Mr.O’Leary/Mr. Cunningham Room 110
Language Arts 2017-2018 SSR
SSR- What is it and why do we do it?
What is it?
SSR stands for “Sustained Silent Reading.” Every day in LA class you will be required to bring a book (not a magazine, newspaper, or comic book—graphic novels are ok) to class to read. The book is expected to be one you have chosen and should be on grade level. More importantly, the book should be interesting to you. After all, it makes sense that if you choose the book (and you DO get to choose the book) you should like the book!
Why do we do it?
“Because I Said So, That’s Why”….but seriously…
We engage in SSR because I hope to encourage you to read more by allowing you to choose what YOU want to read and by giving you the opportunity to read during class time. We will read virtually every day for the first 15-20 minutes of LA class. Understand that since VALUABLE class time is being devoted to the reading, it is NOT optional, and you must participate appropriately.
SSR Guidelines
1. During SSR you will read a book.*
2. During SSR you will be quiet.
3. During SSR you will read a book*
4. During SSR you will be quiet
(Get the point?)
5. The book you read is YOUR choice. It is not my job to censor your choices for content (though if I think you’re taking the “easy” way we may have a chat). However (and this is a big one), your parents should be informed about what you are reading. If they believe that the SSR book is inappropriate for you it is their right (and obligation, I think) to make this decision. Just let me know that you need to change your book and you will be allowed to do so with no questions asked. I am also more than willing to make suggestions as well.
6. Magazines and newspapers are not books. They are good things to read, but they are not books. Read them on your own time. SSR is for books.
*Free Fridays
On select Fridays you will not need a book, but be free to read other items—magazines, newspapers, etc.- for SSR.
Evaluation
In the past evaluations for SSR have varied; generally I have kept the written requirements limited to non-existent because the primary purpose for SSR is reading. However, I reserve the right to give written assignments as I feel necessary.
Q. When will I feel it is necessary?
A. When I feel that too many students are not cooperating
As with all of my other assignments, proper notice will be given.
Parents: Especially for You (Just to further explain #5 above)
I believe it is very important that you are involved in your child’s learning process, therefore I urge you to ask your child what he/she is reading. This is especially important because the content of much of today’s Young Adult Literature is mature and can be very challenging. For the purposes of SSR, if you believe that a book your child has chosen to read is not suitable for him/her, you should suggest another option for your child. I would recommend, however, that before you draw conclusions about a text that you read it in its entirety. Some books that seem objectionable in small samples are often the best written and provide the best lessons to our kids. I also understand that on this point we may agree to disagree and that’s ok. I am also open to your suggestions and comments, so feel free to e-mail me at school:
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I also have a selection of books that is more challenging in both theme and reading level that your children may choose to read. Please ask them what they are reading to make sure it fits your personal guidelines.
In addition, I plan on setting up a section of my classroom library with a set of more mature-themed books. When I do this I will compose a list of the titles—I hope to mix both classic and contemporary texts. The goal is to offer an even greater challenge to the students. I will ask that if your child wants to borrow one of these books that they get written permission from you. Look for an e-mail with more info in the near future.
Parents/Students: Please complete the following and return to me ASAP. Students receive credit for turning this in and they know this!
We ______/______
Parent/Guardian Print Name(s) Student Print Name
have read the above and understand that SSR is an important part of the daily responsibility in Mr. O’Leary’s LA class.
______/______
Parent/Guardian Signature(s) Student Signature
______
Parent’s E-mail Address (please print, your absolute BEST, thanks!)