7th Grade Gifted Language Arts
3rd Quarter Book Project
Character Scrapbook
 
  1. Choose a book to read.  It cannot be a book that has been made in to a movie or related to gaming.  It must be worthy of your time and intellect. Ms. D. must approve your book.
  2. As you read, reflect on things you have learned about the main character(s) including things like:
  • Their past
  • The story they were telling or involved in
  • Relationships with other characters that were meaningful to the story
  • Thoughts
  • Motivations
  • Feelings
  • Problems/solutions faced in the story
  • Role in the story
  • Changes that occurred through the course of the story
 
  1. Use the information to create a scrapbook the main character might have created to document and remember their story.  You are to create a 10-page scrapbook.  Each page should be 12 x 12 in size.  If you cannot get this paper, let Ms. D. know and she will provide you with the paper of the correct size.  Creativity on each layout is encouraged! 
 
  1. Each layout should tell a piece of the story using photographs, letters, objects, etc. as one would find in a scrapbook.  Ms. D. will show you scrapbook layout examples today (1/11/19).  There should not be large amounts of negative space on your layouts.
 
  1. Each layout must include a written explanation as to what is on the page.  You can do this in a “diary/journal” type style.  The explanation must be a MINIMUM of 10 sentences (more is encouraged, less will hurt your grade).  The sample Ms. D. shows you will have an example. 
 
  1. Your character’s scrapbook needs a cover.  The cover must have the title of the book, the author and your name.  The cover should be creatively done and reflect the theme of the novel. 
 
You have been assigned this project on Friday, January 11, 2019.  The final project is due at the start of your class period on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.  This gives you over a month of work time.



3rd Quarter Book Project
8th Grade – The Realm
 
“Once Upon a Time… There Was a True Story.”
Nonfiction reading is often overlooked in the middle school language arts classroom, yet deserves some attention!  The following project is meant to give you ways to simplify sometimes-overwhelming material in a fun, creative way!
 
  1. Choose a biography to read.  We are going to the library on 1/17/19 and you can look for one.   
  2. Sign up for a free account at storybird.com.  I believe once you are there, you can look for my class: msdsrealm or tell me the name you are using so I can follow you and see your completed project. You may also email me the link to your story once it is complete.  (Christine.dickey@aps.edu OR hedwighoot@gmail.com)
  3. When you finish your book, create a picture book version of the book you just read. Use the storybird.com app to create the story.  Create under the “Picture Books” option. 
  4. Your story must have a cover and at least 20 pages.  The pages should each be written in a manner that a 3rd or 4th grader would understand while still maintaining the integrity of the original book you read.  Each page should have an illustration that fits each portion of the storybook. 
  5. Your story must include the information about the person’s life you read about in your chosen biography.
  6. Be mindful of grammar/conventions.  Even books that are written in a simple fashion should employ good writing techniques. 
  7. Separately, write a detailed review of the biography you read.  Use the techniques learned from the 2nd quarter project.  The review is not part of the children’s book.  It will be submitted separately. 
 
The project must be finished by Tuesday, February 19th.  We will view the projects as your presentation after that date. You will also share your review.
 
It is a good idea to go in to the app and play around with it before doing your actual project.

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