Novel Study Guides
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Using Novel Study Guides
Why spend hours planning the lessons you need for teaching a novel? You can buy the guide that contains vocabulary, comprehension questions and all kinds of activities.
This site offers comprehensive information about using novel study guides in the classroom, where you can find the guides you need for different novels and where you can buy the novels the students need.
We are constantly adding new guides to this site, so check back often for the latest additions.
This site offers comprehensive information about using novel study guides in the classroom, where you can find the guides you need for different novels and where you can buy the novels the students need.
We are constantly adding new guides to this site, so check back often for the latest additions.
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Table of Contents
- Follow me on Twitter
- The Benefits of Using a Novel Study Guide in Your Classroom
- How to Use the Novel Study Guides
- Number the Stars
- Number the Stars Novel Study Guide
- Number the Stars on Amazon
- Teaching a Novel in Class
- Great Deals on Teaching Resources
- Underground to Canada
- Underground to Canada Novel Study Guide
- Underground to Canada at Amazon
- The Canada Geese Quilt Novel Study Guide
- The Canada Geese Quilt Novel Study Guide
- The Canada Geese Quilt
- Holes Novel Study Guide
- Novel Study Guide for Holes
- Holes on Amazon
- Generic Novel Study Activities
- Novel Study Activities on Amazon
- Free Teachers Guides for Novel Studies
- Novel Study Guide for The Face on the Milk Carton
- Novel Study for Grade 2
- The Stories of Patricia Polacco
- Patricia Polacco's Books
- Online Lesson Plans for Patricia Polacco's Books
- The Breadwinner Novel Study Guide
- Novel Study Guide for The Breadwinner
- The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
- The Giver Novel Study Guide
- Novel Study Guide for the Giver
- Lois Lowry's Books
- Messenger Novel Study Guide
- Messenger on Amazon
- Novel Study Guides for Newbery Books
- Links to Novel Study Guides for Newbery Books
- Newbery Books on Amazon
- Writing Novel Studies
- More Novel Study Guides for the Classroom Teacher
- Find These Novels on Amazon
- Shiloh
- Shiloh Novel Study Guide
- Shiloh on Amazon
- The Lighning Thief - Brand New Release
- The Lightning Thief on Amazon
- Hana's Suitcase
- Novel Study Guide for Hana's Suitcase
- Novel Study Guides for High School
- Authors Needed for Novel Study Guides
- More Educational Lenses
- High School Novels on Amazon
- Blessed by Squid Angels - Thank You
- More High School Resources on Amazon
- Amazon has numerous study guides available
- Tell Us What You THink
- Novel study guides
- Do you use novel study guides in your #classroom?
The Benefits of Using a Novel Study Guide in Your Classroom
Lesson Plans for the Classroom Teacher
Using novel study guides for all grades in your classroom helps you get the most benefit from having students read a novel. If you are just going to read the novel aloud in class with students following along, it is just the same as taking 15 minutes a day to read to the class. You really need to get into the nuts and bolts of the book and help the students understand what it is they are reading. Through questions and discussions, you help them form their own opinions about events unfolding in the book, make predictions, write letters and essays - in short with a novel study you cover all your Language Arts outcomes.
When you do a novel study, you should make sure that all students have their own novels. The school may have a set of the novels prescribed for each grade or you can require the students to buy their own. Simply specify which novels you will be doing in the book list you give out at the beginning of the year.
When students know that they are required to do projects on the novel, they will do the reading on their own. For students in your class with reading problems, you can pair them with better readers, use a taped version of the novel for them to follow along with or ask the parent to read the book with them. Most of the novels used in schools appeal to all ages, so parents will probably want to read them anyway.
If your school wishes to have the novels for the students, one option may be to search the second-hand bookstores. You will find that you can pick up used novels in excellent condition for as little as $2.00. Amazon.com also sells used novels as well as new and when you order online, the books are shipped directly to the school.
Some of the features that we offer in our novel study guides include:
· Suggestions regarding how the teacher can use the guide
· Record keeping sheets
· Comprehension questions
· Journal writing suggestions
· Activities for Creative Writing, Integrated Studies, Word Study, Grammar and Research.
· Portfolio cover for students
· Record of activities for students
Check out the impressive list offered by F & D Teaching Aids. Each of the novel studies is featured in the articles along with sample pages for you to peruse. Click on the title to get a brief summary of the novel and sample pages. The secure ordering site lets you order the novel study guides directly from us in one of two formats - as a regular book that you receive in the mail or as an ebook that you will receive in an email attachment. We are constantly upgrading this site, so if a title is not highlighted or if you would like more information, send us an email: frances_stanford@yahoo.ca
When you do a novel study, you should make sure that all students have their own novels. The school may have a set of the novels prescribed for each grade or you can require the students to buy their own. Simply specify which novels you will be doing in the book list you give out at the beginning of the year.
