This much-needed book addresses the role of literacy instruction in enhancing content area learning and fostering student motivation and success well beyond the primary grades. The unique literacy needs of middle school and secondary students are thoroughly examined and effective practices and interventions identified. Reviewing the breadth of current knowledge, leading authorities cover such important topics as:
How literacy skills develop in grades 5-12
Ways to incorporate literacy learning into English, social studies, math, and science.
Struggling adolescent readers and writers: what works in assessment and intervention.
Special challenges facing English language learners and culturally diverse students.
Implications for teacher training, policy, and future research.

Featuring a new group of 38 novels and 5 picture books, this companion title to the popular Literature Circles gives you more exciting projects to promote cooperative, literature-based learning. After students finish reading a select work of literature, this guide assists in working with them to accomplish a common educational goal. Organized around concepts and essential questions, this book helps students expand critical thinking and research skills while learning to work as a team. Grades 3-8.

A "Literature Circle" is a group of students reading the same novel, and producing a common goal or projects through cooperative learning. The authors give specific guidelines and procedures to help you establish, administer, and evaluate a successful reading program. Each unit includes a summary of a novel, a reproducible vocabulary list, and a variety of group activities that inspire collaboration, assumption of responsibility, critical thinking, and thoughtful use of the story. Grades 3-8.