Battle of the Books A New Solution to the Challenge of Promoting Recreational Reading Adapted from: Heather Mays, February 2010 The 4 th Grade Team Brandeis Elementary

Battle of the Books Objectives  Encouragement of reading  Improvement of reading comprehension and social skills  Improvement of higher level thinking and reasoning skills

The objectives will be achieved by organizing book discussion groups to provide individualized challenges, to increase excitement for reading, and to improve reading comprehension. Students, regardless of ability, are exposed to quality literature and read from a prescribed list of grade- appropriate titles. The culminating competition format creates interest and excitement as students improve reading skills, mature in their choices of reading materials, and acquire a broader knowledge base.

Student Benefits Short term benefits –the opportunity to read and discuss quality literature with their peers, thereby formulating discussion techniques (group dynamics, recognition of responsibilities, contributing insights and responses). Long-term benefits –becoming life-long readers as a result of their development of camaraderie, sharing the love of reading, broadening of their knowledge base, and maturation in reading selections. Character Development –The development of social skills and group dynamics will lend itself to their becoming citizens who contribute to their communities. As students extend their discussions beyond the group, they will serve as examples to others.

“Students who read become adults who lead.” ~Helen Ruffin

Battle of the Books Book 1

Quick Recall Questions  Each student will select a book from the list of Battle Books (determined by teachers).  After reading the book, each student will write ten “quick recall” questions (complete with answers) about the book. Students must include the title of the book in each question. Remember… book titles must be underlined. Students must write the answer to each question in a complete sentence. All questions and answers must be edited correctly (capitalization, punctuation, etc.)  If students complete their questions and answers, they may read another book from the list. They do not have to turn in questions for extra books that they read.  Students earn points for their team for questions/answers that are correctly written, revised, and edited.

Quick Recall Question Example  This is an example of a correctly written Quick Recall Question and its answer: In the book Poppy by Avi, what did Poppy find that belonged to Ragweed in the pile of pellets under Mr. Ocax’s tree? In the book Poppy, Poppy found Ragweed’s earring in the pile of pellets under Mr. Ocax’s tree.

Book Group Discussions  On the “quick recall question” due date, students will meet with their “book groups” to discuss their questions and answers. Students take turns reading their questions and answers. Students discuss the correctness of their questions and answers. Students revise and edit their questions before turning them in at the end of the discussion.  Students turn in their quick recall questions and answers. Questions and answers will be marked wrong if they have not been correctly revised and edited.

Battle of the Books Book 2  Quick Recall Questions: Students choose a new book from the list of Battle Books and write quick recall questions for the new book (following the same guidelines as in Round 1).  Book Group Discussions: Students meet with their “book groups” to discuss, revise, and edit their questions and answers.  Students turn in their questions.

Battle of the Books Book 3  Quick Recall Questions: Students choose a new book from the list of Battle Books and write quick recall questions for the new book (following the same guidelines as in Round 1).  Book Group Discussions: Students meet with their “book groups” to discuss, revise, and edit their questions and answers.  Students turn in their questions.

Battle of the Books Book 4  Quick Recall Questions: Students choose a new book from the list of Battle Books and write quick recall questions for the new book (following the same guidelines as in Round 1).  Book Group Discussions: Students meet with their “book groups” to discuss, revise, and edit their questions and answers.  Students turn in their questions.

Battle Team Practice  Students meet in their “battle teams” to plan, review, and quiz each other on all of the books on the battle list. If teams strategized early in the battle, they will have read all of the books on the list as a team.

 On the day of the battle, all teams will meet up to compete using a buzzer system.  Teams earn points by being the first to buzz in and correctly answer the quick recall questions asked by the facilitators/teachers.  At the end of the “battle”, teachers/facilitators will add up each team’s points to determine the winning teams.  The top two teams earn a special reward as well as those students having read all of the books. There will also be a ‘mystery book’ announced and if a student has read that book, he/she will earn an extra reward. Battle of the Books