When students know that they are required to do projects on the novel, they will do the reading on their own. For students in your class with reading problems, you can pair them with better readers, use a taped version of the novel for them to follow along with or ask the parent to read the book with them. Most of the novels used in schools appeal to all ages, so parents will probably want to read them anyway.
If your school wishes to have the novels for the students, one option may be to search the second-hand bookstores. You will find that you can pick up used novels in excellent condition for as little as $2.00. Amazon.com also sells used novels as well as new and when you order online, the books are shipped directly to the school.
Some of the features that we offer in our novel study guides include:
· Suggestions regarding how the teacher can use the guide
· Record keeping sheets
· Comprehension questions
· Journal writing suggestions
· Activities for Creative Writing, Integrated Studies, Word Study, Grammar and Research.
· Portfolio cover for students
· Record of activities for students
Check out the impressive list offered by F & D Teaching Aids. Each of the novel studies is featured in the articles along with sample pages for you to peruse. Click on the title to get a brief summary of the novel and sample pages. The secure ordering site lets you order the novel study guides directly from us in one of two formats - as a regular book that you receive in the mail or as an ebook that you will receive in an email attachment. We are constantly upgrading this site, so if a title is not highlighted or if you would like more information, send us an email: frances_stanford@yahoo.ca
How to Use the Novel Study Guides
Suggestions for Using a Novel Study Guide in the Classroom
There are many ways a teacher can use one of my Novel Study Guides for all grades in a mixed ability classroom. I have used these guides myself and I would like to describe how I used them with the students.
The comprehension questions are designed to test how well the students understand what they read in each chapter. It will bore the students to no end and give them a dislike of reading if you expect them to write out the answers to every single question. I used these mainly as conferencing questions when I had students read to me. For the students of lower ability or those who need help with writing or answering questions, I would choose groups of questions for them to answer as written exercises.
When using the creative writing , integrated studies and research activities, I gave students a choice in what activities they had to complete. I did require them to complete at least three of each category and supplied them with the tracking sheet included so they could check off which ones they did. This tracking sheet had to be part of their portfolio.
To reduce the possibility of students always choosing activities that included artwork only, I required then to have at least two writing pieces in their portfolio package when they turned it in to me for grading.
Peer editing was always part of my classroom, even at the Grade 2 level. However, you do have to teach mini- lessons and demonstrate how the students can do this on their own.
I did use all the grammar and word study activities, but I used them for mini-lessons. I also supplemented the activities to provide any students who were having difficulty with extra practice.
The comprehension questions are designed to test how well the students understand what they read in each chapter. It will bore the students to no end and give them a dislike of reading if you expect them to write out the answers to every single question. I used these mainly as conferencing questions when I had students read to me. For the students of lower ability or those who need help with writing or answering questions, I would choose groups of questions for them to answer as written exercises.
When using the creative writing , integrated studies and research activities, I gave students a choice in what activities they had to complete. I did require them to complete at least three of each category and supplied them with the tracking sheet included so they could check off which ones they did. This tracking sheet had to be part of their portfolio.
To reduce the possibility of students always choosing activities that included artwork only, I required then to have at least two writing pieces in their portfolio package when they turned it in to me for grading.
Peer editing was always part of my classroom, even at the Grade 2 level. However, you do have to teach mini- lessons and demonstrate how the students can do this on their own.
I did use all the grammar and word study activities, but I used them for mini-lessons. I also supplemented the activities to provide any students who were having difficulty with extra practice.
Number the Stars
Novel Study Guide
Number the Stars is an excellent novel to use when teaching about the Holocaust. Students in grades 4 - 7 love this novel because of the age of the characters and the excitement of the novel, in addition to teaching them about war and the turmoils it brings to those affected.
This novel study guide contains teaching suggestions, learning objectives, vocabulary and comprehension questions for each chapter and 50 activities you can use at learning stations in the classroom or for students to use at their seats.
This novel study guide contains teaching suggestions, learning objectives, vocabulary and comprehension questions for each chapter and 50 activities you can use at learning stations in the classroom or for students to use at their seats.
Number the Stars Novel Study Guide
- Novel Study Guide for Number the Stars
- This ebook novel study guide has been used with great success by teachers all over the continent and in Australia.
Number the Stars on Amazon
Number the Stars
Inexpensive novels for your novel study in the classroom when you need to have one book or a class set.
