Tracking a NovelBecause novels can be quite long, it is important to develop a system for keeping track of the elements

in them. When you have finished reading a novel, you will need to complete tasks and activities on that

novel so you have information about it ready. What kind of information do you need to keep track of and

how is it nest to do so? These are the most important:

• The plot (what happens – the important event)

• The characters (who is in it, how they behave, why they do what they do)

• The theme (the ideas under the story – what you think the author is saying through the text).

Try one or more of the

following strategies to

keep track of a

novel…

1. Story MapConstruct a story map for each chapter. Give each chapter a title that sums up the most important

idea of the chapter. If the chapter has a title, make up a different one.

2. Knowledge Chart Construct a knowledge chart for each chapter, like the one below, which will show you what you

already knew and what you have learnt during the reading.

3. Knowledge OrganiserConstruct a knowledge organiser of the important information you have learnt for each chapter..

4. Sticky NotesPurchase a number of different coloured sticky notes. Give each colour a name – that could be a character’s

name, a theme or an important event. As you read, place the correct sticky note in the margin of the text. On the

note write a very brief note or letter about what is on the page that is important.

4. Sticky NotesC = Tracking cultural connections

P = Tracking peer connections

F = Tracking family connections

C1 = Tracking character 1

C2 = Tracking character 2

Tracking cultural connections

Tracking peer connections

Tracking family connections

Tracking character 1

Tracking character 2

Keep track of a

number of features of

the text at the same

time.

5. Connections ChartConstruct a connections chart for each chapter.

6. Each ChapterFor each chapter:

• Write a summary of what happened (100 words)

• Write 5 questions you need to ask about the chapter

• Predict what is going to happen in the next chapter

• With a partner, discuss the answers to your five questions and their five questions. Write

down what you think the correct answers are.

7. Quote me ChartDraw up a quote me chart like the one below. As you read through the text, fill out the chart with

quotes that sum up an idea (theme), characters and events. Each quote needs to sum up all

three areas at the same time.