Whole Novels for the Whole Class

Work 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. Rather than using novels simply to teach basic literacy skills and comprehension strategies, Whole Novels approaches literature as art. The book is fully aligned with the Common Core ELA Standards and offers tips for implementing whole novels in various contexts, including suggestions for teachers interested in trying out small steps in their classrooms first. Includes a powerful method for teaching literature, writing, and critical thinking to middle school students Shows how to use the Whole Novels approach in conjunction with other programs Includes video clips of the author using the techniques in her own classroom This resource will help teachers work with students of varying abilities in reading whole novels.

About 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