Teaching a Novel in Class
Suggestions for Junior High
1. Read the novel and the study guide before beginning any work on the novel with the students.
2. Have multiple copies of the novel available - ideally each student should have a copy
3. Pair weaker readers with stronger ones if you expect the students to read the novel on their own.
4. You can choose to read the novel to the class or allow them to listen to a taped reading of the novel in small groups.
5. The vocabulary words can be used to help students with dictionary practice or as spelling words.
6. The comprehension questions can be assigned as written exercises or as conferencing questions with individual students or groups of students.
7. Reproduce the portfolio cover page and supply each student with a manila folder in which they can keep all writing associated with this novel study as well as the teacher assessments and peer feedback on their writing.
8. Show the students how to use the student tracking form to keep a record of which activities they have completed.
9. Allow students a choice of activities to complete. Do not expect them to complete all activities in this book.
10. Model reading aloud to gain clarification of specific sections of text.
11. Use the student response journal to monitor student interpretation and understanding of the text.
12. Involve students in vocabulary activities to help them extend their word knowledge and use of descriptive words and phrases in their own writing.
13. Use mini-lessons to teach students about the writing process as the need arises.
14. Establish a writing environment in the classroom by preparing a display of writing resources, such as dictionaries, thesauri, writing handbooks, editing checklists, etc.
15. Have students publish their writing and artwork and display it in the classroom.
16. Provide writing samples as exemplars of good writing and the rubrics that will be used for assessment.
2. Have multiple copies of the novel available - ideally each student should have a copy
3. Pair weaker readers with stronger ones if you expect the students to read the novel on their own.
4. You can choose to read the novel to the class or allow them to listen to a taped reading of the novel in small groups.
5. The vocabulary words can be used to help students with dictionary practice or as spelling words.
6. The comprehension questions can be assigned as written exercises or as conferencing questions with individual students or groups of students.
7. Reproduce the portfolio cover page and supply each student with a manila folder in which they can keep all writing associated with this novel study as well as the teacher assessments and peer feedback on their writing.
8. Show the students how to use the student tracking form to keep a record of which activities they have completed.
9. Allow students a choice of activities to complete. Do not expect them to complete all activities in this book.
10. Model reading aloud to gain clarification of specific sections of text.
11. Use the student response journal to monitor student interpretation and understanding of the text.
12. Involve students in vocabulary activities to help them extend their word knowledge and use of descriptive words and phrases in their own writing.
13. Use mini-lessons to teach students about the writing process as the need arises.
14. Establish a writing environment in the classroom by preparing a display of writing resources, such as dictionaries, thesauri, writing handbooks, editing checklists, etc.
15. Have students publish their writing and artwork and display it in the classroom.
16. Provide writing samples as exemplars of good writing and the rubrics that will be used for assessment.
Great Deals on Teaching Resources
How to Teach the Novel
Get great books to help making teaching the novel in class so much easier
Underground to Canada
The Underground Railroad
Underground to Canada (also known as Runaway to Freedom) is the story of how slaves escaped from the plantations of the South to the North, where they were free. Students love the fast-paced excitement of this novel and through the novel study guide we offer, there are many ways you can help them extend their learning through the activities.
Check on comprehension, use the vocabulary words for dictionary or spelling practice as you take students back in time to a period in history where slavery was an accepted way of life.
Check on comprehension, use the vocabulary words for dictionary or spelling practice as you take students back in time to a period in history where slavery was an accepted way of life.
Underground to Canada Novel Study Guide
Runaway to Freedom Novel Study Guide
- Underground to Canada Novel Study Guide
- One of the most popular novels in all classrooms. This guide contains tons of activities that will help your students demonstrate their learning
Underground to Canada at Amazon
Runaway to Freedom at Amazon
The Canada Geese Quilt Novel Study Guide
Teacher's Guide for The Canada Geese Quilt
This novel study guide contains vocabulary lists and comprehension questions for each chapter of the novel. In addition, there are teaching suggestions, a portfolio cover, response journal pages, student tracking forms and teacher record keeping sheets.
In order to individualize your novel study classes, this guide also provides you with 50 activity cards. There are 10 activities each for:
- creative writing
- word study
- integrated studies (elements of the novel)
- grammar
- research
In this way you can achieve a large percentage of your Language Arts outcomes by teaching this novel in class.
In order to individualize your novel study classes, this guide also provides you with 50 activity cards. There are 10 activities each for:
- creative writing
- word study
- integrated studies (elements of the novel)
- grammar
- research
In this way you can achieve a large percentage of your Language Arts outcomes by teaching this novel in class.
