Description
Book SynopsisWork with students at all levels to help them read novels Whole Novels is a practical, field-tested guide to implementing a student-centered literature program that promotes critical thinking and literary understanding through the study of novels with middle school students.
Table of ContentsAbout the Author vii
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
Part 1 Essential Practices 11
1 A Case for Whole Novels for the Whole Class 13
Parts of the Whole: My Annual Curriculum Map 30
2 Selecting the Right Books—Five Dimensions of Good Chemistry 35
3 Authentic Note Taking—Three Levels of Thinking, Three Levels of Response 68
Parts of the Whole: A View of Whole Novel Study from Start to Finish 102
4 Whole Novel Discussions—Everyone Has a Voice 107
Parts of the Whole: Lessons from Beginning Teachers on Whole Novels 136
5 Making the Writing Connection—Harnessing Students’ Drive to Say Something 141
Part 2 Making Whole Novels Work in Real-world Contexts 177
6 Setting Expectations, Building Accountability—The Launch and Beyond 179
Parts of the Whole: My Classroom Setup 207
7 Developing Students’ Critical Reading and Comprehension—Activities We Do along the Way 214
Parts of the Whole: Integrating Technology 249
8 Differentiating for Diversity—Whole Novels for All Students 253
9 Analyzing the Results—What We Know and Where We Can Go 296
Appendices 313
Appendix A: Transcription of Whole Novel Discussion Notes 315
Appendix B: Spanish Translation of the Parent Letter 325
Appendix C: Notes Worksheet for Picture Book Study 327
Appendix D: Directions for Plot Charting Activity 329
Appendix E: Seeker Opportunity Assignment Choices 330
Appendix F: Student-Designed “Book Report” 332
Appendix G: Variations on a Theme Assignment 339
Appendix H: Hero’s Journey Cycle Activity 341
References 343
Index 345
