CEClang.81
TITLE: NOVEL PARTNERS
AUTHOR: Jo Barsotti; St.Mary's School; Stayton, OR
GRADE LEVEL: Reading/Literature--grades 5-8.
OVERVIEW: The Novel Partners unit is a structured, yet
independent four week reading program in which partners read
the same self-chosen novels; complete a weekly assignment
including vocabulary, comprehension, and literary
appreciation activities; then meet with one another weekly
to discuss the readings and the assignments.
PURPOSE: Provide motivation and guidance for independent
reading in a way that can be easily integrated into a more
structured whole class reading program.
OBJECTIVE(s): Students will be able to:
1. Work cooperatively with a partner to devise a 4 wk.
reading plan for self-chosen novels.
2. Use context to figure out the meaning of unknown words.
3. Summarize the main events in a novel.
4. Respond to literature by telling what they like and
dislike about the elements in their novels.
5. Analyze the elements of a novel, including setting,
characters, plot, and theme.
6. Discuss ideas with their partners about the readings
and the assignments.
7. Work independently to prepare for the weekly
discussions.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS: Enough novels for the entire class
(two of each selection), "Novel Partners" Handout
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1. Pass out student handout and explain the independent
novel partner unit, emphasizing that partner sharings
won't work unless both partners complete their
assignments on time.
2. Collect 2 copies of many different young adult or
classic novels of varying difficulties and lengths from
the school library or the classroom library. Allow
partners to choose their books.
3. Have partners meet to devise a reading plan, write it
on their handouts, and submit a copy of it along with
each partner's name and the title of the book.
4. During the week when teaching the main reading
curriculum, provide about 15 minutes daily for students
to work on their independent readings or assignments.
5. Have students meet on the appointed days to discuss the
readings. Check off completed assignments. If
incomplete due to misunderstanding, allow students to
finish the assignment. I had other unfinished students
complete their work and get a jump on the next week's
readings during their lunch break. They were all
prepared the following week! Clear up any
misunderstandings for the whole class and review the
concept for the following week's question of the week
before ending the sharings.
6. When the novel sessions have been completed, have
students plan a way to share the novel with the whole
class. This can be done in very many ways, such as: a
mural, map, chart, drawings, skit, diorama, display,
etc... Students will need to submit their idea/plan to
the teacher and be ready to share with the class the
following week.
TYING IT TOGETHER: Have student partners present their
sharings as oral book reports in order to encourage other
students to read these books. Then have each student write
an evaluation of the novel and the activities done in this
reading unit.
NOVEL PARTNERS HANDOUT
1. Choose a novel and a partner who is reading the same
book.
2. Get together and devise a reading plan in which you
divide the reading into four equal sections. You will
have a week to read each sections.
3. Submit your reading plan with your names and the name
of the novel you are reading.
4. Begin reading your novel and working on the assignment
for Week 1.
5. Novel Partners will meet weekly at this time. See
Novel Partner Sharing section at the bottom of this
handout for what to discuss with your partners.
Reading Plan
Week 1 ___________________
Week 2 ___________________
Week 3 ___________________
Week 4 ___________________
Weekly Assignment
1. Vocabulary Choose 5 new words--write the words and the
sentence from the text. Guess the meaning (write it),
then look up the meaning and write it.
2. Summary Write a summary of the readings or a main
events chart.
3. Response Tell what you like or dislike so far,
including character., setting, plot, and/or author's
style.
4. Question of the Week See the list of weekly questions.
Weekly Questions
Week 1.
Describe the Setting. How important is it? Does it
help set a mood?
Week 2.
Analyze Two Characters. Tell what they look like and
what their personalities are like.
Week 3.
What's the Plot? Tell what the problem or goal is and
how the main character is trying to solve/achieve it.
Week 4.
Theme What message or lesson is the author trying to
get across?
Novel Partner Sharing
1. Read to one another your summaries, responses, and
question.
2. Discuss your opinions.
3. Read a 1/2 pg selection you really like to your
partner.
4. Quiz one another on your chosen vocabulary words.
5. Turn in your assignment.
Click here to return to OFCN's Academy Curricular Exchange
Click here to return to OFCN's Academy
Click here to return to OFCN's Main Menu
John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org