Use video clips from movies that are adaptations; to contrast the novel; to illustrate differences if there is more than one version of the movie
Focus on human issues; not to ignore major ideas (plot, theme, etc.)- raise issues about ethics and justice
Using collages- use multi-media
Side stories, fan fiction
Making it real- Holocaust survivor to class when teaching “Night”
Relate poems or other texts that highlight on the same theme as the novel being taught- ask them to make connections
Open ended student-led discussions
Reading together in class- have students lead discussions based on the assigned reading for that day.
Encourage students to find their own rhythm for reading the novel
Ask questions that will connect with readers who have gotten further in the novel on their own time, but that do not give away any plot details.
If possible allow the class to divide and chose between two books that emphasize the same human themes. This way, they are usually more invested in the novel since they were able to select it.
Let students note their favorite passage and read them aloud in class
Let students pick between two or more novels in groups
Literature circles are a great way to get students involved in a novel that allows them to critically analyze the book with a student centered methodology.
While beginning the novel, read aloud to the class for the first lessons in the unit. This allows them to get accustomed to the author's writing style.
Have students recreate scenes in the novel that are important to them. This will allow the student to reflect on important themes, as well as have students share their opinions of those parts of the novel.
Assign an end of the novel project that will include multi-media from the student... use the recreation of your classroom to your advantage (i.e. setting up a setting similar to one that Siddhartha lived in)
Have students answer open-ended questions about the reading in reading journals while reading the novel.
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