The Canada Geese Quilt Novel Study Guide
Order your copy of the novel study guide here
- Get the novel study guide for The Canada Geese Quilt
- The perfect novel to use with students just beginning to read chapter books. The lessons in this novel study guide are geared towards Grades 3 to 5.
The Canada Geese Quilt
Need copies of the novel? Find what you need at Amazon.
Holes Novel Study Guide
Teacher's Guide for Holes
Holes is a very popular novel with elementary and junior high school students. Once you have a novel that captures the students' attention, then you can use unlimited activities for achieving the Language Arts outcomes in your class.
This novel study guide contains an author biography, teaching suggestion, lists of vocabulary and comprehension questions on every chapter, as well as pages for student responses to their readiung and teacher record keeping sheets.
Choose from the 50 activities provided on creative writing, word study, integrated studies, grammar and research to individualize the learning so that you reach all the students in the class
This novel study guide contains an author biography, teaching suggestion, lists of vocabulary and comprehension questions on every chapter, as well as pages for student responses to their readiung and teacher record keeping sheets.
Choose from the 50 activities provided on creative writing, word study, integrated studies, grammar and research to individualize the learning so that you reach all the students in the class
Novel Study Guide for Holes
Buy the novel study guide for Holes
- Holes Novel Study Guide
- Purchase the novel study guide as an ebook and download it right to your computer
Holes on Amazon
Find resources for Holes
Generic Novel Study Activities
Novel Study Activities for any Novel
When you have a list of activities that you can use with any novel, it makes it easier to find activities that students of all ability levels can use to demonstrate their learning. For this reason, I have included a list of activities that you can use to supplement the novel study guide you choose to use.
1. How is the main character of the novel similar to a person that you know? Discuss your answer in an essay.
2. Can you see any similarities between the main character and an animal? Dicuss.
3. Pretend that you are the author and you have been asked to explain which parts of the novel were the easiest and the hardest for you to write.
4. Have you had an experience similar to that of one of the characters in the novel? Write about this experience.
5. Write a poem that describes the plot of the novel.
6. Pretend that one of the characters in the novel has died. Write an obituary that will describe the character.
7. Write an essay describing any changes that the main character underwent throughout he novel.
8. Design a map showing the locations of the novel.
9. Write a different ending for the novel.
10. Write a description of events that took place before the novel started.
11. Describe the problems the main character encountered in the novel and tell how this character solved these problems.
12. Pretend that you are the main character of the novel. Choose one of the other characters and write a description of that person based on your thoughts and experiences.
13. Interview one of the characters and ask him/her to explain some of the actions in the novel. You can work with a classmate to write this interview and then act it out for the class.
14. Compare the novel to another novel on a similar topic that you have read.
15. Create a list of 15 words from the story and illustrate them to show their meaning.
1. How is the main character of the novel similar to a person that you know? Discuss your answer in an essay.
2. Can you see any similarities between the main character and an animal? Dicuss.
3. Pretend that you are the author and you have been asked to explain which parts of the novel were the easiest and the hardest for you to write.
4. Have you had an experience similar to that of one of the characters in the novel? Write about this experience.
5. Write a poem that describes the plot of the novel.
6. Pretend that one of the characters in the novel has died. Write an obituary that will describe the character.
7. Write an essay describing any changes that the main character underwent throughout he novel.
8. Design a map showing the locations of the novel.
9. Write a different ending for the novel.
10. Write a description of events that took place before the novel started.
11. Describe the problems the main character encountered in the novel and tell how this character solved these problems.
12. Pretend that you are the main character of the novel. Choose one of the other characters and write a description of that person based on your thoughts and experiences.
13. Interview one of the characters and ask him/her to explain some of the actions in the novel. You can work with a classmate to write this interview and then act it out for the class.
14. Compare the novel to another novel on a similar topic that you have read.
15. Create a list of 15 words from the story and illustrate them to show their meaning.
Novel Study Activities on Amazon
Free Teachers Guides for Novel Studies
Free Novel Study Guides
As a former teacher, I am well aware of the large amounts of money that teachers spend purchasing resources to help them do their job. Teachers are always on the lookout for free resources, especially free teachers' guides for novel studies.
I offer a free teacher's guide for a novel study of your choice. When you purchase two of my novel study guides, I will give you a free novel study guide of the title of your choice. Then you can send me an email telling me you have made the purchase and the name of the novel study guide that you would like to receive for free.
I offer a free teacher's guide for a novel study of your choice. When you purchase two of my novel study guides, I will give you a free novel study guide of the title of your choice. Then you can send me an email telling me you have made the purchase and the name of the novel study guide that you would like to receive for free.
