Pokemon Go Sweeps the nation, but we're back in school! So...
Pokemon GO is a popular phone game that came out this summer and has been topping the charts worldwide. If you haven't heard of pokemon go, you probably were in a coma for the past two months so we will need to catch you up. Basically, the nostalgia of the 90s and the joy of being able to catch pokemon and fight gym battles while walking around your town has made this the most popular game, fun even for people who don't understand pokemon.
Well, school is about to start and I know that I'll be bummed to not be able to play it as much and collect pokemon. But that got me thinking- why don't I create a pokemon game that will allow the fun to continue WHILE you're learning?!
8th graders, I choose you!
I have worked hard on this project to make sure you are all engaged in trying out new genres, so even if you aren't pokemon fans, give it a try and see if it works. Each of you will receive a POKEMON READING TRAINER, a place for you to collect and categorize pokemon.
How do you catch the pokemon?
You read books from a genre, and catch pokemon whose type correlates with that genre! Check out THIS page that talks about genre and pokemon type. Once you have read a text, written up a SUMMARY CATCH, turn it in to the PROFESSOR FILE next to the classroom library in my room. I will go through this file and award pokemon every week on Thursday. You will get a sticker of a pokemon of that genre type...for example, if you read a SCI FI that is ELECTRIC TYPE, so you could get anything from a pikachu sticker to an Electrabuzz.
What is the Goal?
I want everyone to be able to read something from all 18 genre types! If you do this, you will receive an apprentice badge. You might think that is a lot to read. Well, the books and texts that we read in class count, too! Also, there are many genres that have different formats ( graphic novels, short stories, novels, digital, articles, etc.), so it won't take as long as you think! If you read more challenging books, you will get better pokemon!
For those really up for a challenge, aim for the MASTER BADGE by getting 3 of each type of pokemon! You can also specialize in a poketype and get a badge.
So...grades?
Every week, you must be reading in class during independent reading! You will have 20 minutes of reading a week, and you will get 20 participation points if you are actively reading new material. You also must fill out at least 5 SUMMARY CATCH for 50 points ( 10 points each) throughout the year.
So that DOES mean that reading all this material is OPTIONAL, but you will get awesome REWARDS for the different badges! Top prizes will go to those who get a master badge.
You mentioned awards?
Type Badge: read 6+ of one genre and do at least one book recommendation from that genre for a gym type badge.
Award: gym badge, recognition
Apprentice Badge: Read at least one book from all 18 genre
Award: toy, apprentice badge, recognition
Master Badge: Read 3 books from all 18 genre
Award: toy, gift card, master badge, recognition
Pikachu, I choose you!: If you are the FIRST person to get one of these badges, you also get to choose a pokemon and I will draw you and the pokemon! (or really anything you want, I'll draw a doodle for you!)