Bless Me, Ultima Reading Schedule

Bless Me, Ultima Reading Schedule—Fall 2015

Fri, Sept 4 Page 38 (chapters 1-3) Tues, Sept 8 Page 82 (chapters 4-9) Fri, Sept 11 Page 135 (chapters 10-12) Mon , Sept 21 Page 176 (chapters 13-14) Mon, Sept 28 Page 202 (chapters 15-17) Thurs, Oct 1 Page 242 (chapters 18-21) Tues, Oct 6 Page 262 (chapter 22)

In-Class Essay topic will be assigned on Mon, October 19

Short essays, worksheets, group work and discussion will be included throughout. Comprehension quizzes will be given over reading assigned, according to schedule and will test reading of the novel, NOT Spark Notes. READING JOURNAL—must be written on notebook paper, in ink—Cannot be typed.

Reading for a class is different from reading for pleasure, even if you enjoy the book (and especially if you don’t!). To comprehend fully, you must find a way to interact with the text. To this end, you will be keeping a reading journal to help increase your comprehension.  You must write at least one full page per chapter—large handwriting, wide margins and empty space will be considered in your completion grade. Remember, the purpose is not to simply fill the page, but to develop reading skills by thinking and writing about what you are reading.  Begin notes for each new chapter on a new sheet of paper (not immediately after the previous chapter, mid-page).  Clearly write the chapter number at the top of that chapter’s notes.  The notes may be collected at any time after the reading is due (according to the reading schedule), so keep up with your journal.

The following is a list of ideas to think about and include in your journal. You should have a variety of notes—not just a summation of plot and characters.

1. look up unfamiliar words and record the definitions. 2. jot down questions you have—speculate on possible answers before asking them in class. 3. list names and descriptions of characters as they are introduced, to help you remember them. 4. describe relationships among characters 5. list important events 6. note unusual details and speculate on their significance. 7. make connections between the reading and your life, knowledge, experience or other reading. 8. consider the motives of the characters. 9. draw conclusions about the significance of events 10. note possible symbols 11. predict what different outcomes might result from events in the novel. 12. notice the effect each character on the other characters. 13. consider the ideas we discuss in class and apply them to new chapters.