Novel Study Guide for The Face on the Milk Carton
The Face on the Milk Carton novel study guide
Get everything you need for teaching this novel in this novel study guide.
There are comprehension questions and vocabulary on each chapter, assessment rubics to use for grading writing and 50 activities for students to choose to demonstrate their learning.
There are comprehension questions and vocabulary on each chapter, assessment rubics to use for grading writing and 50 activities for students to choose to demonstrate their learning.
- Novel Study Guide for The Face on the Milk Carton
- Novel Study Guide for The Face on the Milk Carton
Novel Study for Grade 2
The Stories of Patricia Polacco
Grade 2 students love the stories of Patricia Polacco. This teacher's guide deals with several of her stories with comprehension questions and activities that the students can do on each book.
The books featured in this resource are:
Thank You Mr. Falker
The Bee Tree
Chicken Sunday
Mrs. Mack
Thunder Cake
The Keeping Quilt
Mrs. Katz and Tush
There are several samples of story maps to teach children pre-writing skills for their own stories.
The books featured in this resource are:
Thank You Mr. Falker
The Bee Tree
Chicken Sunday
Mrs. Mack
Thunder Cake
The Keeping Quilt
Mrs. Katz and Tush
There are several samples of story maps to teach children pre-writing skills for their own stories.
The Stories of Patricia Polacco
Novel Study for Grade 2
- The Stories of Patricia Polacco
- An author study with activities and questions for several of Patricia Polacco's books
Patricia Polacco's Books
Online Lesson Plans for Patricia Polacco's Books
- Thunder Cake
- A lesson plan for Grade 3 using the book "Thunder Cake"
The Breadwinner Novel Study Guide
Teaching about the war in Afghanistan
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis is a fantastic book for teaching about Afghanistan, the current war and the effects of war on the ordinary people. Students will learn what life was like under the control of the Taliban.
This novel study guide contains comprehension questions and vocabulary lists for each chapter as well as 50 activities divided into five sections of 10 activities - Creative Writing, Word Study, Integrated Studies, Grammar and Research.
This novel study guide contains comprehension questions and vocabulary lists for each chapter as well as 50 activities divided into five sections of 10 activities - Creative Writing, Word Study, Integrated Studies, Grammar and Research.
Novel Study Guide for The Breadwinner
Teacher's Guide for The Breadwinner
- The Breadwinner Novel Study Guide
- Buy the novel study guide for this novel
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
Get your copy of The Breadwinner
The Giver Novel Study Guide
Teacher's Guide for The Giver
The novel study guide for The Giver offers extensive comprehension questions and vocabulary lists on each chapter. The activities are geared to help students of all ability levels demonstrate their learning and help them achieve the objectives of the course.
Each of our novel study guides contains everything you need to make your lesson planning easier. Each of these guides range from 60 - 70 pages and includes:
Learning Objectives
Author Biography
Teaching Suggestions
Comprehension Questions on each chapter
Lists of vocabulary for each chapter
10 activities each for:
Creative Writing
Word Study
Integrated Studies
Grammar
Research
Teacher Forms
Answers
Each of our novel study guides contains everything you need to make your lesson planning easier. Each of these guides range from 60 - 70 pages and includes:
Learning Objectives
Author Biography
Teaching Suggestions
Comprehension Questions on each chapter
Lists of vocabulary for each chapter
10 activities each for:
Creative Writing
Word Study
Integrated Studies
Grammar
Research
Teacher Forms
Answers
Novel Study Guide for the Giver
- Buy the novel study guide for The Giver
- Download the novel study guide directly to your computer
Lois Lowry's Books
Find great books by Lois Lowry
Messenger Novel Study Guide
An excellent resource to help you teach this novel in your class
- Messenger Novel Study Guide
- There are 50 activities to use with students - 10 each for Creative Writing, Working With Words, Elements of the Novel, Grammar and Punctuation and Research. In addition there are comprehension questions, vocabualry lists, teaching suggestions and more.
Messenger on Amazon
FInd copies of Messenger and the Giver Trilogy
Novel Study Guides for Newbery Books
Using Newbery Medal Winning Books in Your Classroom
The Newbery Medal is an award given each year to authors deemed to contribute greatly to the world of American literature for children. The recipients must be residents of the United States. In addition to books chosed for the medal awards, books are also given honor status.
All of the Newbery books are considered to be quality literature for use in classrooms as novels to complement the Language Arts program.
The following links will take you to sites where you can purchase novel study guides for the Newbery books.
