Summer Reading Project

For the summer reading, please take a look at the following study guide. We will be using this guide to discuss the book in class. You can take notes on the questions now if you want to be more prepared for the discussions.

We will be starting the project once you arrive because you will be working in groups, and we will set the groups on the first day of classes. Your assignment will be to make a movie trailer for the book. Each group will be responsible for writing a "script" for the trailer, directing, filming, and editing the trailer, and then presenting it to the class. You will have some time to work on this while we are discussing the book and engaging in other activities in class.

You will also be working independently to complete a small research assignment on Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. You can look at the links on this blog and also look up some of your own resources now in order to start preparing for this assignment.

More details for these assignments will be discussed and handed out in writing in class. All you need to come to class with on the first day is your book, annotated, and any notes you may take now.

Please email me with any questions.

Tips for Annotating

Please make sure to annotate your text.  Some tips on annotating:

• Use a Pen NOT a highlighter!!!

• Annotate sparingly, if everything is underlined then NOTHING stands out. Less than 25% of a page should be annotated (unless it's a doozy of a page.)

• Annotating is your way of conversing with the author, if you are confused or you are pleased, or angry, whatever-- underline the passage and make a note in the margins.

• If you see recurring phrases or themes, these are likely important to the story-- underline them

• If the title is mentioned in the book-- this is IMPORTANT-- underline where that happens.

• Underline when characters are being described in detail

• Circle unfamiliar words. Unless there is no way to understand the passage without knowing the word's exact meaning, just consider it in context and look it up AFTER your finish the chapter.

• Write brief summary notes at the end of chapters, to keep yourself on track.

Check out this site on the WHY'S and HOW'S of Annotating.
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/197454.html

Summer Reading

Your summer reading is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Please read and annotate as you go. Check this blog at least once per week for updates, links, and assignments that will be posted. You will need to complete all assignments before you come to Purnell. Happy Reading!