Book Study Guidelines

K- 3 Reading Model

Fall 2007

The Research

Research shows that one of the greatest impacts in

professional development is conducting a book study.

The Research

Teachers studying research-based practices together

ensure greater skill attainment.

The Research

Application/problem solving level becomes more powerful

as teachers become an active learning community.

Book Study Guidelines

This presentation will address the following topics relative to conducting a book study:

• Organization–How to prepare for a book study.

• Procedures–How to conduct a book study.

• Tasks–How to complete the book study.

Organization

Organization: Key to a successful book study • Group size

–Selection of Group Members• Location/Schedule• Meeting Length• Group Roles

–Group members know their roles and the tasks associated with each role.

Roles

Book Study Group Roles Facilitator

• clarifies questions, misconceptions or concerns • summarizes findings

Recorder • records thoughts, questions, concerns expressed by the group

Reporter • reports out to whole group• submits questions to WVDE

Time Keeper• Keeps track of the time so that discussion continues to move

ahead

• Post the roles on a chart in the meeting room as a reminder.

Procedures

Book Study Guidelines: Procedure• Set Time Limits

– Give each group 5 minutes for discussion of a designated paragraph or section of the chapter.

– If there are specific paragraphs and/or sections within a chapter that should be discussed, point those out to

participants.• Group returns to whole group for reporting out.• Questions are answered and clarified. • Repeat this procedure throughout the book

study until all chapters are completed.

Procedures

Generate Questions• Questions in small group

–Record the questions/comments and present them in the whole group discussion.

• Questions that can’t be answered in the whole group setting should be sent to the WVDE.

Procedures

Provide Opportunity for Discussion• Make certain that enough time is provided

for discussion in both small and whole group settings.

• Discussion opportunities may provide answers to questions as well as ideas for solving problems with implementation.

Reflection

• Reflection – Participants have an opportunity to record

thoughts at the end of the session.

– Clarify any confusion or misconception this chapter may need and whether it should be revisited before the next session.

– Reflect on content and process.

Tasks

Tasks: Important Record Keeping• Record discussions; questions/answers;

problems/solutions

• Record questions generated for discussion in small group; whole group; and submit questions to wiki for answers from the WVDE staff.

Contact

Submit Questions to: Phyllis Veith, Office of Special Programs

Assistant Director, Early Learning and Literacypveith@access.k12.wv.us

Please include a reference to the book study in the subject line.

Allow one week for questions to be answered and posted to the wiki.

Answers to all questions will be posted to the Office of Special Programs wiki:

http://wiki.k12.wv.us/osp

Reunion

• Book Study Reunion– Purpose

To revisit, reflect, and/or re-teach practices studied.

– Time Frame

Usually held at least 2 months after the original book study.

Additional Information

• Additional information is available on the WVDE flash drive you were provided during the K-3 Reading Model Summer Institute.

• Please refer to the folder on Professional Development, and files 12.9 and 12.10 for more information on how to conduct a book study including many different forms to use.