Instructions

Independent Novel Study

The purpose of an individual novel study is to read a novel that you are interested in for the purpose of study. 

• Though you should enjoy reading this novel, your goal here is to get something more out of it than if you were just reading for pleasure. Ideally, you should push your reading abilities by studying a novel with a focus or a theme.
• This is a good time to read a novel that you had been planning to get to sometime.  You might look at classic literature or award-winning fiction.  You might want to explore a genre, such as science-fiction, mystery, fantasy, or historical fiction, that you have been wanting to learn more about.
• Above all, you should choose a novel that is new to you in some way and at or slightly above your reading level.  This isn't the time for re-reading a favourite or whipping through something easy. 

You will need to discuss your choice with your teacher.  Since this is individual, don't expect your teacher to have read the novel.  However, you may decide to read a novel that your teacher has read before.  Ask for suggestions.

Here is a suggested reading list for Grade 8.  Once you have chosen your novel, message your teacher and then open the Novel Study Learning Guide on the front page of the course to complete as you read your novel.

Preview

Get ready to learn by thinking about this:

Forming meaningful connections is the cornerstone of society. 

How do people develop essential relationships with the people and world around them?

What effect do these connections have on the kind of person one will become?

Overview of Lessons:

1. Read a novel.

2. Complete the activities in the learning guide and submit.

3. Complete a reading project.

4. In the writer's workshop, you will write a literary essay with a focus on discussing meaningful connections.

    Learning Targets

In this unit, you will be challenged to:                    

• use your reading strategies
• apply appropriate strategies to comprehend written, oral and visual texts, guide inquiry, and extend thinking
• think critically, creatively, reflectively to explore ideas within, between, and beyond texts
• recognize and appreciate the role of story, narrative, and oral tradition in expressing First Peoples' perspectives, values, beliefs, and points of view
• employ metacognitive strategies
• take part in the writing process to plan, draft, and revise a literary essay.

5.1 Online Relationships

In the Ted Talk, "Connected, but alone" Sherry Turkle, a psychologist and cultural analyst, discusses how technology is shaping our modern relationships:  with others, with us, with technology.  "As we expect more from technology, do we expect less from each other? Sherry Turkle studies how our devices and online personas are redefining human connection and communication -- and asks us to think deeply about the new kinds of connection we want to have."  What is your reaction to her message?

Open your Learning Guide and complete Activity 5.1 - Online Relationships while you watch the video.

5.2 Relationships With Nature

It is important to make connections when you read.  Active reading is a process the reader uses to engage with the text being read.  This is a good reading strategy to use to better understand the text and the task being assigned to you. It is important to read text while thinking critically about the material and asking relevant questions as you read.  Active reading also involves understanding what is expected of you.

"ACTIVE" reading stands for Asking questions, Making connections, Tracking down important information, Inferring/predicting, Visualizing and Evaluating and synthesizing.

For example, consider the many different relationships you have in your life.  To set the stage for reading your novel and connecting to a meaningful relationship, take a moment to read Marilyn Dumont's poem "Not Just a Platform for My Dance".

Open your Learning Guide and complete Activity 5.2 - Relationships With Nature as you read the poem or listen to Marilyn Dumont read it in the video below.

Marilyn Dumont b. 1955 (Cree/Metis)

Marilyn Dumont was born in Olds, in northeastern Alberta. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of British Columbia and has a diverse background in film and video productions, as well as education.  In addition to writing, Dumont has taught creative writing at Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen University College and has been writer in residence at the University of Alberta and writer in electronic residence at the University of Windsor. 

This poem is Dumont's tribute to the earth.  How does she connect to the earth?  Reflect on her relationship with it.

Not Just A Platform for My Dance

by Marilyn Dumont

this land is not

just a place to set my house my car my fence

this land is not

just a plot to bury my dead my seed

this land is

my tongue    my eyes    my mouth

this headstrong grass and relenting willow

these flat-footed fields and applauding leaves

these frank winds and electric skies

are my prayer

they are my medicine

and they become my song

this land is not

just a platform for my dance

5.3 A Personal Story

Haiku - A personal story, an important relationship, and meaningful connection

What befalls the earth
     befalls all the daughters and
sons of our home - earth.


Storms in our hurt hearts.
     Relationships are renewed
        when wind clears the air.

Once you've read the 2 haiku, open your Learning Guide and complete Activity 5.3 - Personal Story.

5.4 Chapter Responses

As you read, you must complete 8 Chapter Reviews. You can decide when you choose to complete each of them. It should be roughly every 3-4 chapters depending on the number of chapters in your novel. The last 2 are blank templates. You get to choose which questions go in which space. Here is a list to choose from:

5.5 Character Chart

As you read through the novel, complete 5.5 - Character Chart in your Learning Guide. 

5.6 Character Comparison

Compare two characters from the story. How are they similar?  Different?  Consider their relationship as you discuss your characters.  Use the template provided in your learning guide.

Open your Learning Guide and complete 5.6 - Character Comparison.

5.7 Plot Outline

Once you have read through the novel, complete 5.7 - Plot Outline in your Learning Guide. You can review the parts of plot before you complete this activity.

5.8 Identifying Conflict

Once you have read through the novel, complete 5.8 - Identifying Conflict in your Learning Guide. You can review conflict in the video below.

5.9 Discovering Theme

Once you have read through the novel, complete 5.9 - Discovering the Theme of a Literary Work in your Learning Guide. You can review theme in the video below.

Once you have finished reading the novel and have completed the questions, reading templates, character chart, character comparison, plot outline, conflict and theme worksheets, submit your learning guide to the Novel Study Learning Guide Dropbox.