Independent Reading Guidelines:
Instead of completing Accelerated Reader with a monthly goal, you will be required to read at least one book outside
of class per marking period. The books will be assigned each marking period and you will be required to complete a
project based assessment on the novel that demonstrates your understanding of the main concepts of the novel.
Old Man and the Sea
The Pearl
The Giver
The Acorn People
A Day No Pigs Would Die
The Chocolate War
Possible Books:
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Something Wicked this Way Comes
The Scarlet Letter
Fahrenheit 451
Of Mice and Men
The Layout:
Each marking period you are assigned a book. You have the marking period to read the novel and complete the project.
The project must be completed by the posted due date or it is a zero and may not be made up . You may
not do a project more than once.
1. Create a VIDEO that shows one of the themes within the novel and how it applies to today. Be creative, write a
script, record the film, and deliver to the teacher. Your video must include the following:
a. Evidence supporting a Theme within the story (Direct Quotes)
b. An explanation of the theme
c. Make a connection between the theme from the novel to today’s society
d. Creatively present the information (Hint: Documentary, NPR, ENews, Talk Show)
Every option must
e. Minimum of 3 minutes long
include 3 properly
2. INTERVIEW THE AUTHOR
cited direct quotes!
a. Can be done via: Podcast, audio recording, video, or live role playing
b. Minimum of 3 minutes long
c. Must provide the teacher with a TYPED script
d. Must include research and a works cited page
3. Write a BOOK REVIEW from the perspective of a teenager during the 21st century. Keep in mind the book review
must be supported with analysis, quotes, and research to support the viewpoint.
a. This can be presented via: essay, video, podcast, or audio recording.
b. Essay must be a minimum of 2 pages long, Any type of recording must be a minimum of 3 minutes
4. CREATE a 3-D REPLICA depicting the development of the characters and/or the theme throughout the novel.
a. 3-D replica shows creativity and effort
b. Represents the concepts outlined
c. Includes a 1 page TYPED rationale explaining the creative representation.
d. Think treasure box, statue, diorama, etc.
5. Informative Poster/Presentation that shows the development of theme and plot.
a. Must have color and be aesthetically pleasing (Poster, PowerPoint,
Prezi)
Rubric for Projects 1-5
b. Represents the concepts outlined in the novel
Organization:
/ 5
c. Presentation lasts 2-3 minutes
Effort/Creativity:
/ 10
6. Objective Test
a. 30-50 Questions
b. Multiple Choice, True/False, Fill in the Blank, Short Answer, or
Essay
Required Elements Complete:
Includes at least 3 Quotes:
Works Cited:
Content Accuracy:
/
/
5
/
/
10
10
10