6th Grade
1st Quarter Book Project
“Matchbook Graphic Chapters”
Materials:
● 1 legal-size file folder
● Plain index cards (one per chapter)
● Glue
● Markers or colored pencils
● Imagination and creativity! J
Step one:
Choose a book to read over the next month or so. Here are the book selection parameters:
1. It must be a chapter book.
2. It must be a book you have not read before.
3. Ms. D. must approve the book. If you want to change your book at a later date, Ms. D. must approve that change.
4. It must be a book worthy of your intelligence and time. No books you would have read in elementary school.
5. It cannot be a book that has been made into a movie.
6. It cannot be a graphic novel.
Choose your book as soon as possible to ensure you have time to finish it and your project.
Step two:
Illustrate the outside of the file folder with original artwork that best showcases your novel. Include the novel’s title, author’s name and your name.
Step five:
Presentation – you will present an oral synopsis of your book. Briefly tell what the book was about and give a review (did you like it? Why or why not? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?). You will also present pictures of your project for the class to see. You can post the pictures in Google Slides.
THIS PROJECT IS BEING GIVEN ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022. THIS GIVES YOU A BIT OVER A MONTH FROM TODAY TO FINISH.
IT IS DUE ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022.
7th Grade
1st Quarter Book Project
The Soundtrack Project
Step one:
Choose a book to read over the next month or so. Here are the book selection parameters:
1. It must be a chapter book.
2. It must be a book you have not read before.
3. Ms. D. must approve the book. If you want to change your book at a later date, Ms. D. must approve that change.
4. It must be a book worthy of your intelligence and time. No books you would have read
in elementary school.
5. It cannot be a book that has been made in to a movie.
6. It cannot be a graphic novel.
Choose your book as soon as possible to ensure you have time to finish it AND finish the project.
Step two:
As you read, think about how you would divide the book into ten sections or major scenes.
Step three:
When you finish your book, create a play list of ten songs that are representative of your novel. Each song must accompany each section of the book just as songs might accompany different scenes in a movie. You must have the song’s title, artist and lyrics. Cut and paste the lyrics onto a slide. You should also have either a video link or song link. You can place videos directly onto slides.
Step four:
Each song should have a written explanation telling why it was selected for each section of your soundtrack. Your written explanation must be at LEAST 7 sentences.
You should select songs with lyrics that highlight ten major plot points and themes of the book, with the exception of instrumental pieces that can be chosen to evoke the mood of a scene. You may only have ONE instrumental piece in your soundtrack. The rest must contain lyrics.
Step five:
Create a cover slide for your play list. The cover should have the title of the book, author, and your name. It must have some creative, relevant artwork.
Step six:
Presentation – you will present an oral synopsis of your book. Briefly tell what the book was about and give a review (did you like it? Why or why not? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?). You will also share your play list and the explanations for each song.
Create your project on Google Slides. If you want to use some other digital format, let me know and we can discuss it.
THIS PROJECT IS BEING GIVEN ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022. THIS GIVES YOU OVER A MONTH FROM TODAY TO FINISH.
IT IS DUE ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022.
8th Grade
1st Quarter Book Project
"A Trip Down Memory Lane" a Podcast Project
The podcast is like the radio programs of long ago. They are audio performances in a variety of genres and they cover a variety of topics. We will listen to examples in class.
You are going to create one episode of a podcast based around a piece of children’s literature.
Tasks:
This project is being given to you and discussed in class on Friday, August 19, 2022.
The PROJECT is due by Friday, September 30, 2022.
This may help as you write a book review
Though it is YOUR review, there should be no personal pronouns in the text. The reader will know these are YOUR thoughts.
Read the book and take notes. Write down your notes or use a voice recorder to document any thoughts or impressions you have of the book as you are reading. They don't have to be organized or perfect, the idea is to brainstorm any impressions you may have of the book.
Think about the book's genre and/or field of study. Consider how the book fits or does not fit in it's genre or field of study. If necessary, use outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field of study and the genre of the book. We have read some of “Hitler Youth” and watched videos about this topic. All of that information can be used to help you feel like an expert on the topic.
Determine the major themes of the book. The theme is often a lesson or overall message that the reader perceives between the lines. The theme can also be the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a book. Authors may present multiple themes in their writing, especially works of fiction.
This book is written in the first-person narrative. The author lived the events and is recounting them. Is this more powerful than someone else writing about the events?
