[LIT] Core novel help!

[Pam Horton]

We use Nothing But the Truth by Avi in 8th grade---we also read Color My
Words and Out of the Dust with 8th graders too---in 7th grade we have
read My Brother Sam is Dead, Seed Folks by Fleischman, The Outsiders,
Running Out of Time, and Hoot, in 6th we have read The Egypt Game, Tuck
Everlasting, On My Honor, The Islander (Cynthia Rylant), and The Library
Card (which the kids didn't really like).  I have found that because the
lexile level obviously can't take into account the background knowledge
that each student has with the particular time period, setting,
situation, etc. in each book that these levels can really fluctuate when
you take these things into account and can make certain titles more or
less approriate for specific students or groups.
>>> "LAURIE STAFFORD" <LAURIE_STAFFORD at charleston.k12.sc.us> 6/30/2006
9:10 PM >>>
In the past,I have used lexile levels as a tool for guidance; however,
I
am careful not to let the lexile be the deciding factor for class
novels. Vocabulary and sentence structure are important, but I also
look
at the content and how it lends itself to analysis when it comes to
holding Socratic seminars. Students make connections to other texts,
personal experiences and world events to examine and understand the
texts studied and to also hear the perspectives of their peers'
interpretations of the novel. Often this is more important than the
difficulty level of the printed word. Also know that many of us
question
the lexile levels assigned to some novels. In the end, it is always
what
we know as teaching professionals that is best for our students in any
given year. Some years my selections may change based on the
"personality" of my student population.

Laurie Stafford, NBCT EA/ELA
Cario Middle School
3500 Thomas Cario Blvd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
843-856-4595


>>> missmartini32 at yahoo.com 06/30/06 15:49 PM >>>
I love the Giver as well!! We have a problem, because we are changing
our books to Lexile systems.  We have the midwife's apprentice at 6th,
A
Christmas Carol at 7th, and The Giver at 8th.  When you loook at the
lexile numbers though, this doesn't make sense..given that the Giver
is
the lowest lexile of the 3.  What are your thoughts on this??  
  I think Freak the Mighty is a GREAT core novel for 6th grade!! Good
values for m.s.ers!!
   
  I usually teach Among the Hidden and 1984 as supplements for
lower/higher students when teaching The Giver...or I through in The
Ear
the Eye and The Arm and The Last Book in the Universe and do a
literature circle or Book Club..sci-fi unit.  
   
  Core novels are taught at whole class levels?? Then do you have a
separate list of lit circle books for your m.s. as well?? Just
curious,
we also are revamping our novel list and literature circle list and
are
having some trouble!

TLP <tlinsb71 at yahoo.com> wrote:
  I am part of ELA Committee that will be changing our
core novels. What are your core novels? Ours are Tuck
Everlasting for 6th, Witch of Blackbird Pond for 7th
and The Giver for 8th. I love the Giver and will vote
to retain it as a core novel. We are also looking for
additional titles to offer as an alternative for
readers of different abilities...My list is so long
that I feel overwhelmed right now.

Could you help?
What are your core novels?
What would you suggest as a good core novel for each
middle grade level?


TLP

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