Restart Novel Study Ideas
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 21, 2023
Restart novel Study Activities
Are you searching for a captivating novel study to engage your students? Look no further than Restart by Gordon Korman. This thought-provoking text is the perfect addition to your curriculum, and today I’ll be sharing some creative teaching ideas for your next Restart novel study.
Looking for a COMPLETE novel study to use along with this engaging story? Click on the image or button below to download a complete unit with comprehension questions, vocabulary activities, graphic organizers, and creative projects!
For more novel study specific teaching ideas, check out our posts on Bridge to Terabithia, Because of Mr. Terupt, and The One and Only Ivan!
Why should I teach A restart Novel Study?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get a second chance at being a better person? In Gordon Korman’s novel, Restart, that is exactly what happens to Chase Ambrose. Chase was once a notorious bully who terrorized his classmates and teachers, but a fall from a roof erases his memory, giving him the opportunity to start anew.
Restart is a thought-provoking novel that addresses important issues surrounding bullying and its impact on both the victim and the bully. Through Chase’s journey of self-discovery, readers are encouraged to think about their own actions and how they affect those around them.
Korman’s writing is engaging and accessible, making Restart an excellent choice for upper elementary and middle school classrooms. The story is fast-paced and full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. It is a story about redemption, forgiveness, and the power of second chances. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with issues of bullying or identity, and it is sure to spark important discussions in your classroom.
Restart Novel Study Teaching Ideas
Character Analysis
Restart features a variety of unique and complex characters. Consider having your students analyze the motivations and personality traits of key characters like Chase Ambrose and Joel Weber. Have them create character sketches or compare and contrast characters to deepen their understanding of the story.
I love the character chart pictured above, because it asks students to look at the ways the main character has changed over time. It works great for building understanding of static and dynamic characters! Grab this chart for your learners by clicking here.
Looking for more information about teaching about character traits? Be sure to check out our complete guide!
CREATIVE WRITING PROMPTS
Restart provides a lot of opportunities for creative writing. Consider using writing prompts that encourage your students to imagine what they would do if they were in Chase’s shoes, or to write a new ending to the story from the perspective of another character.
When teaching the unit, I have students glue these journal prompts to the inside cover of their Interactive Notebooks. Students can then refer back to the list of creative prompts to inspire their writing throughout our novel study.
Grab a copy of these prompts for your learners by clicking here.
Interested in more engaging writing ideas, be sure to check our posts on descriptive writing and the RACE Writing Strategy!
Comprehension Questions
Comprehension questions are the backbone of a solid novel study. They are a great way to keep students accountable during reading time, and are also really useful for demonstrating understanding.
I love this set of comprehension questions, as they do a great job of getting students thinking without being too overwhelming. You can grab a copy to use in your classroom by clicking here.
Research Projects
Restart deals with complex issues like bullying, peer pressure, and social dynamics. Consider having your students conduct research projects on these topics to deepen their understanding of the novel and connect it to real-world issues.
5W NEWS REPORT
Restart is a fast paced novel that is full of news-worthy events. What better way to end the unit that having students create their own live action news report!
For this activity, students discuss the 5W’s (Who, What, Where, When, Why) in a live action news report that they present to the class. For extra fun, have students wear costumes and bring in props. Having the students write their own scripts is also a great way to tie in writing practice.
Grab a copy for your next Restart novel study by clicking here.
Book Talks and Small group discussions
Encourage your students to share their thoughts and insights on Restart with their classmates. You could have them present book talks or participate in small-group discussions to encourage deeper analysis and critical thinking.
Looking for more reading activities?
Check out some of my previous blog posts on reading below.
How to Plan a Novel Study: Choosing the Activities
How to Plan a Novel Study: Assessment Activities
Hatchet Novel Study Activities
Novel Study Text Selection Tips
Looking for a complete restart novel study unit?
Click here or on the image below to grab a COMPLETE Restart novel study unit from my TPT shop. It contains detailed comprehension questions, answer keys, vocabulary activities, character analysis worksheets, creative final projects, and more!
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