Give students a structured way to read one approved novel with a partner, talk about it across six checkpoints, and keep a record of their developing ideas.

Developed and refined through more than a decade of classroom use, this six-week project is designed for high school literature classes and works especially well in AP Literature. Students choose a teacher-approved novel, create a realistic reading plan, complete six 40-minute discussions, write a shared journal, and finish with an individual reflection on the project process.

The project uses open-ended discussion instead of rotating literature-circle roles. Students return to the novel, compare interpretations, and track how their thinking changes as they read.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
• 10-page student guide in editable PowerPoint and print-ready PDF
• 8-page teacher guide in editable Word and print-ready PDF
• Project requirements and submission directions
• Calendar and reading plan for six checkpoints
• Six discussion guides with open-ended questions
• Optional AP Literature extensions for Discussions 3–6
• Shared discussion journal directions and 45-point rubric
• Individual process reflection and 10-point rubric
• 10-point discussion scoring criteria
• Optional book proposal form
• Missed-discussion procedure
• Partnership problem protocol
• Teacher pacing options and scoring record

HOW THE GRADES WORK
The six discussions, shared journal, and individual reflection remain separate grades. Discussion grades are worth 10 points each, the journal is worth 45 points, and the individual reflection is worth 10 points.

SUBMISSION MODEL
One partner submits the shared journal digitally, and the pair also turns in a printed copy. Each student submits an individual reflection.

PLEASE NOTE
• This resource is undated so you can build a calendar that fits your school year.
• Students need access to their own copy of a teacher-approved novel.
• No novel text or reading selection is included.
• All books should be approved by the teacher before students begin reading.
• The editable files use common fonts: Georgia and Arial.

SUGGESTED USE
Introduce the project in one class period, approve titles before reading begins, and schedule six 40-minute partner discussions across approximately six weeks. A pacing model and procedures for absences or partnership concerns are included in the teacher guide.

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