Reading for Enjoyment - Major Assignments

Books read for credit in this class must be at least 150 pages in length. Books containing pictures or photographs must have the pages with them subtracted from the total number of pages. Comic novels, mangas, and heavily illustrated books may not be read for credit in class. Most assignments work best with novels, but biographies, memoirs, and short story collections may also work. If in doubt ASK! Below is a list of major assignments you may choose from to complete the four major assignments category of this class. You must complete the four major assignments from four different books that you choose to read. You must choose to do at least one oral presentation project and one formal writing assignment. Required Major Assignment Options Bronze, Silver, and Gold Multigenre Novel Project Author/Book Share Book Club Discussion Book Chat Novel to Film Formal Writing Assignment Read With Me Project

Turning in Major Assignments 1. Written projects should have one peer edit by a peer in this class. This peer editing should be done in a digital version so it can be posted to your website. Have the editor sign their name to the drafts (in a comment on the draft). Editors will be held responsible for actually reading, editing, and commenting on the paper. Choose your editors wisely. Your friends may not be the best judge of quality work. Choose someone who can help you improve your piece. 2. Post your edited rough drafts to your website. 3. Final drafts submitted without peer editing will automatically receive a 10% penalty. 4. When appropriate please type the final copy of your piece. If typed use a plain font, size 12 no larger! Type your name, assignment, and block in the upper right hand corner of the first sheet. Cover sheets are not required and waste paper. 5. For Multigenre Projects The paper format does not apply to pieces that should be handwritten due to their genre. 6. Book clubs must be scheduled in advanced with Mrs. Hilarides and the group will use the reading time in class for their meetings. 7. Class time will be given each day to work on major assignments unless there is a scheduled presentation or activity.

Bronze, Silver, & Gold

Pick and choose the best way to present your understanding of the novel you have selected. Your quest is for GOLD and you may reach that destination in three ways. 1. Complete ONE Gold Activity 2. Complete TWO Silvery Activities 3. Complete THREE Bronze Activities Bronze Assignments 1. Draw a color map of where a major part of the story takes place. Label the major landmarks or points of interest. 2. Do a collage of a major theme of your novel or one that illustrates certain parts of your novel. 3. Make a soundtrack for the book by choosing at least 10 popular songs. For each song, explain in at least one paragraph why you chose the song and how it relates to the events or characters in the book. (You should use quotes from the song and the novel) 4. Draw a scene from the book. Your drawing will be scored based on how much detail is included. Make sure you somehow show who the people are in your picture. Silver Assignments 1. Create a tri-o-rama for your novel that depicts the most important scene. Write a summary of this scene, explaining its role in the storyline. 2. Make an illustrated time line of events in the book; make sure your time-line includes at least 25 events with a two sentence description and small picture, or clipping describing each event. 3. Redesign the front and back cover of the book, complete with an original summary and quotes from the book on the back. 4. Write and perform a 30 second TV commercial for your book in front of the class. This may be filmed and then viewed during class. Gold Assignments 1. Act out and film several scenes from the book of at least ten minutes. Present it to the class. Turn in a typed copy of the script you used. 2. Write and illustrate (you can use cut-outs) a full childrens book telling the story of your book with a cover. 3. Memorize and perform an eight minute cutting from your novel. (Forensic style)

Follow the directions for turning in major assignments 100 Points Total

Multigenre Novel Project

Conveying theme, plot, character, setting, and personal reflections

For this project you are to demonstrate your understanding of the novel you have just completed through the use of several (at least 7) different genres.

You may choose any genre. Some suggests follow: Wills Encyclopedia entries Letters Campaign speeches Birth announcements Calendars Dialogues Newscasts Questionnaires Obituaries Magazine Advertisements TV Commercials Literary Reviews Epitaphs Chats Magazine Article Brochures Diaries Childrens Book Interviews Invitations Biographies Telegrams Recipes Short Story Writings from a characters perspective Song lyrics Shopping Lists Poems Email Christmas Cards Newspaper Article

It is important to select the appropriate genre to convey each major element of the book. For instance, character might best be conveyed through an in-depth interview or a series of letters; plot through an obituary, newscast, or calendar; theme through a diary entry. Some genres might convey a number of ideas about the book. Shorter pieces, such as recipes, birth announcements, shopping lists, ect, might serve not only as information about the book, but as glue to hold your multigenre project together. The idea is to give the reader of your project a good understanding of your novel and of your opinions about the book. The object is to write at least 1200 words that will create for the reader an accurate, insightful, interesting picture of the ideas in your book. Illustrations, authentic designs for your pieces, graphics, etc., will contribute to a unified, well-thought-out project. One illustration is required, you may add as many others as you see fit. Complete a rough draft of possible works as you read the book. This will make it easier to put it all together in the end.

