Learners may wish to keep response journals as they read the book. Perhaps after every couple of chapters, they can write in their journals. Topics for writing can be learner-selected, or the teacher can suggest that learners write about what they think, what is interesting or moving, favorite phrases or scenes, etc. The teacher might read the first two chapters aloud. Next pairs of learners share ideas with each other, and finally the teacher leads a whole-group sharing session.
Individuals then attend to the next question, and the cycle begins again.
Ask learners to read these chapters independently. After small groups have completed their tasks, invite whole-group sharing. 1.Ob is handling his grief well. 2.Summer is handling her grief well. Rylant writes especially effective prose.