The Class Novel Approach Options

Option #1: The traditional class novel option is a model that is "tried-and-true" for decades:

Students read a novel chosen by the teacher (or mandated by the curriculum powers that be). They read in class or for homework or as a combination. There are tests at the end of certain chapters. Maybe a project to finish it off, but that's it. A novel unit.

The novels are usually classics: To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Things Fall Apart, Of Mice and Men, The Scarlet Letter, Lord of the Flies, The Great Gatsby.

The students have little to no personalized learning or choice.

Most return the books unread, having gleaned information from Sparknotes. (Students actually brag about this part while waiting in line to return one novel and check out the next.)

So...

Option #2: Novel groups can be done using classics or other "traditional" class set books. In this scenario, however, students choose the book group to join. Each book group reads a different novel.

This allows for some student choice and a small amount of personalized learning. Students do have to be motivated for self-learning, and it can be a challenge to meet with every group for discussions. Students still use Sparknotes.

Option #3: Open choice for students completely or with genre guidelines allows for personalized learning. Studies do show that giving students choice over what to read allows them to buy into the assignments which will lead to greater participation and growth in reading ability. Bonus? Most of these books lack Sparknotes.