Bring Your Novel to Life! 30+ Tips and Web Resources

3 min read

“A book is a device to ignite the imagination.” – Alan Bennett

Students struggle to read books and classic literature. One reason is that the language might be too archaic. Not only does no one talk like the characters do, but no one sounds like the way the authors write. Even if some of the language is relatable, many words now have been redefined and mean something completely different than what they did when the book was written. Another reason is that many books we teach take place at a time our students can’t relate to, because the world they live in is connected and has technology and that has vastly transformed the world. However, classic literature has themes, motifs, plots, and characters who have invaluable lessons for our readers as long as they can make a connection. Below, is a slideshow and resources to engage learners with books. If you like these ideas then be sure to check out my new book, Hacking Digital Learning Strategies: 10 Ways to Launch EdTech Missions in Your Classroom.

Get your copy of my books, The 30 Goals for Teachers or Learning to Go. Ask me about training your teachers, ShellyTerrell@gmail.com!

Tips and Resources

Let them pick the book!

Websites with reading strategies

Digitize literature circles

Literacy websites with quizzes, activities, and more!

Digital book clubs

Virtual Trips, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality

Create a virtual world

Annotate

Book trailers instead of book reports

Visualize with a comic
Character texts

  • In pairs, students text to each other a conversation characters from the chapter might have

Book discussions on VoiceThread
Check out the Trading Cards iOS/Android app by Readwritethink.org
Check out my post with more activities and mobile apps! Once Upon a Device: 20 Reading Activities & Apps
Challenge: Try any of these tips to engage readers digitally.

If you enjoyed these ideas, get your copy of The 30 Goals for Teachers or my $5.99 ebook, Learning to Go.
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