Junior Great Books Series 6–8

We developed Junior Great Books Series 6–8 with three major goals in mind:

  • Meet ELA standards through authentic, inquiry-based activities
  • Simplify implementation through clear instructional frameworks
  • Offer flexible ways to extend learning into writing and across the curriculum

These materials include a wide variety of text types, meet state and national standards in English language arts, and maintain the Junior Great Books focus on Shared Inquiry, a combination of close reading, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Student and teacher materials are available in print and digital formats, and teacher materials include additional online resources.

Our inquiry-based approach to learning has been recognized as effective by the US Department of Education, Learning Forward, and other studies of curricula. Our core activities and student reflection options support widely recognized social and emotional learning skills.

Features of JGB Series 6–8

  • 20 high-quality texts per grade level, with 10 fiction selections, 8 nonfiction texts, and 2 poems
  • In-depth reading, critical thinking, and writing activities
  • Note-taking options focused on author’s craft and literary elements
  • Differentiated instruction for every core activity
  • Formal and informal assessment options
  • Teacher support and online resources
  • Print and digital options

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Great Books Roundtable for Grades 6–8

The Great Books Roundtable program focuses on outstanding literature and the Shared Inquiry method of interpretive reading and discussion. The Shared Inquiry approach to learning helps students work together to read closely and interpret a complex text, guided by the curiosity and open-ended questioning of a leader. Roundtable provides the superb framework and support teachers need for developing the reading comprehension, critical thinking, vocabulary, and writing skills of students with diverse abilities, needs, and learning styles.

In our Great Books Roundtable program, students:

  • Build a collaborative, discussion-based classroom culture
  • Strengthen critical thinking skills
  • Develop transferable reading, note-taking, and questioning strategies
  • Develop cognitive, social, and emotional intelligences

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Using Powerful Questions to Enhance Guided Reading

Using powerful questions in your guided reading discussions helps students build their critical thinking skills and develop their listening and speaking skills across the curriculum. This invaluable resource provides ideas, activities, and practical guidance on:

  • Selecting texts
  • Preparing questions
  • Asking spontaneous questions
  • Encouraging and using students’ questions
  • Extending understanding and increasing comprehension

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Free Sample Lesson Plans

For more information or previous editions, please visit our store.