What's the difference between reading and a novel study?

As you know, since the beginning of the year, I’ve protected the first 15 minutes of class for uninterrupted quiet reading. The kids chose their own books and had a slice of time in their day at Orchard to just enjoy reading. These past few months, the children developed a healthy habit of daily reading. By January, I welcomed each child into the yurt after recess and they immediately sought out a comfy place to continue reading their book. I don’t have to say or do anything- they just begin reading! It was then that I realized they were ready for a deeper dive- novel study.

A novel study is a structured reading program where students have a choice of a pre-selected library of rich literature. I showed videos of “book previews” similar to a movie preview. I love introducing books like this! They get a snippet of the plot presented in an exciting way.

Based on what book they choose and their reading experience, small groups are formed. Book packets are provided that are filled with thought provoking comprehension questions and activities that ask them to find evidence in the text, as well as share their ideas and opinions with their book mates. I provided lessons on how to answer a question and how to make a mediocre answer stellar. To keep everyone on the same page (literally!), they may not take the book home. Does this take patience, self-discipline and cooperation? You bet! This is practicing higher level reading and analysis. It’s new and hard for some, but I am there to help guide them to find success. I am very proud of them!

I hope you are hearing about their books at home. If not…ask!

Our books right now:

I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic by Lauren Tarshic

Island: Shipwreck by Gordon Korman

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullay Hunt