Soon Mrs. Ray and Mrs. Powers will begin reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The following
strategies will help students perform better on assessments concerning the novel: 1. Keep a
journal of plot events for each chapter. 2. Record also what was revealed about the
personalities of the main characters for each significant event (this can be determined through
characters' diaglogue, thoughts, or actions). 3. Write down words students do not understand in
the journal along with a brief definition. 4. Have students re-read confusing passages or
important passages. 5. If parents can make themselves available while the student is reading
the nightly assignment to answer questions about text that is not understood, this can be
especially beneficial. After a discussion of the passage in question, journal its meaning. 6.
Finally, record in the journal questions for the teacher for the next class day along with pages
from the text that might have given the student difficulty. Sticky notes in the book for
questions and clarification from the teacher shows initiative and independent thinking. Good
Luck! Mrs. Link