Title: Teaching Reading Responses in a 6th Grade Classroom using the book “Restart”

Introduction: Teaching reading responses is an essential part of developing students’ reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. This lesson plan focuses on using the book “Restart” by Gordon Korman to engage 6th-grade students in meaningful discussions and written responses. The activities provided below aim to enhance students’ understanding of the text, encourage reflection, and promote active participation in the reading process.

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: 1. Analyze characters, plot, and themes in the book “Restart.” 2. Construct thoughtful reading responses that demonstrate comprehension and critical thinking. 3. Engage in collaborative discussions to share and compare their reading responses.

Materials: 1. Copies of the book “Restart” by Gordon Korman 2. Chart paper or whiteboard 3. Sticky notes or index cards 4. Writing materials (pens, pencils, etc.)

Procedure:

1. Pre-reading Activity: Book Introduction (15 minutes) a. Begin by introducing the book “Restart” to the students, providing a brief summary and discussing the author. b. Show the book cover and read the back cover blurb aloud. c. Ask students to make predictions about the story based on the cover and blurb. Write their predictions on chart paper or the whiteboard.

2. Reading and Note-taking (30 minutes) a. Assign students a specific number of chapters to read independently. b. Instruct students to use sticky notes or index cards to jot down important events, interesting quotes, or questions they have while reading. c. Encourage students to mark any parts of the text that evoke strong emotions or make them think deeply.

3. Small Group Discussions (20 minutes) a. Divide students into small groups of 3-4. b. Instruct each group to share their notes, discuss their thoughts, and answer any questions they had while reading. c. Encourage students to engage in active listening and respectful discussions, allowing everyone to contribute.

4. Whole Class Discussion (15 minutes) a. Bring the students back together as a whole class. b. Facilitate a discussion by asking open-ended questions related to the chapters read. c. Encourage students to share their thoughts, opinions, and questions about the characters, plot, and themes in “Restart.” d. Write down key points and ideas on chart paper or the whiteboard.

5. Writing Reading Responses (20 minutes) a. Instruct students to choose one aspect of the story they found interesting, surprising, or thought-provoking. b. Ask students to write a reading response that includes a brief summary of the chosen aspect and their personal thoughts or reflections. c. Encourage students to support their responses with evidence from the text. d. Provide a writing template or graphic organizer to help students structure their responses effectively.

6. Sharing and Comparing Responses (15 minutes) a. Allow students to share their reading responses with a partner or in small groups. b. Encourage students to provide feedback and ask questions about each other’s responses. c. Select a few students to share their responses with the whole class, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

7. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes) a. Wrap up the lesson by summarizing the key points discussed during the whole class and small group discussions. b. Ask students to reflect on what they have learned and how their understanding of the book “Restart” has deepened. c. Provide an opportunity for students to ask any remaining questions or share any final thoughts.

Extension Activities: 1. Create a character analysis chart for the main characters in “Restart.” 2. Write a letter to one of the characters, offering advice or sharing personal experiences. 3. Design a book cover or create a movie poster for “Restart.” 4. Conduct a debate or panel discussion on a controversial topic presented in the book.

Note: Adjust the time allocated for each activity based on your classroom schedule and the pace of your students.