OUTSIDE READING: RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. You (just like all students at West Hills) are responsible for reading 600 pages of outside reading each six weeks. In order to get credit for reading, you must prove to me that you read the book by completing a book conference by the deadline date (posted in the classroom). Outside Reading is 20% of your grade.
   
   
   
2. You may choose to read any approved book that you have not read before. The book must be at grade level and approved by me prior to your book conference (do not wait until the last minute to check the appropriateness of your book in case it is not approved).
   
   
   
3. No sports biographies will be allowed. Books with pictures will count less and magazines and/or newspaper articles do not count as outside reading.
   
   
   
4. The number of pages is what counts, not the number of books. You may read two 300 page books or part of an 800 page book. You do not have to be completed with a book to conference it.
   
   
   
5. Any pages read over your required 600 will carry over to the next grading period. However, pages cannot be carried over from year to year.
   
   
   
6. You may report on one movie book each semester for a maximum of 300 pages credit. This means that even if you read all 500 pages of a movie book, you will only get 300 pages credit.
   
   
   
7. You cannot conference a book you have previously reported on at West Hills. You may ask to see your book record at any time.
   
   
   
8. Pay attention to book registration and conference dates (they will be posted in the classroom)! No book registered = no book talk. No book on deadline day = no credit. You must have your book with you in order to conference a book!
   
   
   
9. Book conferences take place in the homeroom class with your homeroom teacher. You may report on your book(s) anytime during the grading period simply by placing your book on my desk when you are ready. I will then call you up when I have the time. DURING THE DEADLINE WEEK YOU MAY ONLYHAVE ONE BOOK CONFERENCE ON ONE BOOK!
   
   
   
10. During your book talk you may use any notes taken while you read that are in your writing.
    
    
    
11. Read a little each night. If you cram your reading into one night you will not be successful.
    
    
    
12. Read a book that not only interests you but challenges you as well. The best way to improve your vocabulary and writing is to read!
    
    
    
13. If you cannot convince me you read the book or are trying to cheat, you will receive a zero.
    
    
    
14. DIRECTED OUTSIDE READING (D.O.R) – The directed outside reading (meaning all of you will be responsible for reading) for Semester 1 is To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, and during Semester 2 you will read at least one historical fiction novel. This will be explained further in class.