A question came up yesterday concerning the use of the "Filmscript Language" graphic organizer for Monster.  Anne and I brainstormed some ideas:

(Keep in mind that that Janet has designed Plugged-in to Reading to reflect her strongly held belief that "if you present it to them, it is information; if they build it themselves, it is knowledge.")

So, you can use this graphic organizer in many ways to let them "build it themselves":

1.  Use the organizer to assess background knowledge.  The TG suggests that you put the g/o up on the overhead and ask the kids to define as many words as they can.  This could also be done in small groups if the class is disciplined enough to work this way, with each group taking a few of the words to assess.

2.  Use the organizer as an ongoing vocabulary collection tool.  Give each student a copy of  the g/o and have them fill in the definition for words they recognize or predict the definition, and then use the sheet to offer definitions as the words are encountered in the reading.

3.  Use the organizer for a vocabulary scavenger hunt.  This approach gives kids even more independence in ferreting out the specialized vocabulary words and providing definitions. Set aside some time every day or two during the study of the novel for this activity.

As you can see, these options focus on the organizer as a tool for inquiry and discovery rather than as a static exercise to be completed, graded, and put away.  At the Bradenton institute earlier this summer, Janet commented several times that so much of what constitutes real teaching takes place between the traditional teaching activities of planning and grading.

You can view a copy of the organizer in PDF format here.