Novel Study

For many of us we have rounded the ELL testing corner. Breathe a little sigh of relief.
So what is next for your ELL students?

I want to advocate for one of my all-time favorite things to do with any level any grade students; the novel study.

Here's why I love them:

1. student groups can pick/choose based on interest
2. we can immerse ourselves into the book (learn the geography and time frame of the book)
3. we can use a study guide, many of which are premade for us at http://store.learninglinks.com/novel-ties.html my favorite Novel Ties companions
4. we can be self-paced

Here's how I begin a novel study:

1. find 3-4 books that I think are interesting and engaging for my students (preferably I have pre-read them- with one noteable exception: I was reading a Boy in teh Girls bathroom to my 7th graders and could not stop laughing...it was a little embarrassing)
2. demonstrate to my small group how I preview books (look at cover, back of book blurb, first page)
3. have the group sit in a circle each beginning with one book in their hands
4. spend 2-3 minutes previewing the book
5. students write down a yes/no/thoughts about the preview on their notes
6. students pass the book along and preview the next (and so on)
7. students vote for which book we read
8. after the book is selected I gather a group set (maybe I have to visit the local libraries as well to get copies for each student)
9. I pace out the book with the amount of time I have (maybe 2-3 weeks)
10. I buy/borrow/create a novel study guide to go along with the book
11. the first lesson is always geography and time- get a map out, locate our story and discuss the contemporary events (if applicable)
12. get reading! *the books always stay with me-avoiding the 'lost book' issue

Here are some titles I have used in the past and LOVED!