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 [email protected]
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.