|
"There is a danger when using novels for your reading course that the
novel is “read to death” and the enjoyment is lost for the students.
Trying to teach individual skills using a novel or having the students
stop after every chapter to answer mundane comprehension questions can
spoil all the fun of reading and dilute the story so much that students
dread to work on literature. At the same time, simply reading loads of
books without reflection does not make a thoughtful, good reader. What
students need is to read challenging texts and to think deeply about
them.
So three methods of using a novel for a reading course are
suggested. One method is to have the student simply read a work straight
through, first of all to enjoy the story and then to discuss it at the
end of reading. A second way is to reflect and discuss the novel as the
story progresses, studying the work as literature and considering
literary devices or plot and theme. A third way is to use the work as a
basis for a unit of study on a particular time period, integrating it
with other works. All three of these methods have merit. Using a
combination of all three throughout the year would provide a
well-balanced variety."
- Margot Davidson, author of the Connecting with History Literature Guide series
The Year 3 Literature Guide discussion and study guides the following historical novels.
Grammar Level Each Grammar level discussion guide includes a story synopsis for the parent/teacher, discussion questions, and writing prompts.
Logic/Rhetoric Levels Study Guides Logic level study guides include a story synopsis, discussion questions for more in-depth analysis, and writing prompts.
View Sample
Written by Margot Davidson 3-hole punched for convenient insertion in your lesson plan binder.
|
|
|