If you have a reluctant reader, using other types of media to experience the storytelling structure can be a great alternative to physically reading the book.

Students can listen to the novel or watch the equivalent movie, at their leisure and take notes. You could choose two or three of the following to do at some point throughout the term. Then simply change the heading on the novel Parent Assessment Checklists for the term and replace it with the new task/s.

- Before reading/listening: Study the title, front cover, back cover, blurb and any pull quotes (key phrases) to predict the plot and setting of the novel.

(Optional: come back to this after the first chapter/few chapters or at the end of the book and reflect on how accurate your predictions were.)

- Comprehension check: Describe in detail the events that have taken place in the story so far.

- Comic Strip: Create a comic strip of the events that have happened in the story so far. In the last frame, draw your prediction for what will happen next. Annotate each frame with a one to three-sentence description.

- Describe Conflict & Solution: Using your own words, describe the main conflict that exists in the story. Then, create a solution.

- Main Character: How does the main character change throughout the narrative? - Respond with evidence from the text/movie to show changes in how they think, feel or act in any given situation.

- What would you do differently: Write a two to three paragraph response to the following question: If you were the main character in this novel, how would you do things differently? Why? Explain your answer with examples.

- Book/Movie Review: Write a book review or movie review of your novel. Be sure to include your opinions on - writing or narration style, plot, and quality of the novel.