Currently we read the novel "Hoot" in class, and students start their work in class. They then are required to take the projects related to the book home to work on or finish. This creates problems for many students who struggle with reading comprehension issues, or students who have after school activities and work later in the evening, as the material they read in class is no longer fresh in their minds.
By having a copy to check out and take home, students will have the opportunity to go back and reread sections, study the vocabulary in context, and connect with the text in a way they cannot when they only have access to the novel in class. This ensures that every student of every ability gets what he or she needs in terms of access to the novel.
In some cases, students will purchase their own copy of the novel. This is a great idea, however, those students who cannot purchase a novel are at a disadvantage academically. Being able to get enough novels for every student allows equal access.
About my class
Currently we read the novel "Hoot" in class, and students start their work in class. They then are required to take the projects related to the book home to work on or finish. This creates problems for many students who struggle with reading comprehension issues, or students who have after school activities and work later in the evening, as the material they read in class is no longer fresh in their minds.
By having a copy to check out and take home, students will have the opportunity to go back and reread sections, study the vocabulary in context, and connect with the text in a way they cannot when they only have access to the novel in class. This ensures that every student of every ability gets what he or she needs in terms of access to the novel.
In some cases, students will purchase their own copy of the novel. This is a great idea, however, those students who cannot purchase a novel are at a disadvantage academically. Being able to get enough novels for every student allows equal access.