Quarterly Novel Projects
The novels must be at least 200 pages.
Do not choose a fictional novel that has been made into a movie. If you do, it will be a zero. It is your responsibility to check this before you commit to reading a book. Also, your novel must follow one character or a group of characters throughout the book.
After each novel, choose a project to complete. Make sure to read and follow the directions. You will present your project to the class. Be prepared to explain what the book is about and to answer questions. If you have questions, ask me before the assignment is due.
2nd Quarter Due Date is... December 11, 2015
You can select from the Following Projects for your Novel.
Do not choose a fictional novel that has been made into a movie. If you do, it will be a zero. It is your responsibility to check this before you commit to reading a book. Also, your novel must follow one character or a group of characters throughout the book.
After each novel, choose a project to complete. Make sure to read and follow the directions. You will present your project to the class. Be prepared to explain what the book is about and to answer questions. If you have questions, ask me before the assignment is due.
2nd Quarter Due Date is... December 11, 2015
You can select from the Following Projects for your Novel.
ScrapBook
· Must be in an album
· Must have a minimum of 20 pages. Each page must have at least one picture, but you can put several on each. However, if you choose to have more than one picture on one page, it does not count extra.
· Each picture must have a caption that explains what it represents. This explanation must be three sentences or more.
· The pictures must be in color, like a real photo album. No drawing them and no cartoon characters. They must be of real people and things.
NEW!! cereal box
FRONT OF BOX: Use a piece of white or light colored paper to cover the front of your cereal box. (You will probably want to create the cover before gluing it on your box.) Include the name of the cereal and a picture. Invent a name for the cereal that is related to the title of the book and sounds like a cereal. Do not use the exact title of the book. You may want to look at the attached page of real cereal boxes to get some ideas. Choose a shape for the cereal as well as colors and ingredients that all relate to the book. For example, for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you might invent a cereal called Wizard Wands, a toasted oat cereal in the shape of miniature lightning bolts.
RIGHT SIDE: Make a list of ingredients that includes the story elements Characters and Setting. Under the heading "Ingredients," list the main characters and write a sentence about each one. Then describe the setting. You can cover the side with white or light colored paper and do it in your own way. Just make sure you include the main characters and the setting.
LEFT SIDE: Write a summary that describes the main problem and the solution of the book. Try to use words that will “grab” readers’ attention and make them want to buy your cereal. You can use the attached template or do this is your own way.
BACK OF BOX: Design a game that is based on the story. It can be a puzzle, a word search, a word scramble, a maze, a crossword puzzle, a hidden pictures illustration, or any other fun activity that might be found on the back of a cereal box. Make sure it includes information from the book. TOP OF BOX: Include the title, author, number of pages, and number of stars you would give this book if you were a book critic. The maximum number of stars would be 5. You can use the template or create the top of the box yourself as long as you include all of the things listed above.
PRIZE: Cereal boxes often include a prize. Your prize must be something the main character could have used in the book or something that reminds you of the main character. You can even include a picture of the prize on the front of your box to let the reader know what is inside the box.
RIGHT SIDE: Make a list of ingredients that includes the story elements Characters and Setting. Under the heading "Ingredients," list the main characters and write a sentence about each one. Then describe the setting. You can cover the side with white or light colored paper and do it in your own way. Just make sure you include the main characters and the setting.
LEFT SIDE: Write a summary that describes the main problem and the solution of the book. Try to use words that will “grab” readers’ attention and make them want to buy your cereal. You can use the attached template or do this is your own way.
BACK OF BOX: Design a game that is based on the story. It can be a puzzle, a word search, a word scramble, a maze, a crossword puzzle, a hidden pictures illustration, or any other fun activity that might be found on the back of a cereal box. Make sure it includes information from the book. TOP OF BOX: Include the title, author, number of pages, and number of stars you would give this book if you were a book critic. The maximum number of stars would be 5. You can use the template or create the top of the box yourself as long as you include all of the things listed above.
PRIZE: Cereal boxes often include a prize. Your prize must be something the main character could have used in the book or something that reminds you of the main character. You can even include a picture of the prize on the front of your box to let the reader know what is inside the box.
Make a Newspaper
Directions: Make a newspaper using the information from your novel. This is a creative writing assignment and you may have to create information. Try to stay within the setting of your novel.
Choose 4 of the 5 sections:
· Metro (This is required) – Two articles must be written. Each must be a minimum of two paragraphs which consists of a minimum of 5 sentences apiece.
· Classified – Five entries must be included. Minimum of 3 sentences each entry.
· Life Style – Two entries must be included. Each entry must have at least 5 sentences.
· Sports – Two entries must be included. Each entry must have at least 4 sentences.
· Travel – Two entries must be included. Each entry must have at least 4 sentences.
************There must be a minimum of three pictures posted on your newspaper.*********
Choose 4 of the 5 sections:
· Metro (This is required) – Two articles must be written. Each must be a minimum of two paragraphs which consists of a minimum of 5 sentences apiece.
· Classified – Five entries must be included. Minimum of 3 sentences each entry.
