Click below to find our recommended
class novels on our online catalogue:
First Class
Second
Class
Third Class
Fourth
Class
Fifth
Class
Sixth Class
How do I choose a novel for
my class ?
Consider the following: reading ability,
interests, favourite authors, current trends, aspects of curriculum,
themes (different cultures, bullying, history), award winners,
recommendations, novels with teacher’s notes, novel by an Irish author who
is available to visit your school.
Who pays for the class novel ?
A. Include cost of novel in book list to
parents, children keep book, leaving you free to try new novels each year.
B. School pays for novel, re-use with
another class or next year, or share with a neighbouring school.
How do we read the novel ?
Divide the book into readable sections.
(E.g. term is 6 weeks, book is 20 chapters, take 3 or 4 chapters.)
Read the chapters aloud. Allow children
to volunteer to read a couple of pages. This helps build confidence.
Encourage all children to read aloud by end of novel. The teacher might
read too.
After each chapter have a discussion, or
use worksheets or general notes below. These oral and written activities
can help the novel to come alive for the child.
General notes for class novels
Identify
author, illustrator, publisher,
length of book, chapters.
Write to the author
tell them
what you think of the book.
Create a
wanted poster
for one of the characters offering a reward.
Author Visit
phone Poetry Ireland 01 - 4789974 for a list of authors.
Draw
a movie poster advert
and cast one or two real actors in the lead roles.
Write and
design an advert
for the novel to encourage others to buy and read.
Describe the
setting for the story,
where and when. Would you like to be there.
Read the story to the last chapter, class
write their version of final
chapter.
Story Board:
create a story board using only six pictures and captions
to tell the story.
Redesign a cover
:
look at other books and discuss covers, marketing styles and strategies.
Arts & Crafts
: bookmark, mural, collage, time capsule for one of the characters,
diorama of one scene.
Develop and
design an award
for this novel, explain the criteria and why it won. Check out the Bisto
awards.
First Impressions
:
describe characters, name, age, appearance, dress, personality, habits,
other. Reread later.
