RIF

RIF stands for "Reading is Fundamental." It's a program that happens three times a year at my school, where students get free books. They get either one or two, depending on what table they choose from.

So, my superstar class (period 1 & 2) goes to RIF the moment school begins. We get back; they beg to read for the rest of the class period. I tell them that we'll read for 25 minutes and then regroup, depending on how they do. After 25 minutes I ask them, and they beg to read for the rest of the class period. They sat and read silently, and totally engaged, for over 45 minutes. These are 8th graders who read at the 5th grade level, and know it. And yet they were so excited about reading. We'll see what the afternoon brings.....