Dear Student, During your junior high years at General Brown, you will be required to read 8 novels per school year. One novel and an accompanying project must be completed every 5 weeks. The Independent Reading assignment will count as a project in your average. If you do not have a project completed on time, a 0% grade will go in your average. In the past the book choice was limited to books found on the Accelerated Reader list in the library. However, you may now read any book of your choice for your project. This booklet will give you detailed instructions for each of the projects on the list. You may choose any project you like for each book. For example, you may want to try one of each, or you may only write poetry booklets for each of the novels you read. It is totally up to you. Please be advised the teachers listed below have the right to return a project to you if the criteria is not met. We expect the highest level of effort, neatness, and creativity. You may be asked to revise a project, so please do not wait until the last minute.
Have Fun!!
Directions: You will be required to read two novels per quarter (eight for the entire school year) and complete a project based on the reading. Choose one of the following activities to complete after each novel. It will be your responsibility to complete this activity. Turn it in to your English teacher as soon as it is finished. OPTION 1: Accelerated Reader Test You will need to report to the library and complete an Accelerated Reader test based on your novel. BE SURE to check with your teacher or the librarian that the book you choose is an Accelerated Reader book. OPTION 2: Newspaper You are the editor for the local newspaper in your novel. Design a newsletter for the town. Include headlines, upcoming events, weather, sports, etc. that are relevant to the plot of the novel. You will need to use the template in the common folder to complete this task. Please see your teacher for more information. OPTION 3: Letter to the Author Write a letter to the author of the book. Ask him or her any questions you might have which were not answered in the book. You will need to use the template in the common folder to complete this task. Please see your teacher for more information. OPTION 4: Song Comparison Select a song you feel reflects the novel. You will need to print out the lyrics and write a journal entry. Your journal entry must answer the following questions: What is the overall message of the song? How does the song relate to the novel? OPTION 5: Mindbender Activity Compose fifteen questions from your novel. These questions should be “thought questions” - this means questions exploring the reasons behind the happenings, opinions, causes, effects, etc. The questions you create should be related to all elements of literature: plot, characterization, setting, and theme. Please include your answers to these questions. OPTION 6: Artwork Complete a piece of artwork related to the novel. You may wish to illustrate a scene, a character, or an event. You may make a collage, create a drawing or painting, take a photograph, or make a sculpture or piece of pottery. Use your imagination. Give a brief explanation of what the artwork represents in relation to your novel. OPTION 7: Alternate Ending Write an alternative ending for the book. You will want to attempt to mimic the author’s style of writing. OPTION 8: Design New Book Cover Design a new front and back cover for the novel. On the back cover include a brief overview of the book that would “sell” it to readers. You may use the computer to create the book cover. OPTION 9: Poetry Packet Construct a poetry portfolio in which you include at least five original poems that relate to any element of the novel (plot, themes, and characters). Design a cover for your poetry book and place each poem on a separate page. OPTION 10: Characterization of Protagonist Complete the characterization map for the protagonist in your novel. You will need to use the template in the common folder to complete this task. Please see your teacher for more information.
Accelerated Reader Test There are approximately 1142 books in the library that are considered “Accelerated Reader” books. These books have a computer generated test to assess how well you read the book. ** FYI ** Not every book in the library is an Accelerated Reader book so you MUST check the computer, check with the librarian, or check with your English teacher to make sure the book you chose has a AR test. The AR tests can be taken in the library or in your English classrooms. Please see your teacher for a pass when you have completed the novel.
Newspaper You are the editor for the local newspaper in your novel. Your task is to create the front page of the newspaper for the town in the novel. You will need to include headlines (major events in the story), upcoming events, weather, sports, etc that are relevant to the plot of the novel. You will need to use the assigned template to complete this project. There is sample on the next page. This must be typed and not handwritten. Follow the instructions below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Open the Home Directory on the desktop. Double click on the Common folder. Double click on the Independent Reading folder. Double click on the file “Newspaper Template”. Immediately click “Save as”. Choose to save this page in your folder in the home directory.
