I provide support and resources to middle school English and writing teachers.
When book clubs are a mess...
Lesson pick of the week:
Book club basicsYou'll love how easy it is to use book clubs to get your students reading and discussing literature.
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Hey Reader:
Have you tried book clubs -- and things didn't go as you thought they would?
Students aren't reading, engaging with the text, or even talking (which in itself is unbelievable for middle school students).
So what's the answer?
Try starting with a genre your students can't put down: dystopia.
There are so many wonderful dystopia books that just beg to be discussed and are so well written.
Make your book clubs easy by having each group read a different dystopian book -- at an appropriate reading level.
Why this works? You'll be able to talk together as a class about the genre. But, each student is reading a book that is within their grasp.
Breakthrough.
Your students will be talking, looking for evidence in the text, reading and then asking, "What else can I read that's like this?"
You can find 7 Steps to Create Dystopia Literature Circles here.
Need a list of books? Here are eleven dystopian novels that you may already have on your bookshelf.
Need more help? This dystopia resource does all the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do is add the books (and students 😉).
With gratitude for all you do,
Marypat
You can find and follow my Teachers Pay Teachers store here.
Ps. Other ways I can help you? Your lesson plans for February are finished and on sale! Grab next month's lesson plans here.
Hi! I'm a teacher & creator!
I provide support and resources to middle school English and writing teachers.
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