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Welcome to Novel Studies for Middle School Reading and Language Arts

The objective of this Staff Development opportunity is: ﻿ 1.) To create engaging, differentiated activities to complement literature circles.  2.) To maximize the effectiveness of our efforts by sharing resources.  Note: Please email Melynda Jones for the most up-to-date list of available novels. Requirements for Credit:


 * There is NO face to face time; everything must be submitted to the wikispace to receive credit


 * To get 12 hours of credit, you must complete the following activities for each of at least two regular-sized novels. If you choose very short books, such as The Time Warp Trio, you will need to do two of them to count as one selection. Since you are getting these approved, there shouldn't be any surprises.


 * You should read each novel thoroughly, identifying which grades/levels should offer it


 * Write a brief synopsis of the entire story, identifying sensitive issues that might need to be disclosed before reading.


 * Include a glossary of difficult vocabulary. Note: you can sometimes copy this off the internet.


 * A comprehensive study guide that has a variety of questions from all levels of Blooms. Please make it visually interesting by using different fonts, auto shapes, text boxes and clip art. **See examples


 * Choose a menu of activities appropriate for your novel. You may choose from those listed, create your own, or a blend of both


 * Include a depth and complexity piece for enrichment. For example, what could groups research about the time period or what would be some complementary literature for this novel and why?

If you find that you are unable to meet your commitment for this staff development, please contact me as soon as possible, so that someone else may have the opportunity to work on those titles.

Melynda Jones CCIS, LA, ESL and Reading Goodson Middle School melynda.jones@cfisd.net Cell phone: 713-677-4893