Novel activities: lessons in literature for the primary and post-primary classroom by Judy Dwyer
Wizard Books, 1998.
Roald Dahl
and Emily Rodda are just two of the forty-four authors whose books are
featured
in a resource which teachers can turn to for guidance in book selection
and
literature study with a whole class, group or individual student.
A brief
overview of each title - age level, setting, themes, main characters,
plot and
comments - is accompanied by 'Follow up activities' and a 'Suggested
follow up
lesson'. The activities range over creative thinking and writing
challenges,
research, art, craft and possible excursions.
Judy Dwyer
has taken some of the guesswork out of choosing a class novel for
in-depth
study. She has provided teachers with the tools to ensure that students
will
experience the ways in which literature can enrich our understanding of
humanity and the natural world. Instructions are explicit, practical
and
clearly the result of years of teaching experience.
Although the
72 works examined predate 1998, most are still in constant use because
of their
timeless appeal. Some are classics, such as Bridge to Terabithia.
Others are
stories which have been revived through new editions, reprints or films.
Wizard Book
titles are now on the Curriculum Corporation's list. Only a few copies
of Novel activities are still available for purchase. However,
teachers
may find
that copies of this treasure trove of ideas are already in their school
libraries.
Elizabeth Bor