Students choose their own novels for instruction

Another way to differentiate!  So often teachers tell students what books to read so that we can instruct them on how to read.  However, so much of common core calls for students to be independent thinkers so why not read independent novels for instruction.  This is especially useful when doing genre studies.  Have everyone pick a novel in their reading level from a certain genre.  Students still could still either fill our roll sheets or do the roles in their books using post it notes.  They could still work on specific skills through the novels.  The difference is students have to think on their own about what they read.  You don't have all the answers!  Students could still have discussions about their books.  The discussions will center more around the similarities of the genre then the book itself.  This will also help give students suggestions on other books to read.