Directions:
1. Every student must read an AR Independent Reading Book. The objective of the
assignment is to have your child experience many different genres this year while we
grow him/her from second grade picture books into third and fourth
grade full length
books. Shoot for books at your child’s reading level that are as close to 200 pages with few
or no
illustrations. Choose your child’s books wisely. They are a wonderful opportunity
to share morals and demonstrate admirable character traits.
2. Print and complete a Characterization and Summary Template from this web site. This is
your sloppy copy.
3. Have a parent edit the Characterization and Summary form.
4. Re-write the Characterization and Summary form into an error free final copy.
5. For this book summary you will create a "filmstrip” that summarizes the book you read. It
will make a fabulous and
entertaining visual aid for your oral presentation, if it is made
big enough to see! Use the film strip provided below or make
your own. You can
resize the strip to suit your needs.
Panel 1: Create a panel that informs us of the title, author, genre, and any awards this book has
won. (Cut and paste or copy this from your edited error free Characterization Summary
Template)
Panel 2: The next panel should clearly demonstrate the setting of the book. Remember, the
setting is the time and place of the story. Illustrate the setting of the book and then describe the
setting. (Cut and paste or copy this from your edited error free Characterization Summary
Template)
Panel 3: Then, create a panel that shows, in both pictures and “subtitles” the main characters in
the book and describe each of them. Be certain to use any character traits that foreshadow the
plot or problem in the story. (Cut and paste or copy this from your edited error free
Characterization Summary Template)
Panel 4: The next panel will summarize the book. The picture will clearly demonstrate what
happened in the book or reflect the problem or plot of the book. (Cut and paste or copy this
from your edited error free Characterization Summary Template)
Panel 5: This panel will be your “wrap-it-up” or concluding panel. Using your picture and
words, demonstrate how the book ends. How is the problem solved? (Cut and paste or copy
this from your edited error free Characterization Summary Template)
Panel 6: Using pictures and words, demonstrate what you learned from this book. (Cut and
paste or copy this from your edited error free Characterization Summary Template)
Panel 7: Tell, using pictures or words if you would recommend this book to the class. Be sure
to explain why. Or, offer an alternative ending. Did the ending satisfy you? Did you like it or
would you like to change the ending? If so, use a film panel to show us how you would direct
the characters to a different conclusion! (Be sure to follow the writing step: brainstorm, get a
plan, write your rough draft, edit it, and then write your final copy onto the filmstrip.)
You may draw the panels’ free hand, or use computer generated art or photos. I don’t care. Get
your creative juices flowing. Also, you may find it neater and easier to read the “subtitles” if
your child types the Summary sections, cuts, and glues the words to the filmstrip. Maybe
outline your drawings in black marker or crayon?????
6. To “show” your Filmstrip Book Characterization and Summary, you will need to get a box
and decorate it. Be creative. (Curtains, popcorn, Movie Theatre, black box????)
7. The box must be open on one side; the viewing side. Then, ask your mom or dad to cut slits
in the top and bottom of the box big enough for your filmstrip to pass through creating a
wonderful show for us to view.
8. Turn both the sloppy and final copy of the Characterization and Summary forms.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Don’t forget the popcorn! 