Monday, January 14, 2008

Book Club Literature Circles

Dear Families,

This week we will start a literature circle style of a book club. We are reading books in the Humor genre as selected by the district language arts committee as an addition to our language arts curriculum. These books are books to be enjoyed in a social setting and add an authentic literature experience to the 3rd Grade language arts program. Each student will be reading different books based on the lexile level of the book and the students’ different English times.

Humor Genre Books
Giggler Treatment
The Kid in the Red Jacket
The Chocolate Touch
Frindle

District level Criteria for genre selection:
Incorporate curriculum Focus On Genre whenever possible
Provide for good variety each year
Reduce repetition across three years (and into middle school)
Enough other appropriate titles at that level for students to continue reading on their own

District level Criteria for book selection:
Cited for excellence by an independent source
Developmentally appropriate content and themes
Written at an appropriate reading level
Not required or assigned to any other grade level
Appealing to both boys and girls
Available in paperback

You can help by asking questions about the book (read below). All information is stored in their reading folders at school. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Book Group Discussion Questions:

1. What did you enjoy about this book?

2. What have you read that is similar to this book?

3. What are some of the major themes of this book?

4. What do you think the author was trying to accomplish with this novel?

5. Who was your favorite character? What did you appreciate about him/her?

6. Consider the main character: What does he or she believe in? What is he or she willing to fight for?

7. At the end of the book, do you feel hope for the characters?

8. What is stronger in the book: plot or character development? Why? Do you think this was intentional on the part of the author?

9. Have you ever experienced anything similar to the action of this novel?

10. Did you find this book a quick read? Why or why not?

11. What are your concerns about this book?

12. How did you feel about the main character?

13. What are the most important relationships in the book?

14. What makes a minor character memorable?

15. What are the most revealing scenes?

16. Are any of the events in the book relevant to your own life?

17. What did you think of the style of the writer?

18. Was the story believable? The characters believable?

19. Did you find any flaws in the book?

20. Compare the hardcover and paperback covers. Which one do you like better? Why?


Thanks and Happy Reading!

Lynnea and Amby

1 comment:

Abby Davis said...

The books that you have listed here seem like a very nice selection. Which one is your personal favorite? Which one(s) would you recommend for a new teacher? I also like the group questions that you have provided for children after they have finished reading the books. Thank you for your information; it will, I'm sure, come in very handy in the future.