Author/Book Share

Name:__________________________________ Title:___________________________________ Genre:__________________________________

Block:_____________ Author:__________________________________ Date of Presentation:_______________________

Your Author/Book Share is an extensive presentation of your book and the author of it. Your assignment is to research the author of your book, research background information about the story, setting, characters, and/or events in the story and the authors life. This information will be shared along with passages that you have selected to read aloud from your book. At the time of your presentation you have total creative freedom. You may use a guest speaker, video, music, art, information from other texts, etc.; whatever it takes to communicate the story of your book and the author that created it. Please make sure your presentation is school appropriate. Your presentation must include Background information about your author Historical information about the book Several lengthy passages from the book that either help to express the theme or relevance of the book Your entire presentation should take around 30 or more minutes.

After completing your presentation please answer the following questions.

Self-evaluation What did you have to do to gather information for this presentation? What kind of grade would you give yourself for effort in gathering information and for originality of presentation (range of information, variety of formats, appealing delivery)? To what extent do you believe you became an expert on your author and taught others? What kind of content grade would you give yourself for the information that you gathered and presented to the class? Your self-evaluation, copies of material and information found, and a copy of your book with the passages marked that you read in class must be turned in for credit for the assignment

Book Club Discussion

A good story is always better if you have someone to share it with. To complete this assignment you will become a member of a book club. Your book club will consist of three to five people who have chosen to read the same book. After reading the book, your book club will have the opportunity to present the novel you selected to the class in the form of a panel discussion. Go to Oprah.com for some great tips on how book clubs work! http://www.oprah.com/oprahsbookclub/How-to-Start-Your-Own-Book-Club

Completing this assignment Step 1 Decide who is going to be in your book club and set a meeting dates. (Book club dates must be shared with Mrs. Hilarides) Step 2 Everyone should bring three books that they are interested in reading. These books should be new to you and everyone in the group. Youre on your honor! Step 3 Share your books and pick two or three that the entire group agrees upon. Your teacher will help you acquire books if necessary. Step 4 When your books come in, schedule a meeting to set up a reading schedule. Everyone must adhere to the reading schedule. (The reading schedule must be shared with Mrs. Hilarides) Step 5 Approximately halfway through the book, schedule a meeting to discuss how everyone is finding the book so far. Step 6 As you near the end of the book, schedule a meeting to discuss possible questions that have arisen. Step 7 Upon completion of the book schedule a meeting to agree upon the questions you wish to discuss. You are not to answer the questions, just formulate them. All discussion of the books should be saved for the panel discussion. BE VERY CAREFUL AT THIS STEP YOU ARE GOING TO BE GRADED ON YOUR DISCUSSIONS OF THE BOOK IN CLASS SAVE SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT. DONT OVER PLAN! Step 8 Schedule your panel discussion and turn in a copy of the questions you wish to discuss. Step 9 Review and prepare for the discussion. Pick out parts of the book that you feel you should share; mark with sticky-notes. Step 10 Present before the class!

Book Club Roles

Discussion Leader: Your job is to develop a list of questions you think your group should discuss about the assigned section of the book. Use your knowledge of levels of questions to create thought-provoking literal, interpretive, and universal questions. Try to create questions that encourage your group to consider many ideas. Help your group explore these important ideas and share their reactions. You will be in charge of leading the days discussion.

Diction Detective: Your job is to carefully examine the diction (word choice) in the assigned section. Search for words, phrases, and passages that are especially descriptive, powerful, funny, thought-provoking, surprising, or even confusing. List the words or phrases and explain why you selected them. Then, write your thoughts about why the author might have selected these words or phrases. What is the author trying to say? How does the diction help the author achieve his or her purpose? What tone do the words indicate?

Bridge Builder: Your job is to build bridges between the events of the book and other people, places, or events in school, the community, or your own life. Look for connections between the text, yourself, other texts, and the world. Also, make connections between what has happened before and what might happen as the narrative continues. Look for the characters internal and external conflicts and the ways that these conflicts influence their actions.