All of the Newbery books are considered to be quality literature for use in classrooms as novels to complement the Language Arts program.
The following links will take you to sites where you can purchase novel study guides for the Newbery books.
Links to Novel Study Guides for Newbery Books
- Walk Two Moons Novel Study Guide
- Purchase the ebook novel study guide for this Newbery book
- Missing May Novel Study Guide
- Extensive activities for the Newbery winner Missing May
- Shiloh Novel Study Guide
- Download the ebook for the novel study guide for Shiloh
- Jacob Have I Loved
- Download this ebook which is a novel study guide for Jacob Have I Loved and have a load of activities at your fingertips
- Summer of the Swans
- If you are looking for a novel study guide to accompnay Summer of the Swans, this is the link for you
- Bridge to Terabithia
- Order the novel study guide for Bridge to Terabithia in ebook format and instantly download it to your computer.
- The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
- Order the novel study guide for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and have ample activities for your unit of study
- The Family Under the Bridge
- Students will love reading this novel and completing the activities included in the novel study guide
- Hatchet
- This award winning novel will have your Junior High students on the edges of their seats. The activities included in the novel study guide will more than cover all your outcomes for teaching the novel
- Fog Magic
- Journey back in time as the students learn about life in the past in a small community in Nova Scotia. Order the guide in ebook format and have loads of activities at your fingertips including comprehension questions and vocabulary for every chapter.
- Tuck Everlasting
- Teaching the novel Tuck Everlasting will be easier than ever with this novel study guide
Newbery Books on Amazon
Writing Novel Studies
How I Write Novel Study Guides
Many people have asked me how I write the novel studies. I start with a novel. There are so many novels used in classrooms that it is hard to know which ones would be good sellers, so I usually rely on requests from teachers. In fact I do get so many requests for novel study guides that it is impossible for me to do them all. It is often difficult for me to obtain the novels to meet the requests. I usually go to the elementary school where I taught for 30 years or the high school and ask to borrow the novels from the library. I order books from Amazon, scour the shelves of Chapters and use the town library to find what I need. Another source for the novels is Scholastic - the monthly flyers and Book Fairs.
When I do not have requests for novel studies, I use the list of authorized resources for the various provinces and states to guide me in what is most popular. I have completed just about all the novel studies for the recommended lists for the Atlantic Provinces of Canada because I used these when I was teaching.
I do have to like the novel before I spend the time needed to write the novel study guide. This means that I sit and read the novel at my leisure, just to get to know the plot and the characters. Then I get my notepad and pen to start writing. First, I do look through the curriculum guides for the provinces or states where this novel is recommended to see the outcomes required and the grade levels. Some novels are used in Grade 5 in some locations and the same ones are on the list for Grade 8 in another. This means I do need to have activities to meet the needs of different ability levels.
The first part of writing a novel study guide is to make a list of all the vocabulary words in each chapter. I try to put myself in the students' shoes for this activity, thinking of words that they may not know the meaning of as they read.
The next part of my writing involves writing the comprehension questions for each chapter. This is time consuming because I do have to write the answers at the same time. Once I have all this in place, then I start formatting the novel study guide on the computer. I do have a format that I stick with in terms of the Table of Contents and the types of activities I include. Since each of my novel study guides includes a biography of the author and a list of his/her published works, this requires research on my part. I rewrite the bios I find online and if there is an email address for the author I actually contact the author for information about him/her and the writing process.
Once I have all these entries included in the guide, then I start the activities. I try to match the level of activity to the Grade level, keeping in mind that each classroom has students of high, middle and low ability levels, so there has to be something in the activities for all of them. I also keep the Multiple Intelligences in mind when doing this so that I have something in there for everyone.
The topics I use for the activities are:
- Creative Writing
- Elements of the Novel
- Word Study
- Grammar
- Research
Each activity is geared towards achieving the overall Language Arts outcome of the course in which the novel is being taught.
When I do not have requests for novel studies, I use the list of authorized resources for the various provinces and states to guide me in what is most popular. I have completed just about all the novel studies for the recommended lists for the Atlantic Provinces of Canada because I used these when I was teaching.
I do have to like the novel before I spend the time needed to write the novel study guide. This means that I sit and read the novel at my leisure, just to get to know the plot and the characters. Then I get my notepad and pen to start writing. First, I do look through the curriculum guides for the provinces or states where this novel is recommended to see the outcomes required and the grade levels. Some novels are used in Grade 5 in some locations and the same ones are on the list for Grade 8 in another. This means I do need to have activities to meet the needs of different ability levels.
