BLM Trip Prep. #3	Reading Circle Discussion Questions
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Each time you read, make an entry in your Reading Circle Response Log (BLM Trip Prep. #4). Here are some ideas for writing topics:

1.	Explain why you chose this book. What predictions can you make about the story using the cover of the book, the Table of Contents, and the illustrations?

2.	Who wrote this story? When? Why do you suppose the author wrote this story? Does this author have a web site?

3.	Describe the setting of the story using words and pictures.

4.	Describe the main character using words and pictures. Write a paragraph to compare this character to yourself.

5.	What is the story about? What is the story’s main conflict? How do you predict it will be resolved?

6.	What do you really like about the story? What suggestions for improvements do you have for the author? E-mail your suggestions to the author.

7.	Make a comic strip showing the main events in the story.

8.	Write a different ending to the story. Use electronic presentation software to create a "Choose-Your-Own-Adventure".

9.	What makes you happy when you read this story? What makes you feel angry?  Explain to your reading circle members.

10.	Retell the part of the story that you read today.

11.	Choose a passage from your story that appeals to as many senses as possible. Prepare to read this passage aloud to your reading circle.

12.	Think about this week’s reading selection. 
a)	Which events or people are most vivid in your mind? Sketch what you see in your mind’s eye and plan to share your sketch with your reading circle. 
b)	Choose a character. List at least 10 adjectives that describe that person. Be sure you can give a reason for your choice of adjectives. Compare your list with those of your reading circle members.

BLM Trip Prep. #3	Reading Circle Discussion Questions (Continued)
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13.	A cinquain poem has five lines and a definite pattern, but it does not rhyme. Here is an example:
Line 1: one word				Michael
Line 2: two words				Gentle giant
Line 3: three words			Helping many people
Line 4: four words			His courage is unique
Line 5: one word				Policeman
Select a character from your book. Write a cinquain poem about this character to share with your reading circle.

14.	Using concept-mapping software, make a character web using the following titles in your “bubbles”: strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes.

15.	List 15 new words you have learned in your reading so far. Beside each word, write a synonym and a sentence that shows you know the meaning of the word.

16.	Write a friendly e-mail to the author of the text you are reading, giving your ideas about this text (a minimum of 100 words). 

17.	List ways in which your novel says “said” in character dialogue.

18.	Open your novel to any page. Find the name of an object. Make that your list heading. List uncommon uses for the item.

19.	In your text, find a description of a scene typical of the Prairies. Practise reading it aloud. Read it to your group.

20.	Make a chart to compare the setting of this story to the place where you live.

21.	Make a chart to compare the things that you do to the things the main character in the text does.

22.	Make a travel brochure or web page to advertise the setting of this story.

23.	Of what does this story remind you in your own life?