3 Engaging Ways to Study a Novel as a Class
📖 Looking for fresh ways to keep your students engaged during novel studies?
Whole-class novel reads are one of the most powerful shared experiences in a classroom—but keeping 25+ students actively engaged? That’s the real challenge.
Over my years of teaching AP English Literature, I’ve found that structured activities make all the difference in building discussion skills, deepening analysis, and making literature more enjoyable for students. Here are three of my go-to novel study activities that work across different books and ability levels!
1. Double-Entry Journals: A Classic for a Reason
One of the most effective tools for note-taking and literary analysis is the double-entry journal—I even used this method in a graduate-level vampire literature class when studying Dracula!
How It Works:
The left column is for direct quotes or paraphrased text.
The right column is for student responses, using the TQE method (Thoughts, Questions, Epiphanies).
Why It’s Effective:
Helps students track important moments and analyze text more deeply
Encourages critical thinking by pushing them beyond simple summary
Acts as a reference tool for absent students or those struggling with longer texts
💡 Pro Tip: On certain days, guide students to categorize their notes—e.g., themes, character development, literary devices—to refine their focus.
2. Character Maps: Visualizing Literary Analysis
Also called Character Autopsies or Exquisite Corpses, these collaborative activities bring characters to life—literally!
How It Works:
Assign different traits (motivations, conflicts, symbols, quotes, etc.) to each group member.
Have them illustrate, annotate, and explain their findings on a shared poster (or digital tool like Canva).
Why It’s Effective:
Encourages collaboration and discussion
Helps students make connections across the text
Works well for visual learners and creative thinkers
💡 Pro Tip: Turn it into a gallery walk where students present their work and analyze patterns across different characters!
3. One-Pagers: A Student Favorite
A creative and highly engaging way to wrap up a novel study is the one-pager—a visual representation of themes, symbols, and key takeaways.
How It Works:
Students choose a layout from a few variations I provide.
They incorporate quotes, analysis, artwork, and key themes onto a single page.
These are presented and displayed—sometimes we even host a novel showcase where other teachers and students visit!
Why It’s Effective:
Gives students freedom to express their insights creatively
Makes literary analysis feel more engaging
Creates a sense of pride and ownership over their work
💡 Pro Tip: Offer different design templates to help students balance text and visuals effectively!
Final Thoughts: Making Novel Studies More Engaging
Whole-class novel reads don’t have to be passive or predictable—with the right activities, they can be interactive, collaborative, and even fun. These three strategies help students stay engaged, think critically, and connect with literature on a deeper level.
Kolbe Ricks
Kolbe is an educator, researcher, and academic coach dedicated to making learning more inclusive and accessible. She specializes in college application essays, graduate-level writing, and curriculum design. With over a decade of teaching experience and a Doctor of Education, Kolbe helps students and educators thrive in academic spaces.
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