· Life Style – Two entries must be included. Each entry must have at least 5 sentences.
· Sports – Two entries must be included. Each entry must have at least 4 sentences.
· Travel – Two entries must be included. Each entry must have at least 4 sentences.
************There must be a minimum of three pictures posted on your newspaper.*********
Mini-Book
Directions:
Your job is to make a mini-book of the novel you read. The sections you need for your book are as follows:
· Recreate a colorful front cover that is different from the original. It must be relevant to the story. The title must be visible.
· Each chapter is replaced with a good summary (minimum of 7 sentences per chapter required). If your book has less than 20 chapters, bring your book in when you present. If it has more than 20 chapters, combine chapters together to give you no more than 20 chapter summaries.
· The back of the book must have a paragraph that hooks the reader into wanting to read it.
Don’t forget to put the author’s name on the book and add yours as the author of the mini-book.
Your job is to make a mini-book of the novel you read. The sections you need for your book are as follows:
· Recreate a colorful front cover that is different from the original. It must be relevant to the story. The title must be visible.
· Each chapter is replaced with a good summary (minimum of 7 sentences per chapter required). If your book has less than 20 chapters, bring your book in when you present. If it has more than 20 chapters, combine chapters together to give you no more than 20 chapter summaries.
· The back of the book must have a paragraph that hooks the reader into wanting to read it.
Don’t forget to put the author’s name on the book and add yours as the author of the mini-book.
Poetry Portfolio
Directions: Write a poem for each chapter. Each poem must be a minimum of 8 lines and doesn’t have to rhyme. Each poem should also have its own page and should be within a decorated folder in the order of the chapter it represents. The content of the poems should be directly related to the events of the chapters they represent. A minimum of 20 poems are required. See me if your novel is more than 20 chapters. You must have a minimum of 20 poems.
Write a Letter
Directions: Write a letter from the character’s perspective (1st person). You will write as if you are the main character. Tell me the following:
· What happened to you (being the main character) from beginning to end – Make this a good thorough summary from the character’s point of view.
· What you (being the main character) thought about what happened
· How you felt as you (being the main character) went through the events of the book
· If you as the character learned any lessons
This must be at least 2 pages (front only) in length. If you type your letter 2 full pages are still required. Spelling and grammar must be correct. Penmanship will be part of the grade, so please write neatly.
Example Letter
· What happened to you (being the main character) from beginning to end – Make this a good thorough summary from the character’s point of view.
· What you (being the main character) thought about what happened
· How you felt as you (being the main character) went through the events of the book
· If you as the character learned any lessons
This must be at least 2 pages (front only) in length. If you type your letter 2 full pages are still required. Spelling and grammar must be correct. Penmanship will be part of the grade, so please write neatly.
Example Letter
Character Candy
Directions:
Your project is to represent the main character of your novel. Think about all the things that make the character who he/she is. It could be something the character does, something he/she says, or a character trait he/she possesses.
The Candy - Each piece of candy must represent something about your character or something important that happened to your character that may have shaped him/her into that person. It shouldn’t be edible or anything that will get moldy over a period of time. No two pieces of candy should look the same. It may not be a drawn piece of candy on paper. It must be something that can be held in the hand. There must be at least 20 pieces of candy.
The inside Lid - On the inside of the lid of the candy box, include a reference guide for each piece of candy. It should contain the unique name of each piece and what it stands for. It should be neatly written and easy to follow. Perhaps numbering the bottom of each candy piece or drawing the candy would be helpful.
The Box – Decorate the box and include the fictitious name of your candy as a whole. It should be related to the novel but not with the exact same title.
Examples:
Your project is to represent the main character of your novel. Think about all the things that make the character who he/she is. It could be something the character does, something he/she says, or a character trait he/she possesses.
The Candy - Each piece of candy must represent something about your character or something important that happened to your character that may have shaped him/her into that person. It shouldn’t be edible or anything that will get moldy over a period of time. No two pieces of candy should look the same. It may not be a drawn piece of candy on paper. It must be something that can be held in the hand. There must be at least 20 pieces of candy.
The inside Lid - On the inside of the lid of the candy box, include a reference guide for each piece of candy. It should contain the unique name of each piece and what it stands for. It should be neatly written and easy to follow. Perhaps numbering the bottom of each candy piece or drawing the candy would be helpful.
The Box – Decorate the box and include the fictitious name of your candy as a whole. It should be related to the novel but not with the exact same title.
Examples:
PowerPoint Project
Directions: Your PowerPoint must contain the following:
· One slide to represent the cover. It must have a picture of your book on it.
· At least one slide per chapter on which you type a summary of approximately 3-5 sentences. Include a picture to represent the actions taking place. Pictures are worth just as much as the summary, so make it relevant. If you have more than 20 chapters, you can combine summaries so that you don't have to do more than 20.
· One slide about the author. Include a picture of him/her.
You may email me the PowerPoint at [email protected] or bring it in on a flash drive BEFORE it is due. This gives us time to verify it will work on the school’s computer. It is important that you not wait until the day before it’s due or on the due date.
