Novel Lesson Plans

After a pre-reading activity, young scholars read a novel about violence prevention. After reading, students divide into groups and discuss the novel's content. They then create a powerpoint slideshow outlining the novel using graphics, audio effects and text excerpts.

Young scholars, after reading and discussing an important novel depicting an older person searching for meaning in life, write an essay exploring one aspect of the novel via characterization, style, symbolism or theme. In addition, they give examples of challenges older people face daily and offer some possible solutions or alternatives to help them.

Eighth graders read and respond to the novel "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt. The cooperative novel study is done in conjunction with a study of the Civil War. They use reader's journals and e-mail to create a presentation for the class.

Students write a context paper.  In this teaching the novel in context lesson, students view a primary sources to recreate the cultural and historical context of the novel.  Students make the connection between the literary text and historical events by researching the setting and discussing historical context in small groups.  After a session in the library, students then write a paper in which they analyze the novel within its historical context.

Learners compare and contrast the elements used in the 19th century British novel and those novels in American society today. In groups, they brainstorm what it might have been like to be a teenager growing up in England during the 19th century and compare it with the information they gather from the novel itself.

Students in Advanced Spanish participate in a literature study of two separate novels. The reading of the novel is done with scaffolding from instructional materials, teacher, and possibly handouts for students. The use of the internet to read separate articles is included.

Students read the novel, "Tuck Everlasting" and be able to identify specific story elements through the construction of a diorama box and the writing of a one-page essay. Rubric is included for assessment purposes.

Students read a chapter in a novel and then draw or create three pictures that depict three different scenes from the chapter.

Students create an alternate ending with digital animations to illustrate their text.  In this novel creation lesson, students read a novel and analyze the plot in small groups.  Students collaborate on an alternate ending and create a clay animation using a digital still camera and computer technology.

Students generate information to reinforce reading comprehension. In this reading comprehension lesson, students play "Jeopardy" based on the novel they have been reading. Questions about plot and other story elements are written on cards and given point value.