Our Approach to Core Subjects: NOVEL STUDY GUIDES

Our Approach to Core Subjects: NOVEL STUDY GUIDES

Did you know that we developed our Novel Study Guides (aka Literature Kits) series with a particular approach in mind? We aimed to test student comprehension and challenge students to think deeper about a novel. As such, we developed a tried-and-true format that accomplishes this task, while keeping students engaged and excited about the novel.

Bloom’s Taxonomy
The Bloom’s Taxonomy for Reading Comprehension is a widely used tool for classifying learning objectives. Based on the six levels of thinking, questions are given that challenge students to not only recall what they have read, but to move beyond this to understand the text through higher-order thinking. Along with an assessment rubric, we include a Critical Thinking Skills rubric for teachers to see how each chapter section meets the requirements laid out in the six levels of thinking. These levels include:

Common Core Targets
In 2009 the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were introduced. The goal here was to standardize the curriculum objectives for Language Arts so that every student across the nation would be learning the same skills. Although shrouded in controversy, the basic framework that these standards proposed were sound. Due to our objective of meeting all state standards with our resources, we found that our Novel Study Guides series met most of these standards. Our goal is to provide the basic skills for reading comprehension each student needs to be successful in their academic career while remaining engaged in the subject matter. A complete listing and description of the Standards that are being met can be found within each resource.

Our Unique Format

We separate the comprehension questions into chapter sections.

We ask open-ended questions that relate to the content of the novel while also introducing students to key vocabulary words they will come across in the reading.

Students are then tested on their understanding with true or false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, sequencing, and short answer questions.

A journal activity ends each section, allowing students to reflect on the subject matter while relating it back to their own lives.

We also include a variety of extension activities, from hands-on writing tasks and a comprehension quiz, to word search and crossword puzzles, and finally color graphic organizers.

Get started with our Novel Study Guides program by previewing some FREE sample activities taken from our ready-made lesson plans available at our FREE CONTENT page.