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THE NOVEL

Module I: The Creative Process

Teacher Facilitation Guide

The following curriculum materials are designed to be used with the Achievement Television program Advocacy and Citizenship. VHS tapes of the program can be ordered through the Gift Shop of the Academy of Achievement web site.

Program Overview
The first module focuses on the process of undergoing a novel. Student learn how writers collect and manipulate their material into a novel. They focus on being open, get and keep the writer's attention, and stay true to their story and structure.

Viewing/Facilitation Strategies

• Introduce the Pre-Viewing Activity to the entire class. After students complete the Quick List Response activity, allow time for them to share their ideas.
• View video segment I and if time allows, immediately break into groups for the group activity.
• During a following class period, have the telecast available for review. Ask students to select a Curriculum Connection Activity to complete independently or with a partner.
• Assign the research project as a class requirement or as an optional independent project.

Student Activities

Pre-Viewing Activity:
After a class discussion about the novel, students select one of their favorite novels and describe its effective and powerful characteristics in a quick list reponse.

Group Activity
In small groups, students collect setting, character, plot, and conflict ideas for a novel set in their own school.

Student Academic Standards
Knows the defining characteristics of a variety of literary forms and genres including the novel.
Analyzes the use of complex elements of plot in specific literary works (e.g., time frame, cause-and-effect relationships, conflicts, resolution)
Relates personal response or interpretation of the text with that seemingly intended by the author

Curriculum Connections Activities
Creative Writing: Joyce Carol Oates - Being Open
Literary Criticism: James Michener - Hooking the Reader
Literature and Journalism : Shelby Foote - Being True to Facts - Imaginary Facts

Research Project
Students research how author's childhood and life experiences impact the content and themes of their novels.

Terms to Discuss

• Undergoing
• Antennae
• Voraciously
• Treacherous