USE THE GUIDELINES BELOW TO COMPLETE THE NEWSPAPER! 1 = Create a title for your newspaper (should relate to the novel). 2 = Headline for the lead story - the major issue in the entire book. 3 = Write an article about the above headline. The writing needs to fill all of the columns. 4 = List the characters in your story, and write one word to describe each one. 5 = One picture relating to your lead story. You may use clip art or a picture from the Internet. MAKE SURE I CAN TELL WHAT THE PICTURE IS SUPPOSED TO BE!! 6 = Write a caption for your picture (what is happening?). 7 = Headline for the secondary story - this story should connect to one of the characters. 8 = Write an article about the headline above. The writing needs to fill all of the columns. 9 = What other pieces will the reader expect to see in your newspaper? Be creative - gossip column, sports, restaurant review, weather, classifieds, horoscope, etc.
Your Name Book Title
1. Newsletter Title
Volume 1, Issue 1 Newsletter Date
9. Inside this issue:
2. Lead Story Headline
5.
3.
Caption describing picture or graphic.
6.
Inside Story
2
Inside Story
2
Inside Story
2
Inside Story
3
Inside Story
4
Inside Story
5
Inside Story
6
4. Character
7. Secondary Story Headline 8.
One-word description
Name: ______________________ Period: __________________ Book Title: ___________________________ Score/Comments:
Requirements Graphics
Layout
Conventions
Novel Concept
4
3
2
All of the required content was present.
Almost all of the required content was present.
Graphics are in Graphics are in focus, are focus and are well-cropped and clearly related to are clearly related the articles they to the articles they accompany. The accompany. The caption somewhat caption supports supports the the graphic. graphic. All articles have headlines that capture the reader’s attention and accurately describe the content.
All articles have headlines that accurately describe the content.
1
At least 75% of the Less than 75% of required content the required was present. content is present. Graphics are in Focus, but the caption does not relate.
Graphics are not in focus, and the caption does not relate or is not present.
Most articles have headlines that accurately describe the content.
Articles do not have adequate headlines.
No spelling or No more than 3 No more than 5 grammar errors in spelling or spelling or the newspaper. grammar errors in grammar errors in the newspaper. the newspaper.
More than 5 spelling or grammar errors remain in the final copy of the newspaper.
All articles relate to The articles relate the novel and the to the novel and characters. the characters, but are lacking in depth.
Both articles do not relate to the novel or the characters.
One of the articles does not relate to the novel of the characters.
Teacher Use Only: Week 5
Week 10
Week 15
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Week 35
Week 40
Letter to the Author Write a letter to the author of the novel. Ask him or her any questions you might have which were not answered in the book. For example, you may want to know if any characters were based on real-life people. Tell the author your opinion of the book. It is important that you sound sincere when writing your letter. The author wants to hear the “real” you and how you think and feel about their work. You should use proper English and no slang. Be sure to have an introduction and a conclusion along with the body of the letter. You will need to use the assigned template to complete this project. There is sample below. This must be typed and not handwritten. Follow the instructions below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Open the Home Directory on the desktop. Double click on the Common folder. Double click on the Independent Reading folder. Double click on the file “Letter to Author Template”. Immediately click “Save as” Choose to save this page in your folder in the home directory.
Date: __________________ Dear (insert author’s name), _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Name: __________________ Period: _________________ Book Title: ______________________ Score/Comments:
4
3
2
1
Ideas
Ideas were expressed in a clear and organized fashion.
Ideas were Ideas were The letter seemed expressed in a somewhat to be a collection fairly clear organized, but of unrelated manner, but the were not very sentences. It was organization could clear. It took more very difficult to have been better. than one reading figure out what to figure out what the letter was the letter was about. about.
Format
Complies with all the requirements for a friendly letter.
Complies with Complies with Complies with less almost all the several of the than 50% of the requirements for a requirements for a requirements for a friendly letter. friendly letter. friendly letter.
Neatness
The letter was typed and looked professional.
The letter was typed but the paper was crumpled or folded.
Conventions
Novel Concept
The letter was handwritten but looks neat.
The letter was handwritten and looks unprofessional.
No spelling or No more than 3 No more than 5 grammar errors in spelling or spelling or the letter. grammar errors in grammar errors in the letter. the letter.
More than 5 spelling or grammar errors remain in the final copy of the letter.
Character and novel information used throughout the whole letter.
