Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls novel study lessons, CLICK HERE on TpT.

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Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls. Ness is a powerful, moving novel that can help students explore complex emotions and issues. This book can be incredibly valuable in the classroom setting, not only to teach students about literature but also to get them to think more deeply about life and its challenges. Here are some tips on how you can use this book to engage your students in your classroom.

Before Reading
To get your students prepared for reading Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls, it’s important they understand the context of the story. Start by introducing them to the concept of grief, which is central to this novel. Ask them to consider what grief means to them and how it might be experienced differently by people in different contexts. This will give them an understanding of Conor’s journey before even starting the book.

It’s also helpful for them to have some background knowledge about mythological creatures like monsters before beginning the story. This information can come from texts or videos like fairy tales, myths, or movies featuring mythical creatures. Having this knowledge will help deepen their understanding as they read through the novel and provide more insight into Conor’s journey as he encounters his monster.

During Reading
As your students are reading through Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls, it’s important that they stop periodically so that they can reflect on what they’ve read. You can facilitate these reflections with activities like close readings where students focus on specific parts of a text; creative writing exercises where students put themselves in Conor’s shoes; or peer discussions where students discuss their thoughts and feelings about key moments in the book with each other. These activities will allow your students to think critically about what they’re learning while also providing them with an opportunity to express their ideas creatively in a safe space.

Group Discussions
A Monster Calls is an ideal book for group discussions because it covers so many difficult topics that students can relate to. Encourage your students to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the story, as well as how it relates to their own lives. Letting your students talk openly about this book will allow them to make connections between their own experiences and those of the characters. Encouraging thoughtful discourse will foster empathy and understanding among your students, which is a valuable skill both inside and outside of the classroom.

Creative Writing Exercises
Creative writing exercises are another great way to engage with A Monster Calls in the classroom setting. Have each student write a short story or poem about what they would do if they found themselves in Conor’s shoes. This exercise will give them a chance to express their feelings and thoughts in a creative way while still encouraging critical thinking around the themes explored in the book. Additionally, this type of exercise can be used as an evaluation tool; you’ll be able to see how well each student has understood the material by reading their stories or poems afterward.

Personal Reflection Questions
After reading A Monster Calls, ask your students personal reflection questions such as “What do you think Conor’s biggest challenge was?” or “What did you learn from Conor’s journey?” These types of questions encourage deeper thinking around difficult topics, helping students form opinions and draw conclusions for themselves. Not only does this open up discussion between classmates, but it also allows each student to reflect on how these topics relate back to their own lives—a key part of why literature is so important for young learners today

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Creating an Atmosphere of Emotional Safety
Before delving into a deep exploration of the themes presented in A Monster Calls, it’s important to create an atmosphere of emotional safety. This will ensure that all students are able to participate without feeling judged or uncomfortable. Consider discussing topics such as empathy and self-expression before beginning the novel. Additionally, provide a space where students can express their feelings without fear of criticism or retribution.

Focusing on Key Characters and Plot Points
When teaching A Monster Calls in the classroom, it’s helpful to focus on key characters and plot points from the book. Use these moments as conversation starters for further exploration and analysis of the text. For example, when discussing Conor’s relationship with his father, ask students why Conor feels so disconnected from him—and what might have caused this rift between them? Encourage your students to think about how Conor’s actions reflect his emotions throughout the story and consider how he has changed by its conclusion.

Analyzing Themes Through Discussion
One of the most important aspects of teaching A Monster Calls is helping your students analyze major themes such as grief and loss. Ask them questions about how these themes are explored in the novel—for instance, what lesson does Conor learn after his grandma passes away? You may also want to lead a discussion about how it is normal (and healthy) to experience a wide range of emotions during times of sorrow or loss. By addressing these topics openly and honestly with your class, you will create space for meaningful dialogue around difficult topics—and foster understanding among your students.

Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls is a powerful novel that can help open up dialogue around difficult topics between teachers and students alike. By using group discussions, creative writing exercises, and personal reflection questions, educators can create meaningful learning experiences for their classes when teaching this novel. With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to ensure that your lessons are engaging and thought-provoking for all involved!