I am a huge fan of using novels with classes, it makes teaching through theme so much easier. It reaches children who just do not read outside of school and gives them the pleasure of reading a good book, it makes for wonderful integration and linkage across subject areas and on the whole makes learning a far more meaningful experience. If my class have an English reader then I use it because I have to, but I will still always read at least two novels a year with my class. I would normally do three, one per term.
I also think they are very useful for teachers on school placement, as you can choose high impact chapters from from novels which fit with your theme, and this leads to creative and enjoyable lessons. Also novels are an inexpensive resource for student teachers to start to gather. I always keep an eye out for suitable novels in charity shops and have often picked them up for fifty cent. You don’t need a whole set. you can display it on the board using a visualiser, or you could use an ebook version. I have written a number of blog posts on the use of novels throughout the years if you search my blog.
I created my newest novel study guide on The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. It is one of my favourite novels to use with fifth and sixth class. It is so powerful, yet simply written and it isn’t too long. I started this resource months ago and have been working on it sporadically whenever I had time. It is ready now and I am so happy with it! It is 50 pages in length and has more than enough material to see you through reading the novel.
Table of contents:
Chapter Summaries 1-20
Chapter Activities for each chapter, 1-20
Character Analysis for all main characters
KWL Chart
Fact files
Inferencing
Examining important quotes in the novel
Prediction exercises
Compare and contrast activities
Comic strips
John Boyne fact file template
Link to purchase resource: