Multi-genre Paper
Book Talk
Rather than writing traditional book reports for their independent reading, students may choose from multiple projects that better suit their learning styles. These projects are more engaging for students, and are a better way to assess their understanding of a text than a traditional book report.
Independent Reading Assignments
A book talk is the oral version of a book review, which combines objective and subjective information about the book.
The writer/presenter should give enough information about a book to pique a potential reader’s interest, give them an accurate appraisal of how good the book is, and provide adequate plot and character summary for someone to know if it is the kind of book he or she might like. The book talk should not give away the ending or spoil any special surprises the author has created.
Book talks should include some kind of visual presentation. They need to be scripted and can include music and props.
Grades will be based on oral presentation, a script that will be turned in, and visual presentation.
The art of the multi-genre paper is about choosing genres that will convey the real essence of a book.
Examples of what a multi-genre paper might include are:
a sonnet about the protagonist’s love interest
a eulogy or obituary for a character who dies
a short research piece on the setting
a psychological profile of the villain or protagonist
Multi-genre papers must include at least three genres.
Grades will be based on how well the different writing pieces convey the essence of the book, and the quality of the writing.
Webquests are sites devoted to a specific book. The links and information form a sort of “quest,” which, if the reader follows them will result in the readers becoming experts on this particular book.
The Arizona State University English Education website has some great examples.(http://www.asu.edu/english/englished/yalit/webquest.htm). Students don't need to be web design experts to do this project either. Free templates are available on various websites such as weebly.com.
Webquests should include links about the author, characters, plot and theme.
Grades will be based on how well the webquest covers the material in the book.
Students use cardboard, index cards, art supplies and assorted knickknacks to create a board game similar to Monopoly or other commonly known game but based their book.
Players advance around the board with stops that reflect the journey (literal or figurative) of the main character. They may land on spaces that have penalties or rewards or require drawing from a stack of shuffled cards for a consequences that may be good of bad.. Students are free to use their imaginations, the only requirement being that each element of their invented game must have a basis in the book.
Grades will be based on how well the game represents the contents of the book.
Webquest
Book Based Board Game
Character Playlist
Students create an iPod playlist that the main character from their book would listen too.
Songs should be selected to represent the character's physical and emotional journey, and should be in sequential order. Each song must have an explanation from the book for why it was chosen.
The written explanation will be turned in with the list of songs.
Grades will be based on how well the student conveys his or her understanding of characterization.