Novel Studies Bring Novelty

In fifth grade, the students have begun their novel studies in Communication Arts. The students are assigned a classic, such as Tuck Everlasting, The Island of the Blue Dolphins, or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Along with reading the books, the students have vocabulary words where they figure out the definitions and they put those words into sentences, based on the context from the book. The students also have fill-in the blank questions, as well as short answer and long answer responses.

Novel studies are beneficial because they improve reading comprehension. They also increase engagement with text, the development of critical thinking skills, vocabulary building, writing mechanics, and the ability to analyze complex themes and characters. For the most part, these are done independently. However, we do get into groups to go over each section of the book and discuss the events that are happening. This is one way to better prepare the students for middle school.

Have you read any of these novels? Which one is your favorite?