Adapting "List/Group/Label" to Literature

Need a prereading activity in line with the Common Core Standards for Language? Although designed for grades 11 and 12, the procedure detailed in this resource could be used with most grade levels. Prior to reading, select 20 – 25 words or short phrases from the text, copy them onto strips, and give a set to each group. Participants sort the words into categories of their choosing, justify their groupings, and then examine the labels other groups have chosen. Finally, class members predict the topic of the text.