The letter does not connect to the novel or the characters.
Character and novel information used through some of the letter.
Character and novel information hardly used in the letter.
Teacher Use Only: Week 5
Week 10
Week 15
Week 20
Week 25
Week 30
Week 35
Week 40
Song Comparison Select a song you feel reflects the novel. The entire song does not need to relate but a major portion of the song needs to connect to the novel or a character. SONG MUST BE SCHOOL APPROPRIATE AND MUST NOT CONTAIN PROFANITY!! You will need to print out the lyrics for the song you have chosen. Some websites that have lyrics are: www.azlyrics.com www.elyrics.com You will need to write a journal entry connecting the song and the novel. The journal entry needs to be typed, double spaced, size 12 font and at least 200 words. You may choose any font style that you like, but it must be easy to read. You will need to answer the following questions in your journal entry: 1. What is the overall message of the song? — What is the artist trying to say? — How does the song make you feel? — What is it about the song that made you pick it? 2. How does the song relate to the novel? — Choose several line(s) from the song and connect them to some element of the book. — How does the overall message of the song connect to the novel?
Mindbender Activity Compose 15 questions relating to the novel. These questions should be “thought” questions. The questions you create should relate to all elements of litereature - plot, characterization, vocabulary, setting and theme. Use your knowledge of the cognitive process questions we discussed at the beginning of the year. Think Bellringers!!! — recall — vocabulary — summarize — classify — infer You may vary the question set up. For example, you may have some multiple choice questions, True/False, complete the sentence, or short-answer responses. You must include an answer key for your questions. This needs to be two separate documents. Please do NOT circle the answers on your question sheet.
Name: ______________________
Period: __________________
Book Title: ____________________________________________________ Score/Comments:
4
3
Requirements
All of the required content was present.
Almost all of the required content was present.
Lyrics
Lyrics are present and are legible.
Journal Entry
Conventions
Novel Concept
The author chose strong lines and clearly connected them to the novel.
2
1
At least 75% of the Less than 75% of required content the required was present. content is present. Lyrics are not present or cannot be read.
The author chose lines and connected them to the novel.
The author choice of lines was unclear and/or does not connect them to the novel.
The author did not select lines to connect to the novel.
No spelling or No more than 3 No more than 5 More than 5 grammar errors in spelling or spelling or spelling or the journal entry. grammar errors in grammar errors in grammar errors the journal entry. the journal entry. remain in the final copy of the Journal entry. The selected song has a strong connection to the novel.
The selected song has a mediocre connection to the novel.
The selected song has a weak connection to the novel.
The selected song could not be connected to the novel.
Teacher Use Only: Week 5
Week 10
Week 15
Week 20
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Week 30
Week 35
Week 40
Name: ______________________ Period: _______________ Book Title: ________________________________________ Score/Comments: 4 Questions X2
3
2
All questions Almost all Most questions (15) are questions (11-14) (7-10) are accurate and are accurate accurate and/ relate to the and relate to or relate to the information in the novel. the novel. information in the novel.
Answer Key A thorough and
1 There are very few questions (6 or less) that are accurate or relate to the novel. No answer key is provided.
accurate answer key is provided.
Conventions
No spelling or grammar errors in the activity.
No more than 3 No more than spelling or 5 spelling or grammar grammar errors in the errors in the activity. activity.
More than 5 spelling or grammar errors remain in the final copy of the activity.
Novel Concept
All questions relate to the novel and the characters.
Most questions Some of the relate to the questions do novel and the not relate to characters but the novel and/ are lacking in or the depth. characters.
Most of the questions DO NOT relate to the novel and/ or the characters.
Teacher Use Only: Week 5
Week 10
Week 15
Week 20
Week 25
Week 30
Week 35
Week 40
Artwork Create a piece of artwork related to the novel you read. There are several options you can choose from. Your artwork cannot be larger than an 8x10 piece of paper. 1.
Illustrate a scene, character, event — this should be a full page of color - no white sections unless relevant to the scene — no stick figures THIS HAS TO BE YOUR WORK—NOT COPIED FROM THE INTERNET!!!
