[in Classroom Notes Plus. January 1997. Urbana, IL; National Council of Teachers of English, pp. 6 - 7.]

A Quick Chapter Review Strategy

Here's a chapter review exercise I use with my students during study of a novel. We don't use it for every chapter—just as an occasional follow up to reading.

I distribute a handout sheet that asks for the following information:

Chapter ______________

I learned:

I relearned:

I want to remember:

I wished:

I was angry that:

I wasn't expecting:

I am confused about:

I wonder:

Find one quote from the chapter that you think is important. Copy the quote here and explain its importance.

This review exercise can be effective whether it's presented as individual class work, as homework to bring in and discuss, or as an exercise for pairs or small groups of students to work on together. I encourage students to refresh their memories by flipping back through the chapter and jotting notes as they respond to the prompts. However, this is meant as a quick review, and students aren't expected to produce long, drawn-out responses.

I have found that these prompts help students think more deeply about the reading, make students more reflective about what they get out of reading, and also serve as lively discussion starters. In addition, by encouraging students to voice their thoughts, concerns and questions, this exercise can be especially effective in helping students handle a novel or chapter that is complex, confusing, or emotionally powerful.

Sharon Arbiture
Libertyville High School
Illinois