These are the reading assignments from the course syllabi in my level 1 and level 3 classes. Most of it is self-selected reading, even in level 1.Level 1 students can read on their own and read an amazing amount once they know the high frequency verbs.

This plan really works for my students because it is self-differentiating. Every class we teach is a multi-level class, regardless of the course title… the students spread out all over the place in ability very quickly and allowing them to read what they want is the best i have found to accommodate those differences. Many student read FAR more books than the requirement–2 or 3 per week on their own at home for no credit.

The reading reports come from my Light Reading Book Reports plan.  Here is a version of it.

Spanish III Reading

General Reading Requirement:  Read an entire (not just part of it) short novel in Spanish every 2-3 weeks. Students are to choose a novel that is interesting and comprehensible.  Minimum novel length is 6,000 words (Most novels written for language learners at this level are around 8,000 words). You can get novels from the classroom library, or from another source. Please discuss the titles you choose with your teacher.

NOTE: This is not an exorbitant reading load; it is not asking too much of students. As a comparison, the goal for 4th graders in most U.S. schools is to read 1,000,000 (one million) words in English during the school year—a result of reading for 30 minutes a day. The five (5) short novels required for each semester of the course total about 60,000 words (5 x 8,000 = 40,000). The average teen novel in English is 60,000 words. Many students in Spanish 1 classes routinely and voluntarily read one novel per week.

Reports and projects are due on or before the due date. Late reports will be reduced by 10% per day. The forms and novels are available so the books may be read and the reports turned in ahead of time. There will also be other short reading assignments in class.

  • Since it is the number of words that pass in front of your eyes that builds vocabulary and fluency, Spanish 3 students need to read books with a minimum of 6,000 words—reading two shorter books may also work.
  • Reading books written in the past tense is recommended.
  • Ask your teacher for help if you do not know what to pick.

The criteria for book selection are that the book be COMPREHENSIBLE & INTERESTING—Something that makes sense to you and appeals to you.

SPANISH 3 READING PLAN, SEMESTER 1

SELF-SELECTED READING:

Plan: Read an entire Language Learner novel on your own every 2 weeks.

Read in Spanish and write reports in Spanish

Monday, September 18           Light Reading Book Report #1: Character Change

Monday, October 2                 Light Reading Book Report #2: Minor Character, Major Impact

Monday, October 23               Light Reading Book Report #3: What a Coincidence!

Skip lines on this report ↑ and on all subsequent reports in order to make your corrections easier when your paper is returned to you.

  • One extra week to read was planned because homecoming is scheduled for October 14

Tuesday, November 7             Light Reading Book Report #4: Conflict

Monday, November 27           Light Reading Book Report #5: Life Lessons

WHOLE CLASS READING

Tuesday, November 28—Friday, December 15      La corza blanca & La cruz del diablo                                 Assignments and Quizzes

(Vocabulary controlled versions of the classic Spanish tales by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer)

Tuesday, December 19            Semester final exam based on the books

 

SPANISH 3 READING PLAN, SEMESTER 2

SELF-SELECTED READING

Plan: Read an entire Language Learner novel on your own every 2 weeks.

Read in Spanish and write reports in Spanish

Monday, January 22               Light Reading Book Report #6: Surprise!

Monday, February 5               Light Reading Book Report #7: Rate this Book

Monday, February 26             Light Reading Book Report #8: The Last Chapter         

Monday, March 12                 Light Reading Book Report #9: To the Final Chapter, and Beyond!

Monday, April 9                     Light Reading Book Report #10: Draw It!

Monday, April 30                   Light Reading Book Report: Your choice of #1-10

  • One extra week to read was planned here because prom is scheduled for April 14
  • For this report you may pick from previous reports, or invent your own—talk with your teacher

WHOLE CLASS READING

Thursday, May 4—Friday, May 18        Los ojos de Carmen                                                                              Assignments and Quizzes

Thursday, May 24                   Semester final exam based on the book, class presentations and class discussions

Students: Use you problem-solving skills. If the books in our classroom library do not appeal to you or if you have a different way to show you understand what you have read, let’s talk about it. If you want to read something different or if you have an idea for a different kind of report, write it up and we will discuss it.                                                                               

Spanish  I  Reading

SPANISH 1 READING PLAN, SEMESTER 1

SELF-SELECTED READING

Read in Spanish and write reports in English to show reading comprehension.

Monday, October 2                 Light Reading Book Report #1: Character Change

Tuesday, November 7             Light Reading Book Report #2: Minor Character, Major Impact

WHOLE CLASS READING

Tuesday, November 28—Friday, December 15      Pobre Ana                                                                              Assignments and Quizzes

(Students that have already read Pobre Ana or Pobre Ana Moderna may read another book for this assignment and exam.)

Wednesday, December 18—Friday, December 20                 Semester final exam based on the book and class discussions

 

SPANISH 1 READING PLAN, SEMESTER 2

SELF-SELECTED READING

Plan: Read an entire Language Learner Novel on your own every 3 weeks.

Read in Spanish and write reports in English to show reading comprehension.

Monday, February 5               Light Reading Book Report #3: What a Coincidence!                                     

Monday, March 12                 Light Reading Book Report #4: Conflict

Monday, April 9                     Light Reading Book Report #10: Draw It!

Monday, April 30                   Light Reading Book Report: Your choice of #1-10

  • For this report you may pick from previous reports, or invent your own—talk with your teacher

WHOLE CLASS READING

Thursday, May 4-Friday, May 18                           Patricia va a California                                                         Assignments and Quizzes

(Students that have already read this book may read another book during this time)

Wednesday-Friday, May 23-May 25      Semester final exam based on the book and presentations in class