First Year Novel Resources

Introduction To The First Year Novel

The First Year English specification indicates that one novel should be read, with a focus on sustained reading of novels throughout the year. There is a whole unit in the textbook with a focus on reading (see Unit 7). Planning the novel The central learning outcomes associated with the class novel in First Year are: R1 Read texts with fluency, understanding and competence, decoding groups of words/ phrases and not just single words. R3 Use a wide range of reading comprehension strategies. R5 Engage in sustained private reading as a pleasurable and purposeful activity. R6 Read texts for understanding and appreciation of character, setting, story and action; to explore how and why characters develop, and to recognise the importance of setting and plot structure. R8 Read texts to understand and appreciate language enrichment by examining an author’s choice of words, the use and effect of simple figurative language, vocabulary and language patterns and images. Supplementary learning outcomes include: W3 Writing for purpose W4 Text types for short writing activities OL1 and OL2 For discussion around the novel Choosing a novel There is a suggested list of books organised according to genre in the reading section of the student’s textbook (see Unit 7). The NCCA and JCT have also published a list of possible First Year novels. Novel resources The fiction podcast project in the textbook (see page 42). A personal response template to illicit student response after reading. This could also be used as a discussion template. A list of possible short writing tasks to accompany the reading of the novel. Create a story organiser: a generative learning activity where students must summarise and order the plot or story of the novel. Create a text map: a generative learning activity where students must list, categorise, create a hierarchy and link the characters in the world of the text. Three novel knowledge organisers: The Graveyard Book, The Bone Sparrow and Ghost Boys.©The Educational Company of Ireland