Book Club

Ms. Backlund

• Email: abbacklund@seattleschools.org
• Phone: (206) 252-8967
• Room: 201
• Available: 7:15-7:45, and 1:25-4:00

Teacher Biography: This is my sixth year teaching sixth grade at Denny Middle School and I’m very happy to be here. I have a Masters Degree in Education from Antioch University and a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the University of Washington. I served for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching English and Forestry in Cameroon, Africa and went back to visit this past summer. Gardening, bicycling, camping, traveling, yoga and reading are some of the activities that I enjoy.

Reading Standards Taught in Class
1: The student understands and uses different skills and strategies to read.
1.1 Use word recognition skills and strategies to read and comprehend text.
1.2 Use vocabulary (word meaning) strategies to comprehend text.
1.3 Build vocabulary through wide reading.
1.4 Apply word recognition skills and strategies to read fluently.

2: The student understands the meaning of what is read.
2.1 Demonstrate evidence of reading comprehension.
2.2 Understand and apply knowledge of text components to comprehend text.
2.3 Expand comprehension by analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing information and ideas in literary and informational text.
2.4 Think critically and analyze author’s use of language, style, purpose, and perspective in informational and literary text.

3: The student reads different materials for a variety of purposes.
3.1 Read to learn new information.
3.2 Read to perform a task.
3.3 Read for career application.
3.4 Read for literary/narrative experience in a variety of genres.

4: The student sets goals and evaluates progress to improve reading.
4.1 Assess reading strengths and need for improvement.
4.2 Develop interests and share reading experiences.

Reading Course Description
This course focuses on before, during and after reading strategies and vocabulary building to increase reading comprehension. Students will read two novels: The Skin I’m In, by Sharon Flake, and The Code, by Mawi Asgedom. These novels focus on the theme of Choices and Success. What does it mean to be successful? What are the barriers to success? What choices make someone successful as a friend, family member, class member, and community member? Students will be graded on their participation in class discussions, their ‘writing to learn’ journal and their weekly vocabulary quizzes. Expect nightly home learning assignments.