students then switch books reading and answering the questions. The original reader was the Expert on the book and was the one to correct the other students answers to their original questions.
Our reading test scores went through the roof that year.

Sample Parent Letter:
Dear Parents,
In January I would like to expand our reading program to include some current children’s literature.
The program would require each student to purchase and bring a book of his/her choice. I would like to have you assist your child in the selection of a book that they have not read and one that seems appropriate to their reading level. (Hint: If a book has more that five words on any page that a student can not read, the book is too difficult.)
Over the course of the month I will teach all the students techniques for writing different types of question for their book. At the end of the first part of their reading experience the students will have developed questions for their story. Upon completion of reading their book and writing their questions, the students will trade books and questions, then read and answer the questions for someone else. The student who developed the questions becomes the “EXPERT” for that book and helps other students as needed.
I would like to ask that the book the student purchase be donated to the room, so it becomes apart of our folder book library.
I am very excited about the program and hope the students will be too. I appreciate your continued support of my programs and activities.

Sincerely,
Fran Hartman

Parents, please sign and return bottom.
_______________________________________________________
Yes , I have seen the note about purchasing a book for my child’s reading class.


X_____________________________________
parent signature





Types of Questions


KNOWLEDGE: the facts, recall
Who? What? Where? When? How? How many?

COMPREHENSION: interpretation and restatement of information
Explain Describe Define Locate Main idea
What caused_- to happen?
How did ________ change when________ happened?

APPLICATION: using the information to solve a problem (either from the story or to a personal situation)
How would you use_________?
What would happen if_______?
Construct/draw a ____________.
Show how_____________.

ANALYSIS: taking information a part to look thoroughly at its components
Compare Diagram Inventory Plan Similar/Difference
What is the purpose of_________?
What is the relationship between _________and _________?
What happened in the story that made you think of _________?
What events in the story give evidence for ________?

SYNTHESIS: putting information together in another way, creative thinking
Predict Combine Rearrange Alternatives Invent
What would happen if______________?
With the information from the book how would you_______?

EVALUATION: making a judgment according to some criteria or standard
Select Value Predict Choose Rate Judge Measure
Do you think that it is fair that _______? Why___?
Was it good (fair?, right?, foolish?, wise?)? What makes you think so?