Book Talk Interview: Choose a minimum of SIX (6): Explain the meaning behind the title... What do you think was the author’s purpose? Something you liked or something you disliked about it. Describe the setting...time, place, mood. Which character did you like the most? Why? Which character did you like the least? Why? Describe one of the main characters What changes does a main character go through? Describe one significant part. What techniques did the author use to tell the story? Did reading it change your views or change you? What feedback would you give the author? What did you think of the ending? What should happen after the ending? What would you want to read about in a sequel or prequel?
Literature Circles Daily Checklist: 1. Read pages 2. Find a quote or feature to write and share with your group 3. Find 2-3 words to define or keep as important (share) 4. Discuss questions, share ideas and info 5. Write a 4-5 sentence summary of the reading and/or discussion. ROLES below:
DISCUSSION/ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS per class of reading not day in the cycle:
DAY 2 A) How do you feel about the protagonist? B) What do you think the protagonist values? C) What evidence can you find to show this? 2A)Is there a character that contrasts the protagonist? B) Why do you think the author included this character? 3A) Can you think of a lesson that the protagonist has already learned from his/her experience? B) Determine a spot in the text that you can see evidence of a change in behavior.
DAY 3 1A) What are you learning about the setting and time period of your text? B) How do the surroundings impact the character? 2A) What event has occurred that has caused the action to rise? B) How has this event escalated the conflict for the protagonist? C) What emotions may have also escalated for the protagonist at this time? Explain
DAY 4 1A) What object could be considered a symbol in your text? Think of an object that has been spoken of more than once. B) What do you feel this object represents? 2A) What does the protagonist want most? B) What or who gets in his/her way? C) How is the protagonist coping with the challenges s/he is facing? D) What does her/his actions reveal about who s/he is?
DAY 5 1A) What object could be considered a symbol in your text? Think of an object that has been spoken of more than once. B) What do you feel this object represents? 2A) What does the protagonist want most? B) What or who gets in his/her way? C) How is the protagonist coping with the challenges s/he is facing? D) What does her/his actions reveal about who s/he is?
DAY 6 1A) How is the author creating suspense in the story? B) What questions do you find yourself wanting answered? 2A) What can you say about the author's style of writing? B) What tools or strategies are used by the author to keep you (the reader) engaged? 3A) What big idea do you feel the author wants the reader to be thinking about? B) What do you think the theme of the story is? C) What messages about this theme did the author intend for you to learn?
DAY 7 1)Which characters in your text are dynamic?2) Identify and discuss the catalyst that caused the protagonist to change 3) Identify how the character changed from the beginning of the text to this point in time
DAY 8 = WEEKLY TASK #2 OPINION PROMPTS:
Discuss the following prompts in your literature circles. Each member may choose any one of the three to write about. Each writing option should be one full paragraph and include evidence from the text to support your ideas. The draft should be edited and submitted with a good copy.
Find one word that describes a character from your book very well. Give five reasons for the choice of that word.
Choose an interesting character from your book, then think of a gift that you would like to give to him/her. Include the inscription that you would include on the card that explains your choice of gift for the character.
Think of a characteristic that one of the characters from your book possesses that you think could get him/her in trouble. Explain why it is or could be problematic and write an anonymous note with your advice.
DAY 10/11 Watched videos about refugees - live war survivors of WW2 DAY 12 1. How is the author creating rising action in your novel? 2. What are some of the sub plots that have been added to the text that help to grow the conflict? 3. How is the protagonist dealing with the challenges? What personality traits do they portray when facing these challenges? DAY 13 - MOOD How do you feel while reading the novel? TONE How do the characters sound at different points in the novel? How do they show how they are feeling? Use the paint chip to describe the dfferent shades or varying degrees of each mood.