Reading Merit Badge Activity Planner: Difference between revisions

From ScoutWiki, For Everyone, Everywhere involved with Scouting and Guiding...
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
(Created page with "thumb|right '''Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide''' for the '''Reading Merit Badge''' <br><font color=green>'''*** ''Activities...")
 
 
(21 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
<table border><tr BGcolor=yellow><th>[[Image:MeritBadgePLCGuide.PNG|right]]Reading : “No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” — Confucius.  </th></tr></table>
[[Image:ReadingMeritBadge.jpg|thumb|right]]
[[Image:ReadingMeritBadge.jpg|thumb|right]]
'''[[Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide]]''' for the '''[[Reading Merit Badge]]'''
'{{Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide|Reading Merit Badge|Reading}}
<br><font color=green>'''*** ''Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol'' ***'''</font>
[[Image:ReadingMBBook.jpg|right]]
 
=A. Make Your Plan =
[[Image:ReadingActivityFlyerSample.PNG|right|Sample Patrol Activity Flyer]]
# '''[[Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips]]''' - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity.  Read carefully before you start your plan!
# '''Share Your Plan''' - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the [[Merit Badge Counselor]].  Make changes to the plan as needed.
# '''Prepare Activity Flyer''' - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.


Exploring '''[[Reading]]''' can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right.  Here are a few tips to help the [[Patrol Leader]] get started.
{| class="wikitable"
!Patrol Activity
|BGcolor=yellow| FAIR
|Organize your patrol as a book club
|-
!Virtual Field Trip
|BGcolor=red| POOR
|Requires in-person tour of Public or School Library.  During Covid-19 save this item for last and do all reading now.
|-
!Family Activity
|BGcolor=lime| GREAT
|Your parents might suggest some good books for you.
|-
!Service Activity  
|BGcolor=red| POOR
|N/A
|-
!S.T.E.M. Activity
|BGcolor=lime| GREAT
|Non-Fiction books teach STEM
|-
!Field Trip 
|BGcolor=yellow| FAIR
| Library Tour
|-
!Duty-to-God
|BGcolor=lime| GREAT
| Include your Troop Chaplains Aide
|-
!MB Day
|BGcolor=lime| GREAT
| Scout Book Reports
|-
!Overnighter
|BGcolor=lime| GREAT
| Many scouts like to read during free time at camp
|-
!Summer Camp MB
|BGcolor=yellow| FAIR
| Pre-requisite: Read books beforehand
|}


== Online Resources ==
* '''[https://boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts/meritbadges/Reading-merit-badge.asp Reading Merit Badge Requirements]''': BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
* '''[https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Reading.pdf Reading Merit Badge File Store]''': Online resources
* '''[http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Reading.pdf Reading Merit Badge Worksheets]''':  Worksheets are optional - but highly preferred by many MBC.  When you find that many requirements say "discuss" - the worksheet can help you gather your thoughts beforehand.
* '''[https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B075VDZ5WH/maintourvacationA/ Reading Merit Badge Booklet]''': Everything thing you need to know about Reading is right here.  Get this study guide from either Amazon or your Troop Library, Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster to Learn More About this Subject.
* '''[https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading Reading @ Simple-Wikipedia]''': Get the basics quickly.


== Covid-19 Pandemic Notice ==
<font color=red>
While overall, this is a great merit badge to work during the great 2020 pandemic, Item #1 requires an in-person visit to the local library for a tutorial and exercise in using the card catalog to find books which is a valuable lesson.  Many scouts have already had this tour as part of their public school curriculum.  For those scouts who have not should be strongly encouraged now to do all other requirements now (reading and book reports).  There will come a time very soon when local libraries will reopen and those librarians will be very excited to give you the library tour!</font>


*** '''Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements'''
= B. Introduction Meeting =
*** '''This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.'''
Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips.
*** '''While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.'''


