Grade 4 – Independent Reading Project
During our last quarter, you will read the book assigned to you as part of our Independent Reading Project. There are two parts to this project: reading response logs and lettered activity.
Grading for the Independent Reading Project:
Reading Response Logs 30 points (10 points each)
Lettered Activities 70 points
100 points
Pacing Yourself:
- You should make a plan for reading your book at a reasonable pace.
- Don’t put it off until the last two weeks of the quarter.
Extra Credit Opportunities
- Students who finish a first book and complete the written activities may earn extra credit by reading additional books.
- Written activities do not have to be completed to earn the extra credit – reading only.
- Extra credit books should be approved by the instructor
Due Dates for the Independent Reading Project:
- Reading Response Logs May 18, May 25 and June 1
- Lettered Activity June 15
READING RESPONSE LOG:
Three journal entries (written neatly, on separate lined paper) or emails will be sent to me reflecting on your book and your reading process: one after you finish the first third of the book, one after two thirds of the book and one after you complete the book.
NOTE: If your book does not have chapters, please break up the number of pages into three sections.
My E-mail address is: tsuckoo@fbcs.edu.ky
Each reading response entry should be at least 3 paragraphs in length. You can’t be wrong in your responses, as these reflect your personal reactions to the text. Take some risks and be honest. Use the sample prompts to help you get started with expressing your likes/dislikes, confusion, and observations. Tell me what you think something means. Make predictions about what might happen later. Use your personal experiences to connect with the plot, characters, setting, etc.
Sample Interactive Prompts:
· I really don’t understand the part where . . .
· I really like/dislike this idea because . . .
· This character reminds me of somebody I know because . . .
· This character reminds me of myself because . . .
· I think this setting is important because . . .
· This scene reminds me of a similar scene in (title of book/movie/T.V. show) because . . .
· I like/dislike this writing because . . .
· This part is very realistic/unrealistic because . . .
· I think the relationship between ______and ______ is interesting because . . .
· This section makes me think about . . .
· I like/dislike (name of character) because . . .
· This situation reminds me of a similar situation in my own life. What happened was . . .
· If I were (name of character) at this point, I would . . .
· I began to think of . . .
· I love the way . . .
· I can’t believe . . .
· I wonder why . . .
· I noticed . . .
· I’m not sure . . .
· My favorite character is ___ . . .
· I like the way the author . . .
· I felt sad when . . .
· I wish that . . .
· I was surprised . . .
· It seems like . . .
· I’m not sure . . .
· I want to know more about . . .
· I predict . . .
NUMBERED ACTIVITIES:
After you have read your book, you must choose ONE of the following activities to complete. Please indicate the activity letter you have chosen on your paper/project.
1. Make a tri-fold travel brochure that invites tourists to visit the setting of the book. Describe the scenery and surroundings. Explain the types of activities that might be available. Your brochure should employ colorful design, pictures, and phrasing in order to entice travelers to go there.
2. Make a collage of a major theme from the book. Use clippings from magazines, newspapers, etc. The collage must be on paper that is at least 8 ½” x 14” and should include at least 10 different clips. On the back of the collage, explain in one paragraph what theme you are representing and what it has to do with your novel.
3. Build a timeline for the major events in the story, focusing on at least twelve incidents. Highlight the initial conflict(s), climax, and resolution of the story in some way. Be sure that the action is accurately placed and that the time between events is indicated neatly. Include drawings to highlight each event.
4. Draw a map of where your story took place. It should contain areas where significant events happened. Use a key to describe these happenings. Be certain to include a title and label the appropriate areas. Detail, color, and accuracy are points to remember.
5. Plan a party for four characters in the story. Consider each character’s personality, likes and dislikes. Decide on a theme for the part and a gift for him or her… something he or she would really like and use. Include sketches as to how your party will be decorated and where it will take place. Create a note or card to go along with each gift. In the greeting, explain to your friend from the book why you selected the gift.
- Rewrite three parts of the story as a poem or a song. Be sure to include important incidentsand conflicts. Include a designed cover and back for your poems.
- Write a news article covering the events in your story. Include quotes, expert opinions, “photos.” Be sure to include who, what, when, where, why, and how.
- Design a web site or construct a power point presentation about your book.
- Construct a mobile of the story’s characters. The mobile should include the book’s title and then the cast of characters represented in any artistic form you choose. Some examples include cardboard cutouts of the characters, abstract construction paper shapes, index cards labeled with names, etc. A list of each character’s traits and/or a description of the character should be on the reverse side of each hanging object.
- Design a large-scale poster for a film adaptation of the book. Include a synopsis of story and a meaningful picture representing some aspect of the novel. Invent a catchy slogan or tagline to draw audiences to see the movie. Be colorful! Your final product must show thought and effort.
- Make a scrapbook about the story or pretend a character had made it about his/her life. This should look like a real scrapbook, complete with actual memorabilia, awards, letters, photos, mementos, ticket stubs, report cards, etc. Include the book title or the character’s name on the book. Label each item (at least fifteen) and explain its significance.
12. Write a piece of music to fit a character, event, or feeling from the story. Explain how and why you created the piece. Be prepared to perform it (if requested) or record the performance and submit it.
13. Act out and video tape at least three scenes from the book. The entire presentation should run about ten minutes. Submit a written copy of setting, dialogue, direction, etc. along with the videotape.
14. Design a CD cover (front, back, and insides) that is 8″ x 8″. The back cover should list the soundtrack for the novel (title and artist) that includes at least 10 well-known songs. On the inside, write at least one sentence (per song) explaining how it relates to the story events or character(s). The look of the front cover is up to you!
- Sketch costumes for at least three characters in the novel. Each character needs 3 costume changes. For each drawing, explain why the outfit, accessory, color is appropriate to its owner. How is the apparel useful or necessary in particular settings or situations?
16. Construct puppets resembling two of the story’s characters. The puppets can be made of any combination of materials (paper, cloth, plastic, etc.) and should be functional. Attach a 3” x 5” index card to each puppet listing his/her name, significance in the story, and how what you have made truly illustrates the character.
17. Make a “wanted” poster for one of the characters or objects in your book. Include the following: (a) a drawing or cut out picture of the character or object, (b) a physical description of the character or object, (c) the character’s or object’s misdeeds (or deeds?), (d) other information about the character or object which is important, (e) the reward offered for the capture of the character or object.
18. Photograph real people, places, and things that represent the same in your novel. Secure at least fifteen pictures in an “album.” The album’s front cover should list the name of the book and the author. For each photo, write a caption that labels the picture and explains how it is connected to the story.
19. Write a radio show version of one of the scenes in your story and record it on a cassette tape or c.d. Include dialogue that mirrors that of the original story and add sound effects and/or music, if possible.
20. Create a comic strip or a storyboard for the events in the story. Be sure that the illustrations explain the story clearly. Do not include every detail– only those that are necessary to understand the actions. You will not be judged on your artistic talent, only on your apparent effort.
