K.B.A.R
K.B.A.R. is an acronym for Kick Back and Read. The main purpose is to get you into the habit of reading frequently (hopefully daily) and to improve your reading. Your first step is to get a book; one you like and will look forward to reading. If you get into a book and you don’t like it, get a new one. Ask me for suggestions, ask your sister, ask your mom. Ask a librarian!
Your second step is to read! You will be given three class periods a week to kick back and read. You will also be expected to find at least two different 30 minute time slots for reading at home. These must be different nights, but can be Monday through Sunday. That means you will be required to read 5 different times during the week. We will begin our KBAR week on Monday. Yes, you will do this every week.
Your final step is to respond to what you have read. This will be done on the handout I give you each week. You will be required to respond to the three in class reading periods in writing. These responses should be your thoughts, reactions, connections, and questions about what you are reading. The key here is to think about what you read; as long as your are thoughtful, you have much freedom in regard to how you respond. Read the “55 Ways to Respond to a Book” handout for more ideas.
You will not need to respond in writing to the reading periods you are doing at home. You will, however, need to engage in a short conversation with a parent about your book. Do not summarize what you read to this parent; tell them your response to the book. Make sure you have your parent sign your handout indicating this was completed.
KBAR Responding
Do NOT Summarize!
Do NOT Summarize!
Instead…..
· React. Why do you love/hate this book? Why should someone else read it? What would make it better? What would you have done in the same situations?
· Question. What confuses you? Ask the author or main character 10 questions.
· Evaluate. How does this book compare with other books you’ve read? What is the author’s point?
· Predict. What will happen next? What makes you think so? What “should” happen next? Write a new ending.
· Quote or point out. Quote an interesting or important part of the book. Why is this important? Why is it cool? What’s the point?
KBAR Rubric
- Can tell you’ve read
- Specific details/ uses examples
- Shows thinking
- Little summarization
- Directions were followed
- Effort
Remember to take AR tests over the books you read. KBAR reading is a great way to get books read for AR. Click HERE for the AR link to see if your book has an AR quiz.
2011-2012