Now that the novels are complete, it is your opportunity to show me how well you understood the novel. Listed below are 40 projects, each providing for differentiated assessments in a manner different from the traditional pencil and paper format. After studying the list, choose one/two/three that you feel fit your learning style(s). Use the following guidelines in selecting your projects.
1.
One of the projects must have a technology component included.
2.
The projects must be presented to the class on the selected date.
3.
All projects will be critiqued using the attached rubric.
4.
If you choose to work with a partner, only one of the projects may be done with another student.
5.
Due date for projects: _________________________________________
1.
Make a diorama. Take any old box you have around and build a scene from the book.
Use toys, clay, grass, dirt, whatever is handy to build the scenery, and of course, draw or paint the background. Then write a short paragraph or two or three telling about this scene.

The short paragraphs (minimum of three) should be written in MLA format.

A minimum of five different mediums should be used in building the diorama.

Plot

Technology (Writer)

(**)
2.
Make a mural showing scenes from the book with captions to show us what the picture is about.

Plot

(*)
3.
Write a letter from one character to another character.

The letter should be written in a friendly letter format.

The letter must have a minimum of five paragraphs in it.

Character

Technology (Writer)

(**)
4.
Make a new jacket with an original blurb.

The jacket must contain the title, the author, and a one-sentence phrase to
“attract” the reader.

The picture must pertain to the setting, plot, and/or one of the main characters in the novel.

The jacket must be designed so it can “fit” the book.

Plot, Setting, Character

Technology (Draw)


(**)
5.
With another student, do a pretend interview with one of the characters.

The interview may be recorded on videotape/DVD ahead of time, or it may be done live for the class.

The interview must have a minimum of twelve thought provoking questions.

A hard copy of the interview (typed) must be provided with the presentation.

Plot, Character

Technology (Podcast)

(**)
6.
Cut out magazine pictures to make a collage or a poster illustrating the main idea of the book.

The collage must be done on the shape of an object that is significant to the novel.

The collage must contain a minimum of three different mediums.

The collage should contain words that help define/explain the novel.

The college should focus on characters, setting, plot, and/or themes.

The collage should contain the author as well as the title of the book.

Plot, Setting, Character

(**)
7.
Find a song or a poem that relates to the theme of your book. Explain the similarities.

The song should be recorded on a CD for your presentation.

A five-paragraph paper should be included with your song (MLA typed). The paper should focus on why you chose this specific song as well as the similarities to the book.

The lyrics for the song (typed) should accompany the presentation.

Plot, Theme

Technology (I-Tunes)

(**)
8.
Make a poster advertising your book.

The poster should be one that encourages others to buy it.

The poster should contain the title and author of the book.

The poster should provide the audience with background knowledge/a brief glimpse of the characters, setting, and/or plot.

Be creative in your design!

Plot, Setting, Character, Theme

Technology (Draw)

(**)
9.
Write a letter to the main character of the book.

This letter should be written in a friendly letter format, and it should be written from you.


The letter should be a minimum of one page in length.

Plot, Character

Technology (Writer)

(*)
10.
Prepare a list of 15 to 20 questions for use in determining if other people have read the book carefully.
 The questions should be typed and creatively displayed on “game board” type cards.

The questions need to be higher level so as to provoke discussion.

The questions should focus on the plot, setting, characters, and themes.

Plot, Setting, Character, Theme

Technology (Writer, Impress)

(*)
11.
Write a diary as the main character would write it to explain the events of the story.

Pick a powerful scene from the novel and prepare a diary entry written by a character of your choosing.

The diary entry should be creatively done so as to promote authenticity and realism.

If you are feeling creative, write your entry in an actual diary.

Write the entry as one of the characters.

Plot, Character

Technology (Penzu)

(*)
12.
Write a song for your story.

The song must contain a minimum of three verses and one chorus.
 The song can be recorded in advance.
 The song does not need to be performed by you; someone else may perform it.
Extra credit will be given if the song is performed in front of the entire class.
 Lyrics need to be typed.
 The song may be set to the tune/melody of another familiar song.


Plot, Setting, Character, Theme
 Technology (Writer, Podcast, Audacity, Jam Studio)
(***)
14.
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.

Character

Technology (Draw), Wix, Glogster


(*)
15.
Find the top 10 web sites a character in your book would most frequently visit.
Include 2-3 sentences for each on why your character likes each of the sites.