Reporter: Your job is to identify and report on the key points of the reading assignment. Make a list or write a summary that describes how the writer develops the setting, plot, and characters in this section of the book. Consider how characters interact, major events that occur, and shifts in the setting or the mood that seem significant. Share your report at the beginning of the group meeting to help your group focus on the key ideas presented in the reading. Like that of a newspaper reporter, your report must be concise, yet thorough.

Book Club Panel Discussion Member Evaluation

Member Name Meeting Date Information Shared Summarize Their Role On Task? Negative/Positive Behaviors

Book Club Meeting Date: ______________________________________________________

Discussion Leader: ___________________________________________________________ Diction Detective:_____________________________________________________________ Bridge Builder: _________________________________________________ Reporter: _____________________________________________________________

Book Club Activity Discussion Leader Role Sheet Name: Group: Book: Chapters:

Your job is to develop a list of questions you think your group should discuss about the assigned section of the book. Use your knowledge of levels of questions to create thought-provoking literal, interpretive, and universal questions. Try to create questions that encourage your group to consider many ideas. Help your group explore these important ideas and share their reactions. You will be in charge of leading the days discussion.

Discussion Questions:

Sample Question Ideas: What kinds of conflicts are the characters facing? What do you think about the way the author __________________________________? What if ______________________________________ had happened instead? What would you have done had you been in this characters shoes? What did you think about this event? Did this surprise you? Why or why not? What do you think will happen next? Questions that should be revisited the next time the group meets:

Book Club Activity Diction Detective Role Sheet Name: Group: Book: Chapters:

Your job is to carefully examine the diction (word choice) in the assigned section. Search for words, phrases, and passages that are especially descriptive, powerful, funny, thought-provoking, surprising, or even confusing. List the words or phrases and explain why you selected them. Then, write your thoughts about why the author might have selected these words or phrases. What is the author trying to say? How does the diction help the author achieve his or her purpose? What tone do the words indicate? Page # Word, Phrase, or Passage Reason for picking word, phrase, or passage Why did the author select this word or phrase? What is the author trying to say? How does the diction help the author achieve his or her purpose?

Book Club Activity Bridge Builder Role Sheet Name: Group: Book: Chapters:

Your job is to build bridges between the events of the book and other people, places, or events in school, the community, or your own life. Look for connections between the text, yourself, other texts, and the world. Also, make connections between what has happened before and what might happen as the narrative continues. Look for the characters internal and external conflicts and the ways that these conflicts influence their actions. Event from Book: Types of Connections: Text to Self Text to Text Text to World Connection:

Event from Book:

Types of Connections: Text to Self Text to Text Text to World

Connection:

Event from Book:

Types of Connections: Text to Self Text to Text Text to World

Connection:

What has happened previously in the book?

Predict what will happen as the book continues.

Discuss a characters internal and/or external conflict, and the ways that conflict has influenced or will influence his or her actions.

Book Club Activity Reporter Role Sheet Name: Group: Book: Chapters:

Your job is to identify and report on the key points of the reading assignment. Make a list or write a summary that describes how the writer develops the setting, plot, and characters in this section of the book. Consider how characters interact, major events that occur, and shifts in the setting or the mood that seem significant. Share your report at the beginning of the group meeting to help your group focus on the key ideas presented in the reading. Like that of a newspaper reporter, your report must be concise, yet thorough. Setting (Consider shifts in the setting or mood that seem significant.)

Plot (Consider major events that occurred in the assigned section.)

Characters (Consider how characters interact and how characters have changed.)

Book Chat
For this reading assignment, you will be exercising your speaking, listening, note taking, and writing skills in a team literary analysis. The activity will end with independent written work, which will evolve from the class work you do with your partner. Follow the steps very carefully! After completing your book, look over the information required in step 1 and organize your half of the discussion time. Step 1 Decide who is the speaker first (the other partner will then be the listener). The speaker then speaks about his/her book for about fifteen minutes, while the listener takes careful notes on what he hears, asking questions or commenting along the way. While the chat may follow its own natural course, the speaker should try to answer these questions at some point during her chat. a. b. c. d. How is the setting of your novel (time AND place) unique or important? Who is the protagonist/antagonist? What major obsticles do they experience? How is it resolved? How do the characters and their experiences apply to the people and problems of your own world? Pick a part of the story or passage you believe is especially impressive or important. Read it to your partner, and explain why you like it.