The first part of writing a novel study guide is to make a list of all the vocabulary words in each chapter. I try to put myself in the students' shoes for this activity, thinking of words that they may not know the meaning of as they read.
The next part of my writing involves writing the comprehension questions for each chapter. This is time consuming because I do have to write the answers at the same time. Once I have all this in place, then I start formatting the novel study guide on the computer. I do have a format that I stick with in terms of the Table of Contents and the types of activities I include. Since each of my novel study guides includes a biography of the author and a list of his/her published works, this requires research on my part. I rewrite the bios I find online and if there is an email address for the author I actually contact the author for information about him/her and the writing process.
Once I have all these entries included in the guide, then I start the activities. I try to match the level of activity to the Grade level, keeping in mind that each classroom has students of high, middle and low ability levels, so there has to be something in the activities for all of them. I also keep the Multiple Intelligences in mind when doing this so that I have something in there for everyone.
The topics I use for the activities are:
- Creative Writing
- Elements of the Novel
- Word Study
- Grammar
- Research
Each activity is geared towards achieving the overall Language Arts outcome of the course in which the novel is being taught.
More Novel Study Guides for the Classroom Teacher
- Seedfolks Novel Study Guide
- This novel by Paul Fleischman is a series of short stories that all come together at the end of the novel. It is an excellent resource to help students with story writing - plot, setting and characters
- The Snow Goose
- This novel is suitable for Grade 6 to Senior High students. It is a short read and has an exciting plot with many possible topics of discussion. The novel study guide includes essay and discussion questions.
- A Wizard of Earthsea
- With the novel study guide you can delve into the world of fanstasy with your students to help them learn the intricacies of plot development.
- After the War Novel Study Guide
- This novel deals with the Holocaust. The novel study guide contains comprehension questions, vocabulary and unique activities for the students to demonstrate their learning while studying this novel.
- Awake and Dreaming
- Awake and Dreaming, by Sharon Creech, is a novel that all students will enjoy. The novel study guide includes questions and activities for all aspects of teaching the novel.
- Who is Frances Rain Novel Study Guide
- This novel is called "Who is Frances Rain?" in Canada and "The Haunting of Frances Rain" in the US. It is an excellent read for students and the fast-paced action keeps them interested right to the very end.
- Wringer Novel Study Guide
- The novel study guide will help you plan lessons to teach the inner turmoil that a young boy can go through when he battles tradition in his hometown.
- Jasmin by Jan Truss
- Comprehension questions, vocabulary lists, activities for students and more to help you teach this novel in the classroom.
- Silverwing Novel Study uide
- This resource features a wealth of activities you can use in the classroom to further the students' understanding of the elements of a novel and their study of bats.
- Sunwing Novel Study Guide
- This sequel to Silverwing is an excellent choice to use for teaching setting, plot, climax and conflict with activities for the students to choose from, and comprehension and vocabulary on each chapter.
Find These Novels on Amazon
Shiloh
Marty Preston finds a beagle in the hills behind his home. He immediately knows that this is the pet he has always dreamed about. The trouble is the beagle belongs to Judd Travers, just about the meanest man around. Marty decides to keep the beagle, which he names Shiloh, a secret. The secret gets out though, the night a mean German shepherd attacks Shiloh. Will Shiloh live? If he does will Marty be able to keep him now that the secret is out? Read Shiloh to find out.
Shiloh Novel Study Guide
Get this wonderful teaching resource for Shiloh to have loads of activities for your students.
- Shiloh
- This novel study guide has teaching suggestions as well as comprehension questions and vocabulary for each chapter. Choose from 50 reproducible activities for students to demonstrate theit creativity.
Shiloh on Amazon
The Lighning Thief - Brand New Release
The only novel study of this nature on the novel The Lightning Thief. This novel is the ultimate resource to use when teaching about the Greek gods and heroes
- The Lightning Thief Novel Study Guide
- This 87-page novel study guide has everything you need to help you teach the novel in your classroom. For only $12.99 you can't go wrong
The Lightning Thief on Amazon
Hana's Suitcase
A true Holocaust story
This novel tells three stories in one book. It came about as the result of a search for more information about a suitcase that was donated to the Tokyo Holocaust Education Resource Center and tells the story of the search, the story of Hana Brady who died in a German concentration camp and her brother George, who survived. The story is told in such a way that children from Grade 4 up can enjoy reading it on their own. There is also a CBC documentary that teachers can use to supplement this teaching resource.
Novel Study Guide for Hana's Suitcase
Comprehension questions and vocabulary, teaching suggestions and 50 activities make up this teaching resource.
