Q: When is the Reading Portfolio due?

A. Every five weeks--look for a due date on the deadlines page of this website and on the board in my classroom.

Q: Why is completing the Reading Portfolio assignment important?

A: Three (3) reasons:

• the assignment gets you, the student, to choose what you want to read about--not your teacher.
• it gets you using the internet--which is HUGE and offers more than any school textbook possibly could
• it helps you practice reading, responding and writing well developed paragraphs

Q: Can I print out something from another website that's not on your list.

A. Absolutely-- as long as it's school appropriate and something you're interested in. But remember, if you get stuck, I have many website choices for you at the online library. Hey--if you know of any school appropriate websites, especially if they revolve around your interests and hobbies, tell me and I'll check them out!

Q: Can I use other reading sources?

A. Sure, use newspapers, magazines, and other readings you might have at home.

Q: What if my printer runs out of ink or doesn't work?

A: First of all, try emailing your typed summaries and responses to a friend for printing. Or, as a last resort, email them to me at EnglishSeven.com. (email address on my homepage). Either way, I need a note from your parents explaining what went wrong. That keeps it fair for everyone!

Q: What if my computer doesn't work?

A: DON'T wait until the last minute, and you won't end up in this situation. You could use a school computer or a friend's computer instead. However, in an emergency, you may complete the portfolio in cursive and blue/black ink--and get a note from your folks. Again though, get your articles, poem, and picture printed early so this won't happen.

Q: How do I know if my paragraphs are good enough?

A: If you get them done early, show them to me for feedback. Also, check the sample paragraphs on this website and compare. Does your paragraph have a summary and a personal response with lots of your own thoughts and ideas? Have you thought deeply about your topic? Do you have a theme you're writing about? All of these will help. Do you have a topic and concluding sentence? Do you have transition words where appropriate? Do you have enough support--details, reasons, and/or examples? Do you have a title?

Q: When can I work on my Reading Portfolio assignment in school?

A: You can work on it any time you can get to an available computer-- resource, silent reading. Some silent reading teachers may require a pre-signed pass, so see me.

Q: What part of my grade is the Reading Portfolio?

A: The reading portfolio assignment falls into a 3x grade category, just like tests and other large writing assignments. In other words, your grade on the Reading Portfolio counts three times in my grade book. Think of it as three very important homework assignments--that's a lot. With effort and planning, it's a simple way to raise your average!

Q: How long does it take to get my portfolio graded and returned to me?

A: Please be patient. With 100 students and four paragraphs from each student--that's 400 paragraphs to read. Usually it takes from one to two weeks, depending on other grading I'm doing as part of the daily classroom assignments. Thanks.