Choice Novel Unit Plan - Section 1: Contract Ready?

Choice Novel Unit: Is Your Contract Ready?
Lesson 2 of 13
Objective: SWBAT demonstrate understanding of a work of fiction by summarizing key ideas and details.

Contract Ready?
In the days leading up to this lesson, students choose novels to read from a list and are placed in groups based on interest. To stay on track during the unit of study, each group makes a plan for reading using the calendar provided. They also fill out the Student Contract and get it signed by a parent, which is explained here.
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Daily Log
For a multi-day unit like this with students reading a variety of books, it is important that they and you have a method to track progress. The Daily Log is a useful tool for doing so, but it takes some explaining. The students need to see how to fill it in. I provide them with a demonstration to remind them that although they are allowed a great deal of independence during this unit they are responsible to complete work in a timely manner.
Time management and organization are important skills for students to master. As the unit progresses, you will see that the Daily Log offers a quick check-in on who’s keeping up, who’s falling behind, and who’s ahead of schedule.
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Time to Read
With all the basics covered, it is now time for students to begin reading their novels. I allow at least 20 minutes of silent reading time today and each day that follows.
During the reading, my students use post-its or a bookmark to track important events, jot down questions, or note unfamiliar words. These notes will be used during group discussions where students will check in with peers. I use this time to read with students or small groups that need extra support or to check-in on each group’s progress. You may decide to allow partner-reading to build fluency skills.
The class ends with each group reviewing the reading assignment due the next day.
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- LESSON 1: Choice Novel Unit: Give Kids a NOVEL Choice
- LESSON 2: Choice Novel Unit: Is Your Contract Ready?
- LESSON 3: Choice Novel Unit: What’s This Book About?
- LESSON 4: Choice Novel Unit: Keeping Pace
- LESSON 5: Choice Novel Unit: Characters & Conflict
- LESSON 6: Choice Novel Unit: Show Off Your Project!
- LESSON 7: Choice Novel Unit: Literary Elements
- LESSON 8: Choice Novel Unit: Motives & Action
- LESSON 9: Choice Novel Unit: Characterization PPT
- LESSON 10: Plotting Character Change: It Takes Guts!
- LESSON 11: Choice Novel Unit: Mapping How a Story Unfolds
- LESSON 12: Choice Novel Unit: Assessment
- LESSON 13: Choice Novel Project Gallery