Comments on: The Novel Study: make good teaching judgements

By: Debra

Debra — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:43:36 +0000

I like using a novel study once or twice a year.I particularly like linking it to SOSE- to help explain Australian history in another form- not just dry facts and figures. In my year 5 we have just completed Jackie French’s “Tom Appleby-Convict Boy” to link in with first settlement of Australia and the continuing settlement of our country. I love it when I see former,hesitant readers become engrossed in an on-going story and achieving.
Debra

By: Wendy

Wendy — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:32:29 +0000

My class watched the movie ‘Holes’ on camp this year and really enjoyed it, so this term I am reading the book to them so we can compare and contrast the different genres. The discussion around the book has been very worthwhile. I have also down loaded the audio book of Diary of a Wimpy Kid as every second student reads and has a copy of this books in my class. I will be playing this in the last week of this term and students can read along.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:21:29 +0000

This year I have read 2 novels with my class - Mac Slater (Tristan Bancks) and Holes (Louis Sachar). No matter the age of students they love being read to - especially if you know the story well and can guide them with plot parts to store for later! Both of these novels - while some of the text structure is not necessarily formally correct - really get the students involved in both the story and discussion with the themes and ideas.

By: Judith

Judith — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:15:55 +0000

I read a class novel to my 6/7 class and I try and read novels that have been made into movies so we are able to compare the 2 media types. At the moment I’m reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the students love the language and the authors writing style. Sometimes I cringe with the language but there are many opportunities for open discussion.

By: Lyn

Lyn — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:12:25 +0000

We have been undertaking novel studies with small groups of boys who have been identified as sound readers who may possibly be underchieving. So far we have read The Invention of Hugu Cabret by Brian Selznik and The Cay by Theodore Taylor. Both have been big hits with their themes of independence and needs. The boys enjoy listen to The Cay on audio disc after we have completed a chapter.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:29:58 +0000

We have commenced a novel study, inspired by my very own year 7 teacher Mr. Munsey, I’m returning to the magic of the BFG. The 3/4 students are enthralled and we make up our own class language, laughing out loud throughout the readings. Making them smile, love school and inspiring them to read has been the biggest bonus.

By: Joy

Joy — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:22:28 +0000

In my 3-4 class we do 1 novel study a year. I read to them and we discuss aspects of the text and complete activities.The students enjoy the stories. I use them in the context of the unit we are studying. I read Charlotte’s Web when we are covering Minibeasts and James and the Giant Peach with a food unit (alternate year). Overall it is an important part of our literacy instruction.