This presentation needs to be typed and presented on poster board.

The web site should be listed and a brief (two to three sentence) explanation should accompany each web site

Be creative in the display of your web sites

The display should somewhere mention the novel, author, and character

Character

Technology (Internet)

(**)
16.
Create a board game based on events and characters in the book you read. By playing your game, members of the class should learn what happened in the book. Your game must include the following:
(a) a game board
(b) a rule sheet and clear directions
(c) events and characters from the story.

Plot, Character

Technology (Draw, Smart Notebook)

(***)
17.
Complete a series of five drawings that show five of the major events in the plot of the book you read. Write captions for each drawing so that someone who did not read the book can understand the illustrations.

The series of pictures can be drawn using whatever medium you are most comfortable with (i.e. coal, water colors, tempera paint, colored pencils)

The explanations (typed) below each picture should be one to two sentences, but they should clearly state the event you have drawn.

Develop a creative way to display the five drawings of the major events in the plot.

Plot, Character

Technology (Comic Strip Creator)

(**)
18.
Make a test for the book you read. Include 10 true-false, 10 multiple choice, and 10 short answer questions. After writing the test, provide the answers for your questions on a separate sheet of paper.

The test needs to be typed and given to the students when doing your presentation.

The test should be written at the eighth grade level and not be too difficult or too easy.

Plot, Character, Setting, Theme

Technology (Writer)


(*)
19.
Create a bulletin board that catches the essence of the novel.

Use any of my classroom bulletin boards to promote the novel.

The bulletin board must be up prior to your presentation.

The bulletin board must contain the title, the author, a powerful quote from the novel, and a graphic representation of a character, the setting, or a plot point.

Plot, Character, Setting, Theme

Technology (Glogster)

(***)
20.
Create a toolbox for one of your characters. The toolbox should contain a minimum of ten items you feel would be essential to assist or help out your character in some way.

The toolbox should creatively represent the character you have selected.

On a separate sheet of paper, you should type up a list of each of the selected items as well as a brief explanation of why you chose the item.

Plot, Character

(**)
21.
Write a resume for a main character in the book. You may need to infer some information from the novel.

You will need to do research on how resumes are designed and written.

The resume needs to be typed and a minimum of one page in length.

The resume should have a minimum of six different and very distinct sections.

Character

Technology (Writer)

(*)
22.
Create a photo presentation that captures the main events of the novel. Create a

 soundtrack that could be used if the novel were ever produced as a movie.

The presentation for this project must be a minimum of three minutes and include at least 20 pictures.
The chosen song and photos must capture the “essence” of the novel.
The presentation should focus on what you feel are the key plot events of the novel.


The presentation must somewhere include the title and the author of the novel.
Written explanations of the pictures/photos can be included in the show.


Plot
 Technology (Photo Story, I-Tunes)
(***)
24.
Design a sweatshirt, T-shirt, scarf, or tie based on the book.

The design should focus on a key element(s) of the novel (plot, setting, main characters, conflict, or a combination of more than one).


The design should include the title and the author of the novel as well as other words/quotes to help promote the book.

You may design a front and a backside for a T-shirt.

Computer generated graphics may be used in your design.

Extra credit will be given if you actually have your design put on a T-shirt.

Plot, Character, Setting, Theme

(**)
25.
Nominate characters you have read about for awards that reveal something about their characters. Let your creative juices flow as you create awards that will show us something about the characters in your novel. List the character (and the novel he or she is in and its author) and award he or she is to receive. Then use a quote from the novel to tell us why you would present the character with that particular award. You can even create certificates or descriptions of prizes to go along with awards!

A minimum of seven awards needs to be given out to characters in your novel.

The certificate must include the following:
A.
The name of the award
B.
The recipient of the award
C.
A quote from the novel that clearly demonstrates why the character would be a good choice for this particular award.
D.
A prize that goes along with each of the certificates.

Plot, Character

Technology (Impress, Draw, Internet)

(**)
26.
Your character calls into a radio show for advice. Choose which show your character would call in to and then create the conversation he or she would have with the radio advice giver.

The call in show must be acted out or prerecorded and presented during class.

The presentation needs to be a minimum of two to three minutes in length.

The script must be typed (MLA) and presented on the day of the presentation.

Props and costumes are encouraged in acting out the talk show.
 Bring the talk show alive by truly “becoming” your character so desperately in need of advice.