Example PowerPoint
· One slide to represent the cover. It must have a picture of your book on it.
· At least one slide per chapter on which you type a summary of approximately 3-5 sentences. Include a picture to represent the actions taking place. Pictures are worth just as much as the summary, so make it relevant. If you have more than 20 chapters, you can combine summaries so that you don't have to do more than 20.
· One slide about the author. Include a picture of him/her.
You may email me the PowerPoint at [email protected] or bring it in on a flash drive BEFORE it is due. This gives us time to verify it will work on the school’s computer. It is important that you not wait until the day before it’s due or on the due date.
Example PowerPoint
Book Trailer: Updated!!
Directions: A book trailer is like a preview for a movie. It is put together very similar to a powerpoint but is very different in that it runs to each slide on its own. The goal is to create interest but not give away the end. The book trailer cannot be any shorter than one minute.
There is a particular program to use when creating a book trailer. It is a web-based program that you use at home. www.animoto.com. You will have to create an account to use it, but it is free. The code you need to type in under Promo Code is a4eguzm448250e0bc56
It is not necessary to buy anything to make a book trailer for this project. There are options available if you so choose to buy, but I don’t recommend it for this assignment.
These are the directions below:
Download pictures from your computer. You can save pictures from the internet into your hard drive and download them that way. Once the pictures are downloaded, add the text you wish on each one. If you want nothing but words on a particular slide, download a blank page from word art that you saved onto your computer and type the words onto that. Each picture should represent an important event in the story. You must have at least 5 pictures on your book trailer.
Choose the music you wish to accompany the book trailer. There is free instrumental music to choose from with both programs. You can also download your own choice of song from a CD. The music must fit the tone of the novel and must be appropriate for school. Anything not will result in a zero.
When the book trailer has been completed, email it to me at [email protected]
Very Important! After the book trailer has been made and emailed, please answer the following questions which you will turn in when you show your trailer to the class:
1. What is the summary of your novel from beginning to end? This is half of the grade!
2. Explain each picture and why you chose it. How do they correlate with your novel? Be specific with each picture chosen.
Example Book Trailer
There is a particular program to use when creating a book trailer. It is a web-based program that you use at home. www.animoto.com. You will have to create an account to use it, but it is free. The code you need to type in under Promo Code is a4eguzm448250e0bc56
It is not necessary to buy anything to make a book trailer for this project. There are options available if you so choose to buy, but I don’t recommend it for this assignment.
These are the directions below:
Download pictures from your computer. You can save pictures from the internet into your hard drive and download them that way. Once the pictures are downloaded, add the text you wish on each one. If you want nothing but words on a particular slide, download a blank page from word art that you saved onto your computer and type the words onto that. Each picture should represent an important event in the story. You must have at least 5 pictures on your book trailer.
Choose the music you wish to accompany the book trailer. There is free instrumental music to choose from with both programs. You can also download your own choice of song from a CD. The music must fit the tone of the novel and must be appropriate for school. Anything not will result in a zero.
When the book trailer has been completed, email it to me at [email protected]
Very Important! After the book trailer has been made and emailed, please answer the following questions which you will turn in when you show your trailer to the class:
1. What is the summary of your novel from beginning to end? This is half of the grade!
2. Explain each picture and why you chose it. How do they correlate with your novel? Be specific with each picture chosen.
Example Book Trailer
Comic Book
Make a front cover that is colorful that includes the title and author of the book. Your name needs to be there as the illustrator.
Each chapter needs to be illustrated in as many boxes as necessary so that the reader gets a good idea of what happened. Each box must work to build the plot in chronological order. If your book has more than 20 chapters, you may stop at 20. Pick and choose which 20 chapters you’ll illustrate, making sure that the end of the book is included.
On the back of the comic book, write a summary of the book, leaving out the end so it doesn’t spoil it for the reader. You should leave the readers feeling intrigued, making them want to buy the book and read it.
Each chapter needs to be illustrated in as many boxes as necessary so that the reader gets a good idea of what happened. Each box must work to build the plot in chronological order. If your book has more than 20 chapters, you may stop at 20. Pick and choose which 20 chapters you’ll illustrate, making sure that the end of the book is included.
On the back of the comic book, write a summary of the book, leaving out the end so it doesn’t spoil it for the reader. You should leave the readers feeling intrigued, making them want to buy the book and read it.
Journal Project
Directions: You will have a total of 20 entries which can be organized in dates, chapters, or events as they happen in the order of the book. In each entry, write from the perspective of one character (preferably the main character). Address the following:
What major things happened in the novel? This should end up being a good summary of the entire novel when they are read from entry 1 to entry 20.
How did the character feel about the events?
What thoughts may she/he have had?
The journal should be written as if it was a diary and the writer is sharing his/her secret thoughts. Each entry should have no less than 10 sentences.
What major things happened in the novel? This should end up being a good summary of the entire novel when they are read from entry 1 to entry 20.
How did the character feel about the events?
What thoughts may she/he have had?
The journal should be written as if it was a diary and the writer is sharing his/her secret thoughts. Each entry should have no less than 10 sentences.