Teacher ONLY SLIDE #1: The Whole Novels Approach Novels in this pilot course are addressed via a modified whole novels approach (Whole Novels for the Whole Class: A Student-Centered Approach by Ariel Sacks) There is a copy of this text in each building and some teachers across the county have attended BCPS professional development on this approach. The PowerPoint for this PD is on BCPSOne in the ELA Professional Development folder. See your department chair for more information. Teachers should familiarize themselves with the approach and make additional modifications to novel instruction (and to this PowerPoint) based upon the needs and preferences of their individual classes.

Teacher ONLY SLIDE #2: The Nuts and Bolts of The Whole Novels Approach Let students read the whole novel at home. Track student progress with brief assigned notes (sticky notes are recommended) Assign theme/skill related group mini-projects. Facilitate group discussions once novel is finished. End with writing tasks. Teachers are encouraged to tailor this approach to meet the needs of their students. You may choose to provide some reading time in class, but this time should be VERY limited. Create suggested reading schedules for your class that detail how many pages/chapters need to be read in order to finish by the assigned due date. Reading notes may be assigned, but should be brief in nature and not interrupt the “flow” of natural reading. Visit https://vimeo.com/61677459 for suggestions on notes to assign. Teachers may choose to include a “midway” check for accountability purposes.

Introduction: the Whole Novels Approach Let’s read the way real readers do!

What’s it about? The “whole novels” approach is about reading novels the way real readers do… no reading guides, no chapter questions, no daily quizzes. It’s just you reading the whole novel, at your own pace. Then, on the appointed due date, us coming together as a class to discuss and debate the entire work.

How Does It Work? -Pick a novel from the choices provided -Follow the suggested reading schedule or create one of your own that allows you to read at a comfortable pace. -As you read, take brief notes as assigned (see specific teacher directions). -Be prepared on the assigned due date for graded class discussions and follow-up writing activities related to the novel. Teachers should modify this slide as needed, particularly regarding availability of novel choices, reading schedules, and required notes. Teachers should create and provide students with a sample reading schedule with a specific due date. If you choose to have students make notes while reading, these should be brief in nature and not disrupt the natural flow of reading. Adjust this slide to reflect your choices about student note taking.

FAQ’s Question Answer 1. What if I get behind in my reading? 1. Do your best to stay on schedule. We MAY have some reading time in class, but you are primarily responsible for reading at home. If you procrastinate, you will have to rush to meet the final due date. 2. How will you know if I’ve actually read? 2. I will be checking your assigned post-it notes on a regular basis and we will have a mid-novel check-in discussion and assessment. I will also have mini- conferences with each of you where we discuss your progress and reactions to the text. 3. What should I do if I’m having trouble understanding my novel? 3. As always, make arrangements to see me and we can discuss it. You also have your classmates to talk with, BUT, SPOILER ALERT – don’t give away the plot. Only discuss parts you’ve both read… IMPORTANT: Adjust the questions and/or answers in this slide and the next to reflect the policies, procedures, and expectations for your own class!!! The questions/answers given here are just a suggestion.

FAQ’s Question Answer 4. How will I be graded? 4. I will record scores for your sticky notes while you read. Once the book is due, you will be graded for our class discussions related to the novel (So, BE READY!) and you will have additional novel-related lessons and writing assignments that will be graded. 5. Can I read ahead or do I have to stick with the reading schedule? 5. You are free to read as much or as little at one time as you want. The only time requirement is that you are finished by the assigned date. 6. If I’m reading at home, what are we doing in class? 6. In class, we will be working with shorter texts in class that relate to our unit standards and theme and that help prepare us for the unit PBA. IMPORTANT: Adjust the questions and/or answers in this slide and the next to reflect the policies, procedures, and expectations for your own class!!! The questions/answers given here are just a suggestion.

At this point, teachers may choose to provide novel choices and distribute teacher created reading schedules (and notes requirements, if applicable) Let’s get started!