Using Young Adult Literature as a Teaching Tool

Kelsey Hedrick and Ruth Neely, Librarians. April 6, 2013

Introductions
Kelsey Hedrick, Librarian Ruth Neely, Librarian

Learning Objectives
You will be able to create an effective lesson plan using one of the activities outlined: anticipatory activities, read alouds, and graphic organizers. You will be able to utilize a different format of literature in their class to focus on struggling readers: audiobooks, graphic novels, scaffolding to focus on more difficult concepts, and film.

Genres of YA Fiction
Genre Adventure Stories Classics Family or Friendship Stories Graphic Novels Historical Fiction Narrative Non-Fiction Horror/Scary Stories Humor Mysteries Realistic Fiction SciFi/Dystopian Novels Sports Stories Could be used for... Those who are seeking action and need a very engaging book Those who would like a challenge in their literature. Anyone facing a difficult time with others Those who have trouble reading novel formats, or Art-minded learners Those who like focus on people in different times. Those interested in real stories, but who like the novel format. Those who enjoy predictable formats and like being scared. Boys and girls, depending on the type of humor. Those who enjoy puzzles and predictable formats. Those who need someone or something to relate to Those searching for an alternative reality to escape Math-minded learners, those generally uninterested in traditional fiction

Techniques to Engage
Anticipatory Activities
Use memorable activities to get students excited before even interacting with the literature Once student's attention is gained, they are more likely to interact meaningfully with text and take responsibility for learning

Anticipatory Activities
Can be... Demonstrations Discrepant Events Visual Displays Thought-Provoking Questions

Techniques to Engage
Read Alouds
A teacher reads a specific section of text aloud to the class or small group. The primary focus is on the content of the text.

Great for...

Older, reluctant readers Struggling readers Increased literacy in young readers Introducing new topics More complicated texts Sharing your enthusiasm

Planning for Read Alouds

Remember to... Select appropriate readings Practice ahead of time Model fluent oral reading Engage and hook students Stop and ask questions Have discussions

Techniques to Engage
Graphic Organizers

Good for English Language Learners Good for visual learners Good for students with learning disabilities Facilitate comprehension and excitement

When struggling readers can more easily understand the text, it will come alive and they are more likely to engage with it

When To Use Graphic Organizers

Before the text

During the text

After the text

Alert students to important ideas they will encounter Can be a great anticipatory activity

Used like a note taking tool, students fill in strategic blanks left by the teacher Keeps drawing student back to text

Most popular; intended for increasing comprehension Helps students clarify and connect concepts Matching organizers appropriately to text is crucial.

Types of Graphic Organizers

Concept Maps Flow Diagrams

Matricies

Tree Diagram

Discussion
With a neighbor discuss...(3 minutes) Which of these would you be most likely to implement? Which would be most successful? Why do you think so? As a group, let's discuss...(7 minutes) The most promising ideas for implementation and encouraging student engagement with literature

Activity!
Think about a lesson plan you have used this week. How can you modify it to include one of these activities. Try to make a quick and easy modification that would use one of these tools. Work with a partner in a similar grade level. We will share after 10 minutes.

Break (10 minutes)

Enjoy a few minutes to relax and some snacks!

The OPAC and Novelist

Discussion: What do you know about the OPAC? Have you ever used the OPAC to find books with your students? Have you ever heard of NoveList? What could be the benefit of using the OPAC or other internet resources as you choose literature for your classroom?

Learning Objectives
You will be able to search the Library OPAC to search for literature using subjects, titles, and browsing. You will be able to use Novelist to discover other types of literature and explore similar books, themes, and reading levels.

The OPAC
The library's catalog is very easy to use! Search by title, author, subject, or keyword. You can also browse subjects to get a more defined idea of the books. The reading level and the interest level can help you decide if the book is right for the student.

OPAC Group Challenge

If you wanted to find a book about sports, that was fiction and for a student with a grade 5 reading level, how would you begin your search? If you wanted to find a YA book with themes about drinking for a discussion, how could you begin your search?

NoveList
NoveList is a site the library subscribes to that gives information about books that students want to read. One amazing feature is the read-alike feature, which provides books with similar themes and reading levels as more popular novels (like Harry Potter!) NoveList can help you search for materials and the library can help you acquire them if they are not in our collection!

NoveList Group Challenge

Your class just finished The Hatchet and your students loved it! What book could you read that has a similar theme and a slightly higher reading level? You want to read a historical fiction novel, for teens, but you aren't sure which one. How would you begin?

Activity!
Use a computer by yourself or with another person to find some books that you would be interested in from NoveList and that you could use with the OPAC.
Find books from the following genres and formats: Historical fiction Graphic novel A dystopian novel Audiobook A classic & modernized version Adventure/survival Narrative non-fiction Mystery

Discussion
What can you take-away from this presentation? What was the most effective part of the presentation for you? What can you share about these activities?

Thank You!
Your librarians are always here to help you. Kelsey Hedrick - kph14@pitt.edu Ruth Neely - rmn20@pitt.edu Contact us with any questions you may have! Please fill out the exit slip so we can keep improving our presentations!