Think about how well the author develops the major areas or points in the book. What areas are covered/not covered? Why? Locating gaps in the time frame or character development of the book can help you think critically. As well, noticing any well developed elements of the book will help you create good points for your review.
Consider any literary devices in the book. If the book is a work of fiction, think about how plot structure is developed in the story. Take notes on the book's character, plot, setting, symbols, mood or tone and how they relate to the overall theme of the book.
Think about how unique the book is. Does it add new information to a genre? The author may be trying to challenge or expand the existing rules and norms of a genre. Consider how the book does this, and how this may affect the intended audience's reception of the book.
Assess how successful the book is. Was the author successful in carrying out the overall purposes of the book and did you feel satisfied by the book's ending? Would you recommend this book to others?
To best write a book review, it is essential to keep track of the answers to the following questions, either as you read the book or as soon as you have finished it. All of the answers can then be incorporated into your review.
Questions to Consider in your Review
Narration
EVALUATION
Your Opinion
1st Quarter Book Project
“Matchbook Graphic Chapters”
Materials:
● 1 legal-size file folder
● Plain index cards (one per chapter)
● Glue
● Markers or colored pencils
● Imagination and creativity! J
Step one:
Choose a book to read over the next month or so. Here are the book selection parameters:
1. It must be a chapter book.
2. It must be a book you have not read before.
3. Ms. D. must approve the book. If you want to change your book at a later date, Ms. D. must approve that change.
4. It must be a book worthy of your intelligence and time. No books you would have read in elementary school.
5. It cannot be a book that has been made into a movie.
6. It cannot be a graphic novel.
Choose your book as soon as possible to ensure you have time to finish it and your project.
Step two:
- As you read, summarize and illustrate each chapter on the inside of a “matchbook” (a plain index card). Each summary should be 5 sentences and should highlight the main events in the chapter.
- Illustrate each chapter on the outside of the matchbook.
- On the small flap, label the chapter number and/or name.
Illustrate the outside of the file folder with original artwork that best showcases your novel. Include the novel’s title, author’s name and your name.
Step five:
Presentation – you will present an oral synopsis of your book. Briefly tell what the book was about and give a review (did you like it? Why or why not? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?). You will also present pictures of your project for the class to see. You can post the pictures in Google Slides.
THIS PROJECT IS BEING GIVEN ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022. THIS GIVES YOU A BIT OVER A MONTH FROM TODAY TO FINISH.
IT IS DUE ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022.
7th Grade
1st Quarter Book Project
The Soundtrack Project
Step one:
Choose a book to read over the next month or so. Here are the book selection parameters:
1. It must be a chapter book.
2. It must be a book you have not read before.
3. Ms. D. must approve the book. If you want to change your book at a later date, Ms. D. must approve that change.
4. It must be a book worthy of your intelligence and time. No books you would have read
in elementary school.
5. It cannot be a book that has been made in to a movie.
6. It cannot be a graphic novel.
Choose your book as soon as possible to ensure you have time to finish it AND finish the project.
Step two:
As you read, think about how you would divide the book into ten sections or major scenes.
Step three:
When you finish your book, create a play list of ten songs that are representative of your novel. Each song must accompany each section of the book just as songs might accompany different scenes in a movie. You must have the song’s title, artist and lyrics. Cut and paste the lyrics onto a slide. You should also have either a video link or song link. You can place videos directly onto slides.
Step four:
Each song should have a written explanation telling why it was selected for each section of your soundtrack. Your written explanation must be at LEAST 7 sentences.
You should select songs with lyrics that highlight ten major plot points and themes of the book, with the exception of instrumental pieces that can be chosen to evoke the mood of a scene. You may only have ONE instrumental piece in your soundtrack. The rest must contain lyrics.
Step five:
Create a cover slide for your play list. The cover should have the title of the book, author, and your name. It must have some creative, relevant artwork.
Step six:
Presentation – you will present an oral synopsis of your book. Briefly tell what the book was about and give a review (did you like it? Why or why not? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?). You will also share your play list and the explanations for each song.
Create your project on Google Slides. If you want to use some other digital format, let me know and we can discuss it.
THIS PROJECT IS BEING GIVEN ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022. THIS GIVES YOU OVER A MONTH FROM TODAY TO FINISH.
IT IS DUE ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022.