==A. Make Your Plan ==
== News Flash : Book Zone ==
[[Image:ReadingMBBook.jpg|right]]
[[Image:BookZone111.jpg|thumb]]
'''1. Before you start- Get Basic Leadership Training:'''
* '''[https://bookzone.boyslife.org/100-books-for-boys/?fbclid=IwAR3eka8HKfQfRLsIZ_MQZ2Q2gd7x0jATMB8wlBMCowYmB7lsSr5pZlUs0Kk Book Zone by Boys Life]''' - For more than 100 years, Boys’ Life has featured thousands of great books for boys. Here are the 100 titles they think every scout should read.
* [[Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide]]: 10 Tips for successful [[Patrol Leader| Patrol Leaders]], [[Scoutmaster| Scoutmasters]] and [[Merit Badge Counselor|Merit Badge Counselors]]. 
* '''[https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2020/03/audible-is-offering-free-stories-for-kids-after-coronavirus-closes-schools.html?fbclid=IwAR3lBs-lYiNVVZNttDIu1GkjxBN8V1XfSOJhaT9fzyFNE9jbYotXs6Jwmow Find Books for Free at Audible]'''
* [[Training]]: Ask your Scoumaster - Have all youth and adult leaders in your unit completed new leader training?
* '''[https://boyslife.org/ BoysLife is now Free]''' - Home, Bored?  Sign Up now to get a free year's access on their App!  Stories, Games, Scoutcraft Online, and much more.


'''2. Merit Badge Guides:'''
= C. Homework / Prerequisites =
* [https://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Reading Reading Merit Badge Requirements]: MeritBadge.org guide to requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.   Allow a month or two for scouts to complete this section.  
* [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00SG8HJ0C/maintourvacationA/ Reading Merit Badge Booklet]: Everything thing you need to know about Reading is right here.  Get this study guide from either Amazon or your Troop Library, Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster to Learn More About this Subject.
* [[Merit Badge Counselor|Meet the Merit Badge Counselor]]: Get more ideas for cool ''Reading'' activities in your community. Some activities require his advance approval. The Scoutmaster should be able to recommend a counselor to you.  Bring a buddy.


'''3. Sample Plan Outline:'''
Note: This Plan is a Draft - Some dates, events and activities may change after reviewing it with your leaders.  Ponder each of the sections below - what still study, where will you go, what will you do, when will you start and finish?


'''4. Prepare Draft of your [[Activity Flyer]]:'''
* '''Required Reading:'''
The flyer will summarize all of your ideas on to one page in a colorful format.
** [https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading Reading @ Simple-Wikipedia]: Get the basics quickly.
** Req #3 : Read 4 Types of Books - Prepare Book Report / Movie Report
** Req #4 : Read Non-Fiction to Learn about Something - Prepare a Project
** Req #5 : Read About your World.


==B. Plan Presentation ==
'''Reading Service Project: (Req #6) '''<font color=blue>
At least one month beforehand you need to present your patrol plan for review, modifications and approval. Coming prepared with a plan of action is very important to activity success. There are many adult and youth leaders are waiting to help you out.
* Reg #6: With your counselor's and parent's or guardian's permission, choose ONE of the following activities and devote at least four hours of service to that activity. Discuss your participation with your counselor:
** a. Read to a sick, blind, or homebound person in a hospital or in an extended-care facility.
** b. Perform volunteer work at your school library or a public library.
** c. Read stories to younger children, in a group or individually.
** d. Organize a book swap in your troop, school, or place of worship.
** e. Organize a book drive to collect books. Donate them to an organization in need.
</font>


# Prepare rough draft of plan - purpose and calendar of events
=D. Study Hall Patrol Night=
# Prepare rough draft of event flyer - purpose, event calendar, and how to prepare.
While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.
# Carefully notate all "Prerequisites", Supplies needed, costs, homework, etc.
# Meet with the [[Scoutmaster]] and/or [[Troop Guide]].
# Meet with the [[Patrol Leaders Council]].


Discuss with your MBC the following :
Try doing Req #5 : "Read about the world around you from any two sources: books, magazines, newspapers, the Internet (with your parent's or guardian's permission), field manuals, etc. Topics may include Scouting, sports, environmental problems, politics, social issues, current events, nature, religion, etc. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor."


* '''Reading is Fun!''' - Patrol Presentation. 1-3 Weeks before activity start, share your plan with your patrol.  They need to know what to expect.  They may even Bring a Friend.
=E. Field Trip =
# Share your plan with your fellow scouts.
[[Image:LibraryCardCat1.jpg|thumb|right]]
# Send Reminders to Scouts - At least 24 hours before each event.
A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity:
# Remind Scouts to print and bring the '''[http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/worksheets/Reading.pdf Reading Merit Badge Worksheet]]'''.
# Remind Scouts to print and bring a '''[http://usscouts.org/advance/docs/34124.pdf Blue Card]'''.
# Which scouts will need an extra copy?


