Ask students to write on a piece of paper any ten numbers between the first and last page number of the book you are using. For example, 3,7, 27, 59, 78, 87, 115, 143, 205, 212
Then instruct them to turn to those pages, skim the paragraphs paying attention to names, dialogue, sentence structure and anything that catches their attention.
Copy into their journal a sentence from five different pages.
Then, write a paragraph about what they think the sentences imply about characters, settings, and possible theme.
Meet in pairs and share the sentences and inferences. Return to these later to compare their early and later thoughts.