[RVASarah]

Hi all,

We're starting out 2nd week of school and I would like to do a whole-class novel study as a model for the small-group novels studies we do throughout the year.

Some background about the specific needs of my class: I teach an inclusion class of 22 students with 6 students receiving services for reading disabilities. I would like to do a book possibly in the 4th grade range to make my SpEd students more comfortable, with a high-interest topic for the rest of my class.

Any novel suggestions? This is my second year teaching 5th grade so there are still many novels I have yet to read.

[greenapples]

To grab the attention of your special 6, I would recommend a humorous fiction genre. I love using Louis Sachar's There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom. It is a student favorite every year I use it. The Lemonade War is also a great novel. If you have easily accessible technology, your lower level kids can use an audio version to catch up/reread if they miss anything.

[GiantSubs]

Where the Red Fern Grows. I bought the book on Audible, and I play the audio while they read along in their books. The narrator is fantastic, and since this book is more old fashioned, the kids haven't read it. They love it! The audio would also help support your SpEd students.

That's my only whole group novel, but one of the others I do later in the year is Among the Hidden. It will definitely keep their attention, and it's the first of 7 or 8, so anyone wanting to read more has a whole host of sequels to read.

[wisechoice]

readworks.org has free lessons for novel studies, and creating a user account is free

[KCJ]

Wonder, by RJ Palacio.

[april28]

Wonder is a great book and very engaging. The chapters are short, the kids loved it when we used it last year.