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Novel-Ties Study Guides
What? Another set of literature guides? Sometimes, it seems that way even to the staff at Rainbow Resource. What’s an educational supply company to do, however, when they encounter an excellent secular series that has an amazing list of titles and provides a quality literature study at all grade levels? To us, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.
These are very comprehensive and thorough studies, with just a hint of cross-curricular applications and a good variety of writing activities. I particularly like the fact that they do use graphic organizers – but not so exhaustively that you feel overwhelmed by them. The guides have a common pattern, whether for the young primary grades or for the high school level. Guides include:
- Synopsis and Background Info
- Pre-Reading Activities & Discussion Questions
- Chapter (or passage) coverage including vocabulary, comprehension questions, discussion questions, literary devices, and writing activities
- Cloze Activity (filling in the blanks of a quote/passage with appropriate words)
- Post-Reading Activities & Discussion Questions
- Suggestions for Further Reading
I look for several things in a good literature study and this series has them all. First of all, vocabulary is studied within the context of quality literature and is a valuable part of the study. Secondly, literary analysis starts early and is covered thoroughly. Thirdly, questions go beyond basic comprehension and delve into deeper, thought-provoking issues. Lastly, writing activities are expected and have good variety. This series provides all of these features and does it well. To add to the appeal, the guides have a pick-up-and-go, user-friendly format that doesn’t burden you with a lot of teacher-y rigmarole. We have Novel-Ties Study Guide & Book Sets available, which include a Novel-Ties guide with the recommended reading book for that guide. The Guides are reproducible for a classroom and there’s a complete answer key. Includes 24 – 35 pgs, pb. ~ Janice
