Book Studies
Picture Book StudiesDesigned for students who are ready to dig deeper into what they are reading
but who aren’t quite ready for chapter books.
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Secret Santa
Ever make a choice while you were upset and then regretted it later? In this story, poor Katie ends up in just such a position.
David Goes to School
NO DAVID! Sometimes all we feel like we say as teachers is NO. But here is a chance to say yes. Yes, to a book kids love. Yes, to deep comprehension. Yes, to fun.
There's a Bird on Your Head!
Sometimes your biggest win as a teacher is finding ways to incorporate favorite characters into serious learning. This book study allows you to do just that with Elephant and Piggie.
Bear Snores On
A party in a bear’s den while he’s sleeping?!?!? Sounds scary to me. Spend some time with your students finding out if this choice was smart.
Wemberly Worried
Worry. A feeling none of us like but all can relate to. Take an adventure with Wemberly and find out how she learns to let go of some of her worry.
Hi! Fly Guy
Can a fly be a pet? What about one who knows the name of its owner and knows its home? Even straight forward stories can be fleshed out with complex thinking.
Thinking While Reading
As with all my novel studies, schema activation, predictions, space to record independent thinking, journal prompts, get out of the book activities and personal reflection questions take the forefront with a few traditional comprehension questions sprinkled in here and there. Why do I write them that way? Because, children need the opportunity to do more than read the words written in a book. They need to spend time with it, roll the content around in their brains, and make decisions with and without the guidance of the teacher. Here’s your chance for adventure, let’s go!
What’s in a Novel Study?
Each novel study contains several sections and each section a variety of parts.
Getting Started & Wrap It Up
Open up and pull together your thinking with these two sections that occur only once in each study.
Comprehension Questions
While these questions may be more traditional, don’t expect them to be easy. Dig into the text to find the answers.
While You are Reading
Metacognition – thinking about thinking – brings out a greater understanding of the content.
Journal Your Thoughts
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Get Out of the Book
Research, create, try something new – this part of each novel study section is about digging deeper and discovering more than what the text directly states.
What About You?
Use these prompts to create connections, form & defend an opinion and consider your own characteristics & actions and compare yourself to
Similar Studies
Want a suggestion for another study? Have an idea for us?
Here are a couple of suggestions and a way to share your idea with us.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Where can some time thinking through a classic take you? How about underground? Spend some time out of the sun and discover the creative ingenuity of Mr. Fox.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
What type of penguin in Capitan Cook? You can quit flipping pages, it isn’t in the book. With a little research about penguins, a bit of critical thinking and a touch of inferring, you CAN figure it out. Take your students on a journey of deep thinking and interaction with the text and their world using this novel study for Mr. Popper’s Penguins.
Have an Idea?
What book does your family want to read? Send Us Your Request for a New Novel Study
Email: kandis@smartsimplehomeschool.com
Note: Though we would love to turn every book into a novel study, each study takes a significant amount of time. Please be aware that though all recommendations will be considered, not all can be accomplished.