Re: Reading class novels

["MC" <mmcooper@alumni.utexas.net>]

My students  have discussions after they read the first half of the book, 
then again after they finish. They usually do some ind of journal/sticky 
note thing as they go, but they only discuss the novel twice. It has worked 
well with my kids--I found that the frequent discussions quickly degenerated 
into inane chatter because there just wasn't enough to talk about after only 
reading a chapter or two. Longer readings allowed for more in-depth 
discussions.

Melissa

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Laurie Farina" <jazmyn@nycap.rr.com>
To: <middle-lit@interversity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2006 9:11 PM
Subject: [middle-lit] Reading class novels


> I am thinking about making a change with the way I "do" whole class novels
> next year and I wanted some feedback from others who may have tried it. 
> When
> adults read a novel they discuss the entire novel, they don't break it 
> into
> chapters or sections. I am thinking of doing something similar with my
> students.
> I am working with 8th graders and I was wondering of anyone has had
> success/failure with having the students read the whole novel before class
> discussion. I would of course have the students do some kind of journaling
> along to way to make sure they were getting the main plot points. And my
> reading counterpart is excellent at helping the lower readers. Any input
> would be appreciated. Also, if anyone has any articles, books or studies
> that I could refer to that would back up this crazy idea it would help 
> sell
> this to parents and admins.
> Thanks,
> Laurie
>
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