Welcome to the Reading Railroad!

Hello, Mrs. Kirkland's students! Welcome to the Reading Railroad!

Here's why this blog exists. We (teachers, others) want you to be lifelong readers. 'Why?' you might ask. Well, frankly, it's because reading only for school is boring and limited. Sure, you all get the chance to read some great stuff in middle school and high school, some of which I'll have the pleasure guiding you through. But there's so much more out there--novels, poetry, biographies, plays, memoirs, and so on. Plus, reading more means learning more--you just can't avoid it.

So this blog is here for you to share what you're reading outside of what Mrs. Kirkland (or any of your other teachers at Riverside) assign. You may have already picked up on the fact that the premise for this blog is a contradiction: you're being assigned (for school) to post on this blog about what you're reading (outside of school). If you're okay with that, I am, too.

Here are the details of your assignment: between now and April 17, you must create at least two posts (one due before March 27) about something you've read (I reiterate, something not assigned to you at Riverside). It doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's appropriate (if you're uncertain, ask me) and as long as you can write at least 500 words about it. The 500 or more words you write should act as a review: you tell us if--in your opinion--it's worth reading, what you liked and/or didn't like about it, why you picked it up, and what it's about (give some plot details, characters, etc. if it's some kind of narrative, give us other key details if it's not). Also, you must comment on at least three posts, at least 100 words (again, before April 17). If you've read the book or poem or short story or article that the person posts, talk about whether you agree. If you haven't, talk about if their review makes the book or poem or short story or article sound like something you would/wouldn't want to read. Feel free to disagree, but if you decide to be disrespectful toward you peers, you won't get credit.

Remember to be professional. This means not only respecting your peers, but also checking your grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. I want your reviews (and comments about reviews) to look like legitimate reviews that I might find on a news site or in a newspaper. You will have points deducted if you post sloppy work.

Please direct questions to me in class or via e-mail (jheinzl@greenville.k12.sc.us).

All aboard!