In Humanities classes, students are starting up their new unit, “Becoming Braver.” In this unit students will examine how individuals change over time. To start, students will focus on the main character of their newest literature circle book at they track how this individual grows over the course of the novel. Over the next three weeks students are reading one of six choice books:
Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
Jake the Fake by Adam Mansbach and Craig Robinson
The Misadventures of Max Crumbly: Locker Hero by Rachel Renee Russell
Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson
Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom by Booki Vivat.
King of the Bench by Steve Moore

As they read, students will prepare for six different meetings with their group members where they will discuss their novel. For each meeting, students will come prepared to talk with the group after writing about their shared book through a unique lens. These writing assignments will help students to practice a variety of reading comprehension strategies including summarizing, making predictions, identifying and analyzing key passages, making connections, determining the author’s purpose, and expanding their vocabulary.
We’re excited to dive into our new unit – and our new novels! Over the next few weeks, ask your child what they’re thinking about their literature circle book and how they are preparing for each meeting’s discussion!