==C. Study Hall ==
== Library Card Catalog Tour ==
While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles intruduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.
Requirement #1 asks for a field trip to the school or public library : <font color=blue>
* #1. Do EACH of the following:
** a. Take a tour of a library. Discuss with your counselor how the library is organized and what resources and/or services are offered in the library.
** b. Learn how to search a library's card catalog or computerized catalog by author, title, and subject.
** c. In a library, search the card catalog or computerized catalog for six books of four different types, such as poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and biographies.
** d. With the assistance of your merit badge counselor or the librarian, see if you can locate on the shelves the six books you selected.
</font>
Note: Many scouts have already completed a library tour through their school program.


# Prepare an agenda and make Assignments as needed.
== Public Library Service Project ==
# What learning materials are needed for this meeting? Who will bring them?
Consider the following patrol field trip to complete Req #1d.<font color=blue>
# Watch video, powerpoint or other online tutorial.  
* 6d. Perform volunteer work at your school library or a public library.</font>
# Update one or more sections of the merit badge worksheet. (Ask the Merit Badge Counselor which requirements are relevant here.)
# Invite the Merit Badge Counselor to join your Study Hall.
# Plan and Prepare for the Patrol Field Trip Activities (see below).


==D. Homework ==
= F. Extra Credit =
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.
While none of these are actual requirements for this merit badge - they are terrific opportunities to show [[Scout Spirit]], [[Do A Good Turn Daily]] and to have FUN!


==E. Field Trip ==
# '''[[Activity Reflection]]:''' Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure.  You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
Meaningful Field Trips will add much to the adventure here.  Consider including one or more of the following:
# '''Court of Honor Exhibit:''' Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next [[Scout Troop]] [[Court of Honor]].
# '''Merit Badge Campout''': Field Trip overnight experience can get you a lot closer to the action and to see things in a different way.
# '''Facility Tour''':   A day trip to a musuem, gallery, or factory of a related Reading.
# '''Get Dirty Day''': Setup a work station in your garage, backyard, park or other location for a truely "hands-on" experience.
# '''Service Project''':  There many organizations connected with this merit badge that could use your assistance.


* Contact the destination venue. Confirm that they can assist with the Field Trip Requirements. Reserve your Event Dates.  Get Scoutmaster Assistance as necessary.
* Patrol Historian should be ready to take pictures on this activity to report back on the next troop blog, newsletter or court of honor.


==F. Final Meeting ==
== Related Merit Badges ==
[[Image:PatrolMeet.jpg|thumb|right|Meeting with the [[Merit Badge Counselor]].]]
Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity:
You will probably need to schedule one patrol night for a follow up meeting with your [[Merit Badge Counselor]].  He/She will use this opportunity to meet with scouts either individually are as a group to review your activities, study worksheets, knowledge and accomplishments before signing off your Merit Badge Blue Card.
* [[Scholarship Merit Badge Activity Planner|Scholarship]]
* [[American Heritage Merit Badge Activity Planner|American Heritage]]


# '''[[Activity Reflection]]:''' Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
== Our Scout Reading List ==
# '''Court of Honor Exhibit:''' Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next [[Scout Troop]] [[Court of Honor]].
'''Scouts BSA Fan Fiction Suggestions:'''
* '''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00CKCVW5S Brotherband Chronicles by John Hanagan]''' - "They are outcasts. Hal, Stig, and the others - they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger's Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn't mean they don't have skills. And courage." - A great example of the BSA Patrol Method during the days of Early Vikings.
* '''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00CKC9DDG Ranger's Apprentice Series by John Hanagan]''' - Another great example of the BSA Patrol Method during the days of Early Vikings.


== G. See Also ==
* '''[https://boyslife.org/about-scouts/scouting-around/162671/9-things-to-know-about-merit-badges/ 9 Things to Know about Merit Badges] - BoysLife.org''' - There are more than 135 merit badges. By earning them, you can learn about Reading, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. Here’s how to get the most out of your merit badge experience.


[[Category: Education]]
[[Category:Reading Merit Badge]]
[[Category:Reading Merit Badge]]
[[Category:Reading]]
[[Category:Reading]]

Latest revision as of 00:31, 7 February 2021

MeritBadgePLCGuide.PNG
Reading : “No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” — Confucius.
ReadingMeritBadge.jpg

'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Reading Merit Badge

*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***

Exploring Reading can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right. Here are a few tips to help the patrol leader get started.

  • Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements
  • This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.
  • While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.
ReadingMBBook.jpg

A. Make Your Plan

Sample Patrol Activity Flyer
  1. Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
  2. Share Your Plan - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the Merit Badge Counselor. Make changes to the plan as needed.
  3. Prepare Activity Flyer - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.
Patrol Activity FAIR Organize your patrol as a book club
Virtual Field Trip POOR Requires in-person tour of Public or School Library. During Covid-19 save this item for last and do all reading now.
Family Activity GREAT Your parents might suggest some good books for you.
Service Activity POOR N/A
S.T.E.M. Activity GREAT Non-Fiction books teach STEM
Field Trip FAIR Library Tour
Duty-to-God GREAT Include your Troop Chaplains Aide
MB Day GREAT Scout Book Reports
Overnighter GREAT Many scouts like to read during free time at camp
Summer Camp MB FAIR Pre-requisite: Read books beforehand

Online Resources

Covid-19 Pandemic Notice

While overall, this is a great merit badge to work during the great 2020 pandemic, Item #1 requires an in-person visit to the local library for a tutorial and exercise in using the card catalog to find books which is a valuable lesson. Many scouts have already had this tour as part of their public school curriculum. For those scouts who have not should be strongly encouraged now to do all other requirements now (reading and book reports). There will come a time very soon when local libraries will reopen and those librarians will be very excited to give you the library tour!

B. Introduction Meeting

Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips.

News Flash : Book Zone

BookZone111.jpg

C. Homework / Prerequisites

Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity. Allow a month or two for scouts to complete this section.


  • Required Reading:
    • Reading @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.
    • Req #3 : Read 4 Types of Books - Prepare Book Report / Movie Report
    • Req #4 : Read Non-Fiction to Learn about Something - Prepare a Project
    • Req #5 : Read About your World.

Reading Service Project: (Req #6)

  • Reg #6: With your counselor's and parent's or guardian's permission, choose ONE of the following activities and devote at least four hours of service to that activity. Discuss your participation with your counselor:
    • a. Read to a sick, blind, or homebound person in a hospital or in an extended-care facility.
    • b. Perform volunteer work at your school library or a public library.
    • c. Read stories to younger children, in a group or individually.
    • d. Organize a book swap in your troop, school, or place of worship.
    • e. Organize a book drive to collect books. Donate them to an organization in need.

D. Study Hall Patrol Night

While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.

Discuss with your MBC the following : Try doing Req #5 : "Read about the world around you from any two sources: books, magazines, newspapers, the Internet (with your parent's or guardian's permission), field manuals, etc. Topics may include Scouting, sports, environmental problems, politics, social issues, current events, nature, religion, etc. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor."

E. Field Trip

LibraryCardCat1.jpg

A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity:

Library Card Catalog Tour

Requirement #1 asks for a field trip to the school or public library :

  • #1. Do EACH of the following:
    • a. Take a tour of a library. Discuss with your counselor how the library is organized and what resources and/or services are offered in the library.
    • b. Learn how to search a library's card catalog or computerized catalog by author, title, and subject.
    • c. In a library, search the card catalog or computerized catalog for six books of four different types, such as poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and biographies.
    • d. With the assistance of your merit badge counselor or the librarian, see if you can locate on the shelves the six books you selected.

Note: Many scouts have already completed a library tour through their school program.

Public Library Service Project

Consider the following patrol field trip to complete Req #1d.

  • 6d. Perform volunteer work at your school library or a public library.

F. Extra Credit

While none of these are actual requirements for this merit badge - they are terrific opportunities to show Scout Spirit, Do A Good Turn Daily and to have FUN!

  1. Activity Reflection: Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
  2. Court of Honor Exhibit: Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next Scout Troop Court of Honor.


Related Merit Badges

Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity:

Our Scout Reading List

Scouts BSA Fan Fiction Suggestions:

  • Brotherband Chronicles by John Hanagan - "They are outcasts. Hal, Stig, and the others - they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger's Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn't mean they don't have skills. And courage." - A great example of the BSA Patrol Method during the days of Early Vikings.
  • Ranger's Apprentice Series by John Hanagan - Another great example of the BSA Patrol Method during the days of Early Vikings.
Retrieved from "http://en.scoutwiki.org/index.php?title=Reading_Merit_Badge_Activity_Planner&oldid=49429"