Re: [Teacher-talknovel] In Search of the Novel #2.

Some points made in video two, "What is the Story"?, were very true to my own experiences in teaching novels to elementary and middle school students alike. First I ALWAYS read novels in class now. In the beginning, I assigned chapters to be read at home. Rarely would the entire class have completed the reading. After a few years trying to find ways to ensure all kids did the reading, I came to the conclusion that the reading of the story in class was the most efficacious way to accomplish that goal. As exemplified in the video, I have utilized a variety of ways for students to experience the story, both as a means of layering their understanding and to maximize ongoing interest. I have utilized Reader's Theater, in which I pre-highlight the dialogue of each character and a few narrators. This tends to be very popular with all ages. I have implemented Literature Circles and Socratic seminars, as early as grade two. With the younger students I tend to model these approaches u!
 sing picture books and whole-group responses until they are ready to take the helm individually and in groups. I provide time in class for silent reading, with a response journal to help guide post-reading discussion. I like the dramatic presentations exemplified in video one. I am weaving that into the lesson unit that I will use with my grades7 and8 students this year and for this class.

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------Original Message------
From: Lindsay Ball <brynnsmom21_at_gmail.com>
To: <teacher-talknovel_at_learner.org>
Date: Monday, February 20, 2012 8:49:09 AM GMT-0700
Subject: [Teacher-talknovel] In Search of the Novel #2.

What is a story? Do the elements of a story make up the story? Is it
important for students to understand the parts of a story or just the
events?

A story is more than a series of events. A story takes events and adds
beautiful details to make it entertaining, educational, or even funny. The
plot, setting, and characters are intertwined to create a story. Each
piece can affect how much a reader enjoys it.

I have taught the elements of a story for many years. I think students get
the basic idea, but how can I help them understand how each element adds to
the story itself. The setting can add so much to the plot. The plot
cannot be separated from the characters. They all work together.

-- 
Lindsay
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