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.