When the first speaker is done, the listener must come up with three questions to ask the speaker about something he/she did not address OR which expands upon something he/she mentioned, but did not discuss in depth. These questions should start with How or Why. The speakers answers should be recorded in the listeners notes. Exchange speaker and listener roles, following steps one and two. Turn in your notes with the final draft: 20% Step 2 Independently Do not work with your partner At this point, each of you has taken careful notes on the others book. Now, compose a list of five observations which take both books into consideration. These observations are the topics of the first three paragraphs. These may be: Statements of theme Ex: Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. Suffering can make us stronger. *Remember not to phrase a theme as a moral (NO you should) Statements of comparison Ex: ____ and ____ both deal with children growing up in violent surroundings (1st aspect of comparison) and both have villains who die in the end (2nd aspect of comparison) Statements of contrast Ex: ____ shows the negative consequences of risk-taking and is a humorous coming of age story, while ____ shows lifes rewards and is a serious story. Statements of other observations Ex: In literature it is often easier to discuss difficult subject matters when placing them in a futuristic fantasy world.

Try to include at least one of each type of statement in your list. For some, it may be challenging to come up with a theme that applies to both works, or to find similarities between them. Try! Usually something will surface with a bit of digging. Think about the characters, the literary style, the setting, the authors purpose, point of view, etc

Turn in a separate sheet with the different statements you developed using the texts: 10% Essay 70% Independently, write a report in which you sue statements and your notes to show your understanding of both works. The essay should take the following structure: Paragraph 1: Pick a theme statement and discuss how it is developed in both works. Paragraph 2: Pick a comparison statement. Use your notes and quote from your book to prove your argument. Paragraph 3: Pick a contrast statement. Use your notes and quote from your book to prove your argument. Paragraph 4: Discuss an observation or topic from your notes which is not covered above (if setting has not come up, for example, discuss it here) Paragraph 5: In your opinion which of the novels has greater value as a literary work? Why? Would you read your partners book? Why or why not? Give legitimate, well thought-out reasons for your opinion.

Novel to Film
Overview Many novels have been the inspiration of movies. Sometimes the filmmakers follow the novel closely and to truly set forth to capture the spirit of the novel and the authors message. Other filmmakers use the novel as a seed of inspiration, but move the story beyond the authors original novel. Your assignment is to choose a novel that has been made into a movie and demonstrate your understanding of that novel and the film based upon it. Easy steps in completing this assignment 1. Choose a novel that has been made into a movie and whose movie is readily available for your use. 2. Read the novel. 3. Secure a copy of the film on DVD. Your copy should be the theatrical release and not an edited for television version. Mini-series may be used but must be in their entirety. 4. Choose the presentation or paper evaluation. Objectives Students will: Examine the language of the novel/script Analyze sections of the film/novel Compare and contrast different artistic styles in the film/novel Write cohesive literary analysis essays on the film/novel

Background on Reading a Film In the study of film criticism, some scholars say that a film can be read as a text is read. However, in order for a viewer to read and understand a film, the filmmaker must create a film that is readable. According to Sergei Eisenstein, the film director, like the author of a book, must select a great number of details in order to tell his or her story. She/he must select the right people, the right faces, the right objects, the right actions, and the right sequences in order to create a film that can be understood by its viewers. While it may be true that we can read a film similar to the way we read a book, a film comes with a unique set of challengers quite different from those presented by a book. For example, if we come to a confusing section in a book, we can stop reading and turn back the pages to a place that may help us clear up our confusion. If we view a film for the first time in a darkened theatre, however, we do not have the luxury of stopping. If we do stop to ponder a point in that viewing experience, the film will go on without us. We must pay close attention

to a number of details all at once. Our minds must move in real time with the action, the sequence of images, the dialogue and other sounds, the lighting, the costumes, the location, and the editing. Such a challenge requires that we be present, keenly attentive as the film progresses. With this in mind, it is clear that if we want to write about or discuss our responses in any depth to a given film, we will need a video tape or a DVD of that film so that, after our initial viewing, we can go back and view repeatedly an important scene to gain a deeper and more thorough understanding of how the filmmaker achieves a certain effect or implies a certain mood, action, relationship, or piece of information. Prompts for Discussing
Plot 1. 2. 3. 4. What changes have been made from novel to film? How does the film deal with the complexity of the plot of the novel? When are the climaxes in each genre? How is the tension resolved in each genre?

