Selecting a Novel for an Independent Reading Project A WebQuest for 7th Grade RLA Designed by Chad Wilkerson Click to Start Introduction Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Credits

Introduction “A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” – Neil Gaiman Reading is good for you. Seriously. One British study showed that students “who frequently read books at age 10 and more than once a week when they were 16 had higher test results than those who read less.” Basically, reading regularly for pleasure means “greater intellectual progress, both in vocabulary, spelling and mathematics.” If the benefits are so clear, why is it so difficult for so many of us to read regularly on our own? There are a number of answers to that question, but one strong factor has got to be that students are reading the wrong things. It’s a pretty awful feeling to get 10 pages into a book an find out that you are not interested at all!

Task In this WebQuest, you will be learning how to explore your interests and discover a book you would like to read for your independent reading project (IRP). In order to do that, you are going to explore the various genres and their characteristics. You will also be introduced to the library Alexandria Researcher book database software and how to use it to find a specific book.

Process Working on your own, you will navigate through this WebQuest. You must have the IRP book selection handout to begin. As you read through each slide, follow the directions and record the required information on your handout. First, you will discover the meaning of genre and explore the characteristics of the major types. You will then explore the subgenres of fiction and determine which is most relevant to your interests. After that, you will search for text that fit within the genre you have chosen. Then you will learn how to use the school library website for locating books. Lastly, you will select a text for your Independent Reading Project (IRP).

Genre Understanding genre is an important starting point for any reader seeking a book. Go to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary to locate a definition of genre. Enter the word “genre” into the search box. Record the definition on your handout. Read about the major genres here: Record each major genre on your handout. Summarize one key characteristic of each. Just Think: How might understanding genre make you better at selecting books you want to read? Link

Fiction Genres There are several genres that fall within the larger genre of fiction. Click the link view several of the fiction subgenres and their descriptions. Be sure to read the descriptions of each, and then record five of them on your handout. Extended Learning: Look at how this interactive map organizes and represents genres (focusing on fiction and young-adult). Link

Determining Relevant Texts Explore the following links: On your handout, record six book titles from the linked sites that fit your selected fiction subgenre. Also record three short observations about the search tools available at each site. (see handout example) Goodreads Bookbrowse

Locating Texts in the Library Searching for a specific book in any library can be very difficult if you lack the skills or know-how to use the available tools. Go to the NEMS Library Researcher Link: Find the following on the page: Search bar (where you type in your search terms) Search types (underneath) Explore bar and icons. Try typing the sample search term “hunger” in the search bar and performing different searches by clicking each of the search types. Did you get the same results? Now locate three of the books you were interested in. You may have to search for them more than one way to locate them. When you find each, fill out the table on your handout. Just Think: What information do I have to have about a book in order to locate it in the library?

Book Requirements Refer to the the book chart to compare to the following requirements. Your book must: Be in your stated fiction genre of interest. Be at least 200 pages in length. Be at least a 665 Lexile (reading) level. When you confirm that your text meets all these requirements, you may record your selection on your handout.

Evaluation You will be evaluated using the following rubric: Introducing Developing Mastery Mastery + Handout Handout is incomplete, and answers are insufficient. Handout is complete, but answers may be insufficient or incorrect. Handout is complete, and answers are sufficient. Handout is complete, and answers are thoughtful and well-written. Book Selection Book selection was not completed. Book selected meets most of the criteria required. Book selected meets all criteria required. Book significantly exceeds all criteria. Computer Use Student did not use technology appropriately. Students used technology appropriately most of the time. Students used technology appropriately. Students used technology appropriately and with excellence.

Conclusion When you are finished with this WebQuest, you are able to begin reading your novel and completing your IRP logs. As you read, be sure to ask yourself the following questions: For summary: Who is doing what? (characters and action) Where and when are they doing it? (setting) For reflection: How does this text relate to me and what I know? What do I like or dislike about the content and author’s style? What is my favorite or least favorite character or event so far, and why? For concluding the novel: Was this novel all I hoped it would be? Why or why not? What have I learned about my likes and dislikes in novel genres? How will I change my approach to selecting my next novel?

Credits and References Student Research Reference - http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/sep/16/reading-improves-childrens-brains Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary - http://www.merriam-webster.com/ Literary Devices – Definitions and Examples of Literary Terms -http://literarydevices.net/genre/ Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/genres Bookbrowse - https://www.bookbrowse.com/category/ Write’s Digest University - Definitions Of Fiction Categories And Genres - http://resources.writersonlineworkshops.com/resources/definitions-of-fiction-categories-and-genres/ Book Country – Genre Map - http://www.bookcountry.com/readandreview/books/genremap/ Alexandria Researcher Library Catalog – Northeast Middle School Library –- http://coalex.cmcss.net/7052408/researcher#_ WebQuest Template - The WebQuest Page - http://webquest.sdsu.edu/ Reading Language Arts Curriculum Standards – Tennessee Department of Education - http://www.state.tn.us/education/standards/english.shtml

Learning Objectives By the end of this WebQuest, the student will: Know the distinctions between literary genres. Be able to utilize the library search tools to find specific texts and various information about those texts using a variety of methods. Be able to select an appropriately challenging novel that relates to his or her interests for independent reading.

Curriculum Standards Reading Language Arts W.7.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation. Computer Technology: Literacy and Usage 7.3.1 Students will use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. 7.5.1. Students will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. 7.6.1. Students will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.