With contributions and materials provided by Mike Houston, Director, SLICECORPS

This article originally appeared in the Spring, 1997 issue of The Resource Connection. It remains a classic that has withstood the test of time.

One tool for use in one-on-one reading sessions with a child is the Book Folder. Book Folders were developed by Kentucky AmeriCorps members of SLICECORPS and their director, Mike Houston. Book Folders. Book Folders are child-centered in nature, and were created with four guiding principles in mind:

To simplify:
All materials needed for a lesson are contained in the Book Folder. It includes information on reading level, vocabulary content, and a summary of the story.

To unify reading and writing:

Each Book Folder has ten open-ended questions with answers and follow-up questions to engage the child in conversation about the book.

To provide a growing resource to meet individual needs:
Book Folders continue to grow as activities are added. The same Book Folder may have several different reading or writing activities to be effective for each child's particular need.

To provide learning opportunities:< br />If children enjoy what they are doing, they will want to do it more.

While Book Folders are easy to make and allow for creativity and originality, it is advised that their use be preceded by a training session, provided by SLICECORPS, in order to gain a understanding of them so that they may be used to their fullest potential. Director Houston reported that SLICECORPS intends to have a training session devoted to reading strategies this summer in Kentucky, and Book Folder trainings will be included

One of the advantages of Book Folders is that they may be shared and traded with others, creating a library of Folders at a program site. For information on Book Folders, including a training guide, sample Folders, and training session information, contact Mike Houston, SLICECORPS, (503) 586-2804, fax: (502) 586-2805, e-mail: mhouston@mindspring.com

Items Needed for Book Folders

• File folders
• Scissors, color markers, color pencils, and glue sticks
• Access to a typewriter or computer with a printer
• Use of a copy machine
• One-inch rings
• Optional, but highly recommended: access to a laminating machine

Book Folder Front Cover Tips

• Make the cover colorful and informative--something that will make the child want to engage in the exercises.
• Read the book and write a very brief summary--include information about the main topic.
• Select the ten most challenging words--while some of the words may be emphasized with the student, the main purpose is for the reading coach considering the book to have an idea of its difficulty.
• Include the following:
  • author
  • illustrator
  • number of pages
  • reading level
  • ISBN number
  • reference number
  • indication of a book tape

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