What is the Difference Between a ‘Novel Study’ and ‘Book Club’?

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It is no surprise that teaching out of a textbook can become dull and boring day after day. Many teachers want to spruce up their Literacy block in efforts to motivate any reluctant readers. (Need help structuring your Literacy block? Read my blog post here.)

Two popular trends teachers are talking about to do just that are NOVEL STUDIES and BOOK CLUBS, but not much information is out there to help teachers successfully implement these ideas into their classrooms.

I decided to dedicate a post to this topic in efforts to 1) bring clarity to the difference between these strategies and 2) demystify the implementation process so that teachers can spruce up their Literacy block in no time!

Novel Study

  • What is it?

A novel study refers to the process of reading (studying) a text (novel) together. This can be done by either providing one copy of the text for the teacher to read aloud to the students or providing the teacher and every student a copy of the book to follow along. During this time, the text is used to practice comprehension and fluency as well as Literacy concepts like cause/effect, summarization, making inferences, etc. (TIP: the content of the book is just as important as the skills readers are using to understand the text.)

  • How do you implement it?
    • Choose the novel ahead of time and read through it so that you are completely aware of the content and are able to plan lessons accordingly.
    • Plan out the sequence of chapters you will read each class as well as what reading skill activities students are going to complete after the reading. (Remember, it is not about just reading the book, rather practicing Literacy concepts while reading.)

Try this How-To Guide to get more ideas on how to implement novel studies in your classroom.

  • Need suggestions for novel studies? 
    • Absolutely Almost –  The main character Albie struggled with fitting in and measuring up to being the best at something. He constantly felt like a failure and a disappointment to his family, but luckily he met a few supportive mentors along the way. This story is great in helping students navigate the same feelings of wanting to fit in rather than finding their unique qualities and celebrating differences.
    • Gunny and the Magical Pack – Gunny was a very abused dog who defied all medical odds and was able to fulfill his potential with the help of a special pack of rescue dogs.
    • Junebug-  An engaging story about a young boy growing up in the projects. He is surrounded by gangs and violence and manages to dream big things for himself and his family.
    • Junebug in Trouble – A book in sequence where Junebug contacts his father who is in prison and experiences a violent close call that helps him better understand his father. This story is great for students who are facing similar challenges in their life or who want to know more about challenges some inner city children face.
    • There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom– A story about a 5th grade boy with behavior trouble who goes through a tremendous self discovery with the help of the school counselor. This story is great in helping students navigate potential bullying situations as well as utilize school resources for help.
    •  The War with Grandpa– This book showcases the struggle of how one must adjust to change and how it can be a blessing in the end (the boy wages war against his grandpa who just lost his beloved wife and must move in to boy’s home and take over his room.) Not only is this book hilariously relatable, but the story is great in helping students adjust to life’s interruptions.

Book Club

  • What is it?

Book Club takes novel studies a step further (which is why I suggest doing a novel study first). Where a novel study is designed to have the teacher in charge of the reading and discussion, book club is designed to have the students in charge of the reading and discussion. Essentially, students read a common text independently and then come together weekly to discuss the content as well as practice Literacy skills, just like a novel study. Having students meet without the teacher requires a lot of guidance at first (think: gradual release of responsibility), but it is the most rewarding way to pass the ownership on to students.

  • How do you implement it?
    • Choose a leveled book and match it to a small group of students, ideally 5-8, with the same reading level or ability.
    • Bring students together to introduce the concept of book clubs as well as establish rules and expectations for meeting.
    • Students decide how much of the book to read on their own during independent reading time before coming together once a week to discuss.

Try this Introduction guide to build student ownership through rich Literacy discussions. Want to increase accountability too? Snag the Book Club Reflection Sheet. 

See how I used this in my classroom with the Book Clubs blog post.

Share your tips and tricks for implementing novel studies 

and/or book clubs in your classroom below!

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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