2. Collage — a collection of images or words relating to the events and characters in the novel — NO WHITE SPACE ~ the entire page must be covered USE MAGAZINE CUTOUTS - NOT A BUNCH OF BLACK AND WHITE PICS FROM THE INTERNET 3. Photograph — You will need to take a picture of something/someone that connects to your novel — Picture should be no larger than 4x6 TAKEN WITH YOUR CAMERA 4. Sculpture/Pottery — create a sculpture out of clay or any material — design must be related to the novel Explanation: The artwork that you choose to complete will need to be submitted with an explanation of what the artwork represents in relation to the novel.
Alternate Ending Write an alternate ending for the novel. Use the author’s style of writing to keep it flowing with the book. The option must be typed, double spaced, and size 12 font. You may choose any font style but make sure it is easy to read! **Points to remember** * Use the author’s writing style * Length should be similar to the other chapters in the book * Characters should be represented accurately * Final copy should be neat and readable
Name: ______________________ Period: __________________ Book Title: ___________________________ Score/Comments:
4
3
2
1
Visual Concept x2
Visual concept (looks) is beautifully communicated.
Visual concept is neat, whole and complete.
Visual concept is evident and conveyed reasonably well.
Visual concept is uncertain or vague.
Creativity
Shows unique imagination or elegant design.
Well thought out design. Original approach.
Shows some elements of good design and personal expression.
Imagination is lacking and the design is not well thought out.
No spelling or No more than 3 No more than 5 grammar errors in spelling or spelling or the artwork grammar errors in grammar errors in explanation. the artwork the artwork explanation. explanation.
More than 5 spelling or grammar errors remain in the artwork explanation.
Conventions
Novel Concept
Artwork relates to Artwork relates to the novel and the the novel and the characters. characters but are lacking in depth.
Artwork has nothing to do with the book.
Teacher Use Only: Week 5
Week 10
Week 15
Week 20
Week 25
Week 30
Week 35
Week 40
Name: ______________________ Period: __________________ Book Title:
Organization
4
3
2
The story is very well organized. One idea or scene follows another in a logical sequence with clear transitions.
The story is pretty well organized. One idea or scene may seem out of place. Clear transitions are used.
The story is a little hard to follow. The transitions are sometimes not clear.
1 Ideas and scenes seem to be randomly arranged.
Creativity
The story contains The story contains The story contains There is little many creative a few creative a few creative evidence of details and/or details and/or details and/or creativity in the descriptions that descriptions that descriptions, but story. The author contribute to the contribute to the they distract from does not seem to reader's reader's the story. The have used much enjoyment. The enjoyment. The author has tried to imagination. author has really author has used use his used his his imagination. imagination. imagination.
Solution/ Resolution
The solution to the The solution to the The solution to the character's character's character's problem is easy to problem is easy to problem is a little understand and is understand and is hard to logical. There are somewhat logical. understand. no loose ends.
Conventions
Novel Concept
No solution is attempted or it is impossible to understand.
No spelling or No more than 3 No more than 5 More than 5 grammar errors in spelling or spelling or spelling or the writing. grammar errors in grammar errors in grammar errors the writing. the writing. remain in the final copy of the ending. The ending relates The ending relates Ending does not to the novel and to the novel and relate to the novel the characters. the characters but or the characters. are lacking in depth.
Teacher Use Only: Week 5
Week 10
Week 15
Week 20
Week 25
Week 30
Week 35
Week 40
New Book Cover You have been hired by the author to design a new book cover to increase sales of this book. You MUST have the following requirements on each page. FRONT: Title of the book (underlined or italics) Picture relating to the novel Author’s name BACK: Summary of the story (in your own words) Publishing company name (you create one) Customer reviews (at least 2)
THIS NEEDS TO BE YOUR OWN WORK. DO NOT COPY PICTURES OR OTHER COVERS FROM THE INTERNET.
This can be computer generated or hand drawn.
DO NOT LEAVE WHITE SPACE ON THE PAPER!!
Poetry Packet Construct a poetry portfolio with at least 5 poems relating to the novel. The portfolio needs to include Cover: Your name Book Title Author’s name Graphic 5 poems: Poems can be - free verse - haiku* - acrostic* - limerick* - rhyming * Do not include more than two types of these poems.
