Because of Mr. Terupt Novel Study Ideas
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 21, 2023
Teaching a Because of Mr. Terupt Novel Study
A Because of Mr. Terupt novel study is a must-teach unit for upper elementary and middle school teachers looking to incorporate an engaging new text into their literature studies. With relatable characters and expertly crafted plotlines, Because of Mr. Terupt is a fantastic addition to any classroom or homeschool curriculum. It is a great choice for literature circles, book clubs, or as an individual study.
Looking for a COMPLETE unit for teaching this engaging novel? Click on the image or button below to download the complete unit, with comprehension questions, graphic organizers, and creative activities.
The beautiful story is perfect for helping students better understand the power of point of view and the impact of an inspiring teacher. Read on for some creative and fun ideas for your next Because of Mr. Terupt novel study.
Why should I teach a Because of Mr. Terupt Novel Study?
In this 2010 publication, Buyea deftly weaves together the unique perspectives of seven fifth-grade students who are impacted by the arrival of their inspiring new teacher, Mr. Terupt.
As a first-year teacher, Mr. Terupt’s unconventional teaching style helps to connect with even the most difficult students. Through this, students learn about tolerance, self-advocacy, and responsibility. Buyea’s writing style is modern and clear. This allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the story and connect with each of the students.
The emotional depth of Because of Mr. Terupt makes it a powerful tool for teachers looking to foster deep and meaningful discussions in their upper elementary and middle school classrooms. The novel’s exploration of different points of view and complex characters makes it an excellent choice for students looking to sharpen their analysis skills.
As students dive into the text, they will be drawn into the murky world of fifth-grade and middle school. In the story, the characters are faced with relatable challenges and conflicts. By examining the lessons taught by Mr. Terupt, students can see these lessons reflected in their own lives. This helps build skills in empathy, self-reflection, and critical thinking.
For more novel study specific teaching ideas, check out our posts on Bridge to Terabithia, Restart, and The One and Only Ivan!
Because of Mr. Terupt Teaching Ideas
Interested in teaching a Because of Mr. Terupt novel study? Check out some creative teaching ideas below!
Character Analysis Activities
When delving into literature, one way to help students develop their critical thinking skills is through character analysis. By examining a character’s traits and behaviors, students are required to use textual evidence to make inferences and support their conclusions.
Not only does character analysis provide a way to develop deep reading skills, but it can also aid in building vocabulary. As students identify and describe character traits, they can expand their knowledge of adjectives and use them to enhance their own writing. Additionally, character discussions can inspire students to create complex and interesting characters of their own in their creative writing.
The character analysis graphic organizer pictured above is one of my favorites. I love how it asks students to examine the way characters change over time, making it perfect for looking closely at static and dynamic characters. I also like how it asks students to illustrate the character – nothing like a little art integration to build engagement!
This character analysis activity is part of my complete Because of Mr. Terupt novel study. Grab a copy for your learners by clicking here.
Looking for more information about teaching about character traits? Be sure to check out our complete guide!
Vocabulary Practice FOLDABLES
Reading books is not just an enjoyable pastime, but also a way to enrich one’s vocabulary. With every book, a reader gets exposed to new words, which can be incorporated into their writing and communication. It is fascinating to see how the context in which these words appear helps the reader deduce their meaning and relevance.
As an educator creating a novel study, it is essential to keep this in mind and strategically select words that are unfamiliar to the reader. However, it is important to maintain a balance and not overwhelm the reader with a long list of words for each chapter. Doing so may pull the reader out of the story and hamper their comprehension.
The vocabulary foldable activities included in my Because of Mr. Terupt novel study are fun ways to get students working with vocabulary. The activities are hands on and engaging, asking students to write, flip, and fold. They also make great review activities. Students can cover the word and quiz themselves on the definition before flipping to reveal the answer.
Comprehension Questions
Comprehension questions are an integral part of any novel study. They help students understand the story on a deeper level and develop critical thinking skills. Without comprehension questions, students may struggle to grasp the central themes, motifs, and plot points of the novel, which can hinder their ability to engage with the story.
Comprehension questions also help teachers assess students’ understanding of the material. By asking specific questions about characters, plot, and themes, teachers can determine which students need additional support and which students are excelling. This information can inform future instruction and help ensure that all students are receiving the support they need to succeed.
Furthermore, comprehension questions can spark discussion and debate among students, encouraging them to engage with the text and with one another. By encouraging students to share their perspectives and ideas, teachers can create a more interactive and dynamic classroom environment, where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Incorporating comprehension questions into a novel study also helps students develop their reading skills. By asking them to think critically about the text, students learn to identify key details, make inferences, and draw connections between different parts of the story. These skills are essential not only for reading comprehension but also for success in other academic subjects and in real-world situations.
To prevent interruptions in the students’ reading flow, it is crucial not to overwhelm them with too many questions. The more they have to pause and respond to inquiries, the more challenging it becomes for them to become fully immersed in the story. The goal is for them to be completely engaged and absorbed in the narrative.
The comprehension questions pictured above come from my Because of Mr. Terupt novel study. I love them because they include the perfect amount of questions. There are enough for students to demonstrate understanding, but not enough to overwhelm and distract them from the joy of reading.
Pennant Projects
Looking for a creative way to wrap up your novel study? Look no further! These creative pennant projects are great ways for students to reflect back on their learning.
After students complete them, I have them share them with the class. It is always fun to compare what parts stood out as important to each student. When we are done sharing, the giant completed pennants make gorgeous hallway displays!
Looking for a complete Because of Mr. Terupt Novel Study?
Grab a copy of my complete Because of Mr. Terupt Novel Study by clicking here or on the image below. It contains over 130 pages of comprehension activities, vocabulary practice, graphic organizers, creative activities, and engaging projects!
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