One question I hear often from educators considering the whole novels approach is what do you do in class while students are reading the book (besides reading the book, of course)? One of the best and perhaps underrated activities to aid students in rereading and comprehension of the text, as well as oral reading and public speaking practice, is dramatizing scenes from the novel. What's more, this activity is super easy to implement, it really brings the book to life, and it gets students out of their seats and having fun.
In this article published on NEA's Share My Lesson site, 3 Ways A Little Drama Can Enhance Student Learning, I share my process, as well as three other, powerful ways to use drama in any classroom.