NEW UNIT: A NOVEL STUDY

For this unit, all students are asked to choose a novel they would like. The novel must be approved by Jocelyn. The type of novel is your choice, but needs to be a work of fiction. Students may bring in a novel from home, take one out from a local library, purchase a new one, or look through the very diverse selection of Oasis novels. Students will be expected to finish the novel in 2-3 weeks.

*Deadline for Novel choice is Wednesday October 13th. 

Part A. STUDENT READING RESPONSES 25%
While reading your novel make time for 5 reading responses at different points in your reading. After a reading session (approximately 50 pages), put the book down and write a personal response to what you have just read. Do not summarize what you have just read, RESPOND to it. Your response can take many different forms and is very open ended. Consider it like a reading journal. If your stuck, you could consider any of the following questions to get you started.  How do you feel? What are you thinking about? How does, or doesn't it relate to your life? What do you know about the situations or issues in the novel? What have you learned? Was there a moment or event that really affected you? What questions do you have? Are you enjoying reading? Is there something you want to say to one of the characters? Are you surprised about what is happening? What do you think will happen next?

Reading Response lengths
Grade 9 - 250-500 words each - Grade 10 - 500-750 words each

*Students may complete their responses by: posting them to their blog, emailing them to this blogspot, typing and handing them in, or by handwriting them in pen or pencil. 

Part B. UNDERSTANDING THE NOVEL 45%
Students will have 5 different sets of questions about the novel form as it pertains to the novel they are reading. Questions for each set below will be posted on the blog and available as a handout in class.
Introductory question set - /8
Rising Action question set - /8
Climax question set - /8
Falling Action question set - /8
Resolution question set - /8

*Students may complete their responses by: posting them to their blog, emailing them to this blogspot or typing and handing them in. 

Part C. CULMINATING ACTIVITY 30%
Students will be given a choice chart (differentiated assignment choice tool) and will be able to pick culminating activities that appeal to their interest and learning style. The culminating choice chart will be available on the blog as well as in class very soon.
*Students will be asked to share these culminating activities with their peers in class.