8th Grade
1st Quarter Book Project
"A Trip Down Memory Lane" a Podcast Project
The podcast is like the radio programs of long ago. They are audio performances in a variety of genres and they cover a variety of topics. We will listen to examples in class.
You are going to create one episode of a podcast based around a piece of children’s literature.
Tasks:
- Choose a book from your childhood that you remember as a favorite. Please consider more than one possibility, as some are better to perform than others.
- Think about sound effects, music, voices, etc. that will bring your book to life as you record yourself reading it aloud. Think of this as a performance of the book.
- After you have recorded yourself reading the book aloud, you will also record your analysis of the book. You will have the role of a high-level literary analyst looking for deeper meaning and metaphor in the book you have selected. Attached are some questions you can use in creating your analysis. Be sure you are not using personal pronouns in this analysis piece! You are never telling the audience this book is a favorite of yours. You are analyzing the book as a scholar!
- You will create a script for your podcast. I would like to see the written version of your analysis before you record it. This is not required, but could help ensure you did the analysis piece correctly. The script should be at least one written page. If typed, one double-spaced page. Typing it is a good idea because you can easily edit the work, as you need.
- To record, use any device you are able to feel comfortable with: Your phone, a computer, etc.
- Think of a name for your podcast. It’s yours… so make it a good one! You must start the Podcast with the title of your podcast.
- Presentation: You will play your podcast for the Realm and field any questions.
This project is being given to you and discussed in class on Friday, August 19, 2022.
The PROJECT is due by Friday, September 30, 2022.
This may help as you write a book review
Though it is YOUR review, there should be no personal pronouns in the text. The reader will know these are YOUR thoughts.
Read the book and take notes. Write down your notes or use a voice recorder to document any thoughts or impressions you have of the book as you are reading. They don't have to be organized or perfect, the idea is to brainstorm any impressions you may have of the book.
Think about the book's genre and/or field of study. Consider how the book fits or does not fit in it's genre or field of study. If necessary, use outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field of study and the genre of the book. We have read some of “Hitler Youth” and watched videos about this topic. All of that information can be used to help you feel like an expert on the topic.
Determine the major themes of the book. The theme is often a lesson or overall message that the reader perceives between the lines. The theme can also be the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a book. Authors may present multiple themes in their writing, especially works of fiction.
- Pay attention to the preface, any quotes, and /or references in the book's introduction, as this content will likely shed light on the book's major themes and viewpoint.
- A simple way to determine one of the major themes of a book is to sum up the book in one word. So, for example, the major theme of “The Book Thief” could be "perseverance”. Once you have your one word summary, stretch the single word into a message or lesson, such as "humans show perseverance even in the grimmest of circumstances.”
This book is written in the first-person narrative. The author lived the events and is recounting them. Is this more powerful than someone else writing about the events?
Think about how well the author develops the major areas or points in the book. What areas are covered/not covered? Why? Locating gaps in the time frame or character development of the book can help you think critically. As well, noticing any well developed elements of the book will help you create good points for your review.
Consider any literary devices in the book. If the book is a work of fiction, think about how plot structure is developed in the story. Take notes on the book's character, plot, setting, symbols, mood or tone and how they relate to the overall theme of the book.
Think about how unique the book is. Does it add new information to a genre? The author may be trying to challenge or expand the existing rules and norms of a genre. Consider how the book does this, and how this may affect the intended audience's reception of the book.
Assess how successful the book is. Was the author successful in carrying out the overall purposes of the book and did you feel satisfied by the book's ending? Would you recommend this book to others?
To best write a book review, it is essential to keep track of the answers to the following questions, either as you read the book or as soon as you have finished it. All of the answers can then be incorporated into your review.
Questions to Consider in your Review
Narration
- Who narrated the story?
- Was it first-person narration or third-person narration?
- Was the narrator a reliable source of information?
- Note the time period and location the book is set in.
- How did setting drive or influence the plot of the book?
- Note the overall theme or message of the book.
- What genre of literature was it?
- How did it compare to another work in this genre?
- Name the author.
- Discuss any previous works.
- How did previous works compare with this work?
- Give a brief plot summary without giving away any key details.
EVALUATION
Your Opinion
- This is the most important part of the review.
- Did you like it? Why?
- Dislike it? Why?
- Would you read more by this author? Why or why not?
- Would you encourage others to read this book? Why or why not?
