This page contains suggestions and technology-based templates to support novel reading.

	Skip to the While You Read Section
	Skip to the After You Read Section

Original files can be found on the KISD R Drive (works only on a KISD  campus computer)

Visit the Author's Website

Look at the novel resource pages for the author's website or check the American Library Association List for authors and illustrators

	What's the author's purpose for writing?
	Where does the author get ideas?
	What other books has this author written?
	What connections do you already have with this author?

Form a Book Club: use email

Use teacher's email with supervision.  Ask your campus ITF if you need help locating a partner.
Email your partner to:

	Predict what the book will be about
	Answer pre-selected questions
	Discuss opinions
	Share culminating projects

Form a Book Club: use video conferencing

Work with your campus ITF to facilitate scheduling this collaboration. 
Meet to:

	Predict what the book will be about
	Answer pre-selected questions
	Discuss opinions
	Share culminating projects

Read Book Reviews

See what other people have to say about this book.  Look at the novel resource pages for these websites or try Building Rainbows or the Spaghetti Book Club.

	What does the review highlight about this book?
	What's in this book, that you look forward to reading?

Create a KWL Chart about the topic

	Use Kidspiration
	Use PowerPoint
	Use Microsoft Publisher to create a brochure

Preview the book

Read the book covers, the summary, and flip through the pages.  Create a mind map to predict what you think this book will be about.

Use Kidspriation

Investigate the Setting

Look for a virtual field trip

	Look at Volcanoes by Seymour Simon for an example
	What do you already know about this type of setting?
	How does might this setting affect the story?
	How might this "field trip" help you absorb the action?
	What new information did you get from this virtual visit?

Research background information using Online Library Resources.

See the example for Molly's Pilgrim

Activate your Schema

Watch a "movie trailer" to connect to your prior knowledge on the topic

	See this example for Molly's Pilgrim
	See the example for Hatchet.  (Also included for Island of the Blue Dolphin and My Side of the Mountain)

Investigate the Time Period

Visit an interactive timeline.  Try this tool from Britannica Online or the tool from Digital History

	What do you already know about this period in history?
	What world-wide events were occurring during this time period?
	How might a setting in this time period affect the story?
	How do the events on the timeline help you understand the characters better?
	What new information did you get from investigating this timeline?

Learn the Vocabulary

TOPG

To Tell the Truth organizer
Play this game with new vocabulary. 

	Show the word.
	Show the definitions.
	Read the sentence.
	Use your context clues to see which definition is correct

Use the Online Library Resources to look for pictures that will help you understand new words

See example for Molly's Pilgrim

Map the Action

Use your electronic tools to create a story map that tracks the events.

	Use Kidspiration.  Click on the reading category and look for the "Story Web" template
	Use the Comic Creator tool from Read*Write*Think.  Illustrate each story event in a different panel
	Use the Graphic Map tool from Read*Write*Think.  Rate the events as you travel through the story.
	Use the Plot Diagram tool from Read*Write*Think.  Create a story mountain that shows the rise and fall of the action.
	Use the Timeline tool from Read*Write*Think.  Show the order of events.  Make sure you include some details.
	Use Microsoft Visio to create an action flowchart.
	Keep a PowerPoint.  Add to it as you read. Check out this example for The Runaway Racehorse from the A to Z Mystery Series, by Ron Ray.
	See this example for Molly's Pilgrim.

Think about Cause & Effect

Use Microsoft Word to help you

	See example for Babe the Gallant Pig
	See example for Castle in the Attic

Analyze the Main Character

Create a brochure about the Main Character.  Use Microsoft Publisher or a Printing Press tool from Read*Write*Think to help you.
Include these ideas:

	How is the Main Character connected to other characters in the story?
	Why does this character act the way her does?
	What changes is this character going through in this story?
	What did the character do that surprised you?

Use Kidpiration to create a character web

See this example for Molly's Pilgrim

Imitate a Character

Imitate a craft, game or cooking activity the character describes. 
Share it by:

	Take digital pictures.  Put the pictures in a slide show.
	Video tape your activity
	Present your activity to other students during a video conference
	Present your activity live to students on your campus

Picture the Character

Draw a picture of a character from your novel.  Use KidPix or Microsoft Paint.  Use clip art and text to describe the character's personality traits.  Add to your picture as you read and lean more.

	Here's an example
	Use the Character Map tool from Read*Write*Think

Sort Fact & Opinion

Use a content frame to help you

See an example from Flute's Journey

Use Kidspiration "super groupers" to help you

See an example from Molly's Pilgrim

Make Inferences

Refer to the text to prove your answers

	See example for Helen Keller
	See vocabulary content clue example for Molly's Pilgrim

Keep a Journal

Use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint to keep your record.  See these sample journal ideas for Sarah Plain and Tall.
Include:

	Your thoughts about the events
	Your feelings about the characters
	Predictions about what might happen

Make Connections

Use Kidspiration to help you

	See a template you can use (original on R Drive)
	See examples for Castle in the Attic
	See example for Helen Keller

Keep a record of Main Idea & Details

Use Microsoft Word to help you

See example for Castle in the Attic

Compare text to Poetry

Find a poem that relates to the fiction text you are reading.  Use a venn diagram or 2-column notes to compare the texts.

	See the Super Grouper tools in Kidspiration for an easy Venn Diagram.
	See example for Lon Po Po
	See example for Grandfather's Journey