The title is the first word or set of words that students see when approaching a new book. Brainstorming about the title helps students understand their expectations of the book, which can attune them to the themes and images to look out for as they read. Have students make a list of every word and concept that the title "The Secret Life of Bees" brings to mind. Direct students to write a few sentences on what they expect the novel will be about. Have students revisit their predictions and brainstorming after they have read to novel to see how the book compares to their expectations.
Knowing what to think about in advance can help students understand material as they read. Give your students a short list of questions about "The Secret Life of Bees" to give purpose to their reading. These questions can range from straight comprehension, such as, "Why does Lily feel resentment toward her father?" to philosophical, such as, "Do you think Lily should have run away?" Have students come up with their own generic questions as well, such as, "Who are the main characters in this story?" and, "Where does the story take place?"
Giving cultural context to a novel and its setting can prepare students to understand it in advance of reading. Have students research and write a short report on race relations in South Carolina in 1964. Students might pay particular attention to the politics of interracial dating during this period, which has direct relevance to "The Secret Life of Bees." Alternatively, have students research the Civil Rights Act, which was passed during the time in which the novel is set.
Students can build a personal connection to the themes of a book even before they read it. Give your students a list of themes that the novel brings up, such as motherhood, race relations, growing up, abusive parents, running away, feeling isolated or anything else that is relevant. Ask students to choose one of these themes and write a personal essay about their own experiences as they relate to theme. Ideally, this assignment will help students understand the situation of protagonist Lily once they begin to read "The Secret Life of Bees."