- Hana's Suitcase novel study guide
- Order this novel study guide to help you teach the novel in your classroom.
Novel Study Guides for High School
- A Christmas Carol Novel Study Guide
- Loads of ideas for using this classic by Charles Dickens in the classroom
- A Christmas Carol Novel Study Guide
- Loads of ideas for using this classic by Charles Dickens in the classroom
- A Night to Remember Novel Study Guide
- High school students will love studying about the Titanic disaster through factual accounts and interviews. This novel study guide provides you will comprehension questions and a choice of 50 activities to use in the classroom.
- A Night to Remember Novel Study Guide
- High school students will love studying about the Titanic disaster through factual accounts and interviews. This novel study guide provides you will comprehension questions and a choice of 50 activities to use in the classroom.
- Random Passage Novel Study Guide
- Through this novel and the novel study guide, students will learn about life in the early days of Newfoundland.
- Random Passage Novel Study Guide
- Through this novel and the novel study guide, students will learn about life in the early days of Newfoundland.
- I Heard the Owl Call My Name
- This novel study guide will enable you to plan lessons about native life and culture on the West Coast of Canada in a small community in Northern British Columbia.
- I Heard the Owl Call My Name
- This novel study guide will enable you to plan lessons about native life and culture on the West Coast of Canada in a small community in Northern British Columbia.
Authors Needed for Novel Study Guides
Every teacher is an author and there is no doubt that you have lesson plans of your own for the novels that you teach in your classes. We are unable to keep up with the requests for novel study guides. If you would like to make extra cash and give other teachers the benefits of your teaching experience, we can make this easier for you. You don't need to have any expertise in formatting a document and you don't even have to adhere to our method of writing a novel study guide. The only thing we require is that you have original material and that the guides consist of at least 50 pages.
We will pay you a royalty of 35% on the sales of the novel study guides you prepare for us. This can amount to a fine chunk of change in January and July when we tabulate the sales of the guides for the previous six months.
We can keep you updated of sales during the six month period, if you wish. You can choose to have the money deposited into your paypal account, or your bank account if you live in Canada. We can also send you the royalty payment by check in the mail if you wish.
In addition to the royalty sales from our site, we will also send the novel study guide to another company that sells for us to increase your profits and give you more exposure.
If you have a novel study guide you would like us to publish or if you would like a list of titles to choose from, just drop us an email: frances_stanford@yahoo.ca
We look forward to hearing from interested teachers from all over the world.
We will pay you a royalty of 35% on the sales of the novel study guides you prepare for us. This can amount to a fine chunk of change in January and July when we tabulate the sales of the guides for the previous six months.
We can keep you updated of sales during the six month period, if you wish. You can choose to have the money deposited into your paypal account, or your bank account if you live in Canada. We can also send you the royalty payment by check in the mail if you wish.
In addition to the royalty sales from our site, we will also send the novel study guide to another company that sells for us to increase your profits and give you more exposure.
If you have a novel study guide you would like us to publish or if you would like a list of titles to choose from, just drop us an email: frances_stanford@yahoo.ca
We look forward to hearing from interested teachers from all over the world.
More Educational Lenses
High School Novels on Amazon
Blessed by Squid Angels - Thank You
More High School Resources on Amazon
Amazon has numerous study guides available
Tell Us What You THink
Got an idea for a novel study guide? We are always looking for new authors.
Maybe you have tried one of these guides and want to let others know your thoughts.
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mumsgather
May 17, 2012 @ 5:41 am | delete
- This is a fantastic resource! Blessed!
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LaraineRose
May 16, 2012 @ 3:05 am | delete
- A wonderful aid for teachers and homeschooling parents. I wish you all the best with this endeavor. Angel blessing.
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marsha32 Apr 26, 2012 @ 12:38 pm | delete
- I'm back to pin this so I can have easy access to find it again. Thanks for the suggestions.
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- One year I found a website that had novel studies...I printed out one and bought the book. Unfortunately I never found the website again! I want to do with with my high schooler. Can you contact me please? My mind is too tired right now looking down the list. I want to make sure I get the right grade level.
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brynimagire
Mar 24, 2012 @ 10:37 am | delete
- Great information. Great lens ! Thanks for sharing.
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Novel study guides
by franstan
I retired from the teaching profession in 2004 after teaching for 30 years in Newfoundland. In 2006, I took a position as a school principal in Albert... more »
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Amazon Spotlight Personal Review
The Newbery Award Winners: The Books and Their Authors
Amazon Price: $6.38 (as of 06/03/2012)
This book will give you information about the Newbery Awards, the books and the people who wrote them. These are perfect books to use in the classroom.
