Pre-Discussion Journals (at least of a page for each one of these)

#1. Summarize the story so far; whats happening in the story? Give at least two examples of literary devices that have been used in the story. (Examples that would be good for this discussion would include characterization, setting, plot, conflict, point of view, etc.) #2. For this journal, please write about the authors style of writing. This is where you will be writing about the use of stylistic tools (literary devices) like simile, metaphor, sensory language, onomatopoeia, alliteration, symbolism, irony, etc. #3. Make a prediction about what you think will happen next in the book. Bring into your discussion any foreshadowing you noted that helped you make your prediction and be sure to explain why you believe what you do. #4. Evaluate the literature so far. Do you like it? Why or why not? Connect your book to something (ANYTHING) you have read before.

#5. Connect your book to your own life. There may be some similarities or none at all. Either way, connect it somehow to your life. Do you agree or disagree with the actions, choices, etc. of the characters you are reading about?

Post-Discussion Journals (at least one full page for each of these)
#1. Summarize the topics your group agreed on in todays discussion. Now give a summary of what you disagreed about. State your opinion on either the agreement or disagreement and substantiate it with examples from the book. #2. What new insights were raised in todays discussion? (Did someone bring up a point that no one else had thought about that made sense to you or others in the group?) Write about that.

#3. Did your discussion run smoothly today? If it did, please write about the attributes of each member of the group and their contributions to the discussion. If it did not, write about why it didnt.

Rules for Discussions. .

#1. Come prepared for the discussion with your book, your folder, and any assigned reading or writing completed. #2. Participate actively! #3. Listen and respond appropriately to others ideas. #4. Stay on the subject and only discuss topics relevant to the book.

Topics for discussion should come directly from your reading and writing assignments. If you are assigned a certain chapter to read, that is what you are talking about today. If you get stuck, ask for help; that is why we are here! Characters in Your Novel
Name and describe the main characters in your novel here. Use the back of this sheet if you need more room.

THEMES The graphic above shows themes from To Kill a Mockingbird, what themes are found in your novel? Give evidence and specific information to support each theme.

Description of Setting

Describe the setting of the book; support your description with at least one quote from the book.

Each group will prepare a final project or presentation to share with the class. You will be given the due date as we get close to the end of the unit. For your project you must: Create a visually interesting and attractive presentation that: 1. introduces your novel and author. 2. gives a very brief summary of the story without giving away any spoilers that may be make others not want to read it. 3. identifies the setting, conflict, theme(s), and main characters.

Final Project or Presentation

4. uses at least three of the authors quotations to demonstrate the use of one or more literary elements. 5. provides solid recommendations for others who may be interested in reading your novel. Did you all like it, why or why not? If you didnt enjoy, who do you think might? What did you like best or hate the most about your book?

Please list each person in your group on the back of this page. Once you have their name listed, please take a few minutes to evaluate their contribution to this unit. Things to consider:

Was this person prepared every day to discuss the book, did this person do a fair amount of work on the final project, do you believe this person read the book and did the assignments in a scholarly way? Would you like to work with this person again on another project? Why or why not? I dont care how you rate each person; what Im interested in is your evaluation of each persons effort and commitment to the group. These are not to be shared and you must rate yourself as well.

Grading You will be graded according to the following rubric: Eight journals of appropriate length and detail = 80 points

Observed behaviors during class work and discussion time = 20 points Self and group evaluations = 20 points Theme, Character, & Setting Sheets = 45 points The evaluation given to you by members of your group = 10 points Grade from group presentations = 100 points