In accordance with the standards, they learn to interpret and criticize, as well as discuss themes, plot, and characterization. This is done via small-group discussions and shared writing activities. The overriding goal of this activity is to engage students in dialogue about books. According to Rekate, only when a reader actively participates can literature come to life. It is not only important that students read and understand the text, but they also need to learn to question what they have read and be engaged by it.
Students are divided according to reading ability.
This is intended to allow more advanced students the opportunity to read, discuss, and analyze more challenging books, which they then can then discuss at a sophisticated level. The more basic-level groups concentrate on the fundamental skills of reading comprehension, plot recall, and identifying the basic ideas of themes and characters. While the number and selection of the books are based on the level of the reading group, another selection criterion is their relevance to the history curriculum. In this way students are helped to meet standards in two areas with one activity. Read 25 books of quality and complexity.