Characters 1. 2. 3. 4. Setting 1. How have the complexities of the setting been transformed from novel to film? Themes 1. What are the main themes of the novel? 2. What are the main themes of the film? Account for any differences. Dialogue 1. What adaptations have been made to the dialogue? 2. Has the language been modernized? If so, how? 3. How has dialogue been used to add information that is narrated by the author of the novel? Writers technique and film techniques 1. How have long passages of description in the novel been dealt with in the film? 2. Compare how changes in time and place have been portrayed in the novel and film. 3. A writer can give an account of a characters thoughts and feelings. How are these portrayed in the film? Essay Option Write an essay that discusses the similarities and differences between your chosen novel and film. Use the following guide. 1. 2. 3. 4. Treatment of themes, plot, and dialogue Portrayal of characters Setting Camera Techniques Comment on the addition or deletion of characters. How are they similar or different from novel to film? Consider personality and appearance. Do the characters develop in the same way in both genres? Comment on the choice of actors.

5. Sound Techniques Presentation Option Select passages from the novel and scenes from the movie that illustrate the five areas of discussion for the Essay Option. Create an outline of what you are going to discuss and document the passages that you will read and the scenes that you will show to prove your arguments. Schedule your presentation and submit your outline for approval.

Writing Activities
Pick any combination of assignments that add up to 100 Points. You must label your writing assignments so that it is easily identifiable for grading. 20 Points Each (about one page) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Discuss how the main character is like or unlike a person (or animal) that you know. Pretend that youre the author and describe the part that was the most fun or hardest to write. Describe an experience youve had that was like the experience of a character in the book. Write any kind of poem about your book (minimum 16 lines). Write an obituary for one character. Explain how a character in the book changed from the beginning to the end. If the book has a villain, why was his or her punishment justified. Explain why you would like to have one of the characters as a friend. Make a crossword puzzle based on important key words gleaned from the novel.

30 Points Each (length varies 2-3 pages) 1. Tell what you think happened before the story began. 2. Write another part of the story where you describe what happened to the main character after the story ended. 3. Explain how you would make your book into a movie who would play the main characters, where would you film it, etc.? You must explain your choices. 4. Explain what problems the major characters had and how they solved them. 5. Pretend you are a character in the novel. Describe the other characters in the novel through your eyes and what you think of each of them. Explain why. 50 Points Each (3-5 Pages, outside research required) 1. Write a review of a movie or another book that is similar to your novel in plot or general theme. 2. Find THREE songs that seem to relate to your novel. Write out the lyrics and then write an analysis of how they relate. (The analysis of the songs is what will create the 3-5 pages of writing, NOT THE LYRICS) 3. Compare your book with several TV shows that are similar. 4. Keep a journal as you read your book: record the dates and your reactions, thoughts, and feelings.

General Guidelines

1. You must turn in all assignments following the instructions for turning in major assignments. 2. All information used directly or indirectly from your novel or other resources must be documented. 3. All work must be original!

*** If you have an idea for another written activity that you would like to complete, please discuss this with Mrs. Hilarides and see what points can be given.

Read With Me Project

For this parallel reading, you must find an adult who will agree to read the same book as you. You and your partner will read the book and then rate it according to a system you (the student) have devised. Next, you will both write a review of the book. Finally, you will make a presentation of the book incorporating both reviews and ratings. Here are the steps: 1. Begin by finding a reading partner a parent or other adult relative is ideal, but consider other adults as well (a coach, scout leader, neighbor, teacher, co-worker). Your reading partner should be at least 21 years old. Then select a book to read. The adult can be active in the book selection, or you can decide which book you would like to read. Turn in the name of the adult who is your reading partner and the title of the book you have decided upon. 2. After completion of the book, two reviews are written: one by your adult reading partner and one by you, the student. Your review counts twice as much as your reading partners review because it will be graded for grammar and composition skills as well as content. Basically, you will get the points for your partners review simply by it being in the project. 3. The reviews are attached to poster board to make a visual display. The area should be divided into three parts: on the LEFT is your reading partners review and rating; in the center is a mock up of the book cover; on the RIGHT is your review and rating. You must devise a rating system for you and your reading partner that is pertinent to your book Five starts, thumbs up/down is NOT ACCEPTABLE. Be ingenious! 4. The final step is oral presentation of the poster and the book. Your reading partner is encouraged to come and participate in this part of the project, but his or her attendance is not required. PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility to read the book, develop a rating system, write your review, create your presentation, and present it to the class. When you begin this project you will work with Miss Davidson to set a deadline for completing the reading and presentation to the class. TOTAL POINTS: 100