Last week we began a novel study with six groups and six different novels. This is the information each child received. A new DOL was also given with a test on Friday.
Novel Study Guidelines
For this novel study students will be divided into six groups. Each group will work from a different novel. The groups will focus on character, plot, setting, theme, inference, figurative language, and tone as they move through the book. The novels are:
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddik, The House of Dies Drear by Virginia Hamilton, The Pinballs by Betsy Byars, Sounder by William Armstrong, Phoenix Rising by Karen Hesse, and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.
Some things to remember
After each chapter
List at least five new vocabulary words along with the definition for each.
Write a 3-5 sentence summary…Teacher will give you a focus term such as setting, main character, etc., for some of the chapters.
Throughout the study
Various activities, tests, and projects will be assigned. More about this later.
End of study
Each group will together share a presentation of its book. You may use power points, posters, projects, etc. to present your novel.
Novel your child has chosen:
_____________________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature_____________________________________________
Student’s Signature ____________________________________________
Novel Study Projects
During the reading of your novel, you will be required to do three projects. You must select one from List A, one from List B, and one from List C. All projects must be neat, colorful, appropriate to novel, and have correct spelling and grammar.
Due Dates: List A – Due on or before Tuesday, March 11
List B – Due on or before Thursday, March 20
List C – Due on or before Monday, March 31
List A
¨ Draw and label a map of the story’s settings.
¨ Draw and label four pictures of scenes taken from the book.
¨ Fold a piece of computer paper into eight squares and draw a comic strip of a scene in your novel.
¨ Choose another title for the novel and write at least two paragraphs explaining your reasons for choosing this title.
List B
· Write diary entries for one of the characters for a week. Each entry must be from 10-12 sentences.
· Write eight interview questions (with answers) for the author to possibly respond to.
· Make a “Who’s Who” booklet of the novel’s major and minor characters.
· Create a “book party”. Select a scene from the novel and then write about the decorations, food, games, and music that will go with it.
· Create a greeting card from one character to another in the book that has a special meaning between them such as birthday, sympathy, congratulations, etc., identifying the theme represented. List C
· Design a new book jacket for the novel. Include an illustration, author biography, and a short synopsis of the plot.
· Create a board game based on your novel.
· Dress up as one of the characters and do a monologue.
· Make up a possession bag for one of the characters. Include at least ten items (3 dimensional) that reflect that character’s personality.