Name: ______________________
Period: __________________
Book Title: _____________________________________________________ Score/Comments:
4
Balance
Creativity
Images go well with the text and there is a good balance of text and images.
3
2
1
Images go well Images go well Images do not go with the text, with the text, with the but there are so but there are too accompanying many that they few, and the text. distract from book cover the text. seems text heavy.
The text and Some of the text images used on and images used the book cover on the book reflect an cover exceptional reflect student degree of creativity in their student creation. creativity in their creation.
The text and images used on the book cover are lacking in creativity.
Difficult to visualize image or emotion.
Attractiveness
The book cover is The book cover is The book cover is The book cover is exceptionally attractive in acceptably distractingly attractive in terms of design, attractive messy or very terms of design, layout, and though it may be poorly designed. layout, and neatness. a bit messy. It is not neatness. attractive.
Conventions
No spelling or No more than 3 No more than 5 More than 5 grammar errors spelling or spelling or spelling or in the book grammar errors grammar errors grammar errors cover. in the book in the book remain in the cover. cover. final copy of the book cover.
Novel Concept
All text and images are related to the book’s topic.
Most of the text Either the text or Neither the text and images are the image does or the image related to the not relate to the relates to the book’s topic. book’s topic. book’s topic.
Teacher Use Only: Week 5
Week 10
Week 15
Week 20
Week 25
Week 30
Week 35
Week 40
Name: ______________________
Period: __________________
Book Title: _____________________________________________________ Score/Comments:
4
3
2
1
Captivation
Captivates and involves reader deeply.
Well focused and interests reader throughout.
Some focus but lacks continuity.
Unfocused; author seems unsure of direction.
Sensory Images
Vivid, detailed images and intensely felt emotion.
Clear use of sensory images to portray ideas or emotions.
Some use of image, idea, or emotion.
Difficult to visualize image or emotion.
Requirements
All of the required content was present.
Almost all of the required content was present.
Conventions
Novel Concept
At least 75% of the Less than 75% of required content the required was present. content is present.
No spelling or No more than 3 No more than 5 grammar errors in spelling or spelling or the newspaper. grammar errors in grammar errors in the newspaper. the newspaper.
More than 5 spelling or grammar errors remain in the final copy of the newspaper.
All poems relate to Most of the poems the novel and the relate to the novel characters. and the characters but are lacking in depth.
None of the poems relate to the novel or the characters.
One or two of the poems relate to the novel of the characters.
Teacher Use Only: Week 5
Week 10
Week 15
Week 20
Week 25
Week 30
Week 35
Week 40
Characterization of Protagonist Complete the characterization map for the protagonist in the novel. The protagonist is the character with which the reader most identifies (we know their thoughts, feelings, actions, etc.) You will need to use the assigned template to complete this project. There is sample on the next page. You MUST print out the characterization worksheet and write in your answers. Follow the instructions below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Open the Home Directory on the desktop. Double click on the Common folder. Double click on the Independent Reading folder. Double click on the file “Characterization Template”. Immediately click “Print”.
Hair - This is what the character is thinking about during the novel. The character’s thoughts will change but record five of them.
Bubble - This is something that the character says in the novel. It needs to be in quotation marks in the novel to be considered for the “bubble”. Fingers - List ten things that the character does in the novel. These can be simple or complicated. Heart - What is important to the character? What does the character believe in? Ribbon - Think of what the character is good at…..physically, mentally, emotionally. Circle at the ankle - Choose the weakness that has the greatest impact on the character. Foot - What is going to happen to the character now that the book is over? The author may actually tell you or you may have to make a prediction.
Directions: Fill in the characterization sheet based on the protagonist in your novel. Book Title: Character’s Name: Hair - 5 thoughts of the character 1.
_______________________________________
Bubble - quote by character
___________________
2. _______________________________________
___________________
3. _______________________________________
___________________
4. _______________________________________
___________________
5. _______________________________________
________________
Fingers - accomplishments of the character 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________
Heart - Beliefs or values __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
Ribbon - something the character is good at __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
Circle at the ankle - weakness of the character _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________
Foot - where is the character headed/ what do you see for the future? ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________
1st Quarter
Book Title
Project Number (circle)
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2nd Quarter
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3rd Quarter
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
4th Quarter
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10