Plot, Character

Technology (Podcast)

(** if live) (*** if done in a Podcast format)
27.
Answering machine messages have gotten more and more creative over the years, reflecting the interests and idiosyncrasies of the owner. Select five characters from the novel you have just read and create an answering machine message from each of them. Pay particular attention to diction and tone.

Each of the answering machine messages must be a minimum of 20 seconds in length.


The messages can be prerecorded and played for the class, or else they can be read to the class on the day of the presentation.

Be creative in making the answering machine messages as realistic as possible.

You might want to use music in the background of your message.

Character

Technology (Podcast)

(**)
28.
Make a graphic organizer of three main characters in the story.

The organizer should include key elements that help the listener truly understand the makeup of the character.
 The listener should have an understanding of all elements of the character’s makeup.

Be creative in your presentation.

Pictures may be included in the organizer.

Character

Technology (Draw, Impress, Inspiration, Smart Notebook)

(**)
29.
Choose birthday gifts for one of the characters involved. Tell why you chose them.

You must have five birthday gifts for one of your characters.

The gifts must be in actual gift-wrapped (open boxes) so that the object being given can be seen.

Each gift must have a typed explanation as to why you chose the gift you did.
The explanation can be attached to the gift in some way.

Choose gifts that you feel your character would enjoy getting and/or could use or benefit from having it.

Be creative in coming up with your five gifts.

Character, Plot

(*)
30.
Make a life-sized stand-up character of one of the people in the book. On the back list the characteristics of the person.

Try to make the life-sized character as true to life and accurate as possible.

The characteristics (at least 20 and not just physical) must be neatly listed on the back of the representation.

You might consider using a collage of some sort on the front of your stand-up character to more accurately provide a truer depiction of your character.

Character, Plot

(***)
31.
Make a gravestone for one of the characters.

Do research on sample gravestones.

The gravestone needs to contain a minimum of five essential details about the character.


The gravestone needs to look realistic and genuine in its appearance.

Character

Technology (Internet, Draw, Paint, Smart Notebook, Glogster)

(*)
32.
Concentration.

You will need 30 index cards to create a Concentration-style game related to the book just finished.

You will need to choose 14 objects, setting related cards, characters, or events that played a part in the book and create two cards that have identical pictures of each of those things.

The two remaining cards are marked Wild Card!

The cards can be any size, but they should be user-friendly.

One side of the card should have the title of your game, and the other side of the card should contain the matching items.

Then the student turns all 30 cards facedown and mixes them up. Each student can choose a partner with whom to play according to the rules of Concentration.

Plot, Setting, Character, Theme

Technology (Impress, Smart Notebook)

(*)
33. Create a virtual poster advertising the book.

Think about movie posters, they give just enough information to give you a taste of what the movie will be about.

They also contain information such as the title of the movie, the major actors, and a rating.

Students can use Glogster http://glogster.edu
to create an online book poster that acts as an advertisement for the book they just read.

Students should include the title and author of the book, key characters, use pictures that support the story line, and create a tag line that will make others want to read the book.

The virtual poster should also contain at least five literary elements (setting, climax, protagonist, antagonist, conflict, theme). The literary elements do not need to be directly mentioned, but instead, can creatively be “worked” into the poster.

Plot, Setting, Character, Theme

Technology (Glogster, Wix)

(**)
34. Bookcasting is a recorded audio Podcast about a book.

A bookcast is a movie trailer-like audio review of a book that students can create and share with one another.


Free online tools such as Audacity http://audacity.com
, G Cast http://gcast.com
, or Pod Bean http://podbean.com make recording audio and sharing simple.

Bookcasts let you be creative and provide you with a great sense of audience.

It has the added benefit of acting as a book review to excite other students about reading.
 Before you create your own bookcast, find some radio movie trailers of current kids’ movies online for students to listen to as an example.
 Your bookcast must be a minimum of two minutes in length and contain the following components:
A.
A voice recording or voices recording
B.
At least three sound effects
C.
Music clip

The bookcast should expose others to the book and contain all the necessary information that he or she might need in helping to decide whether to read the novel. Remember, support your ideas and try to work in at least five literary elements into your final bookcast.
 Just like a written persuasive essay, your opinions should be supported effectively.

Plot, Setting, Character, Theme
 Technology: Audacity http://audacity.com, G Cast http://gcast.com, or Pod

Bean http://podbean.com
(***)
35. Allow students to create a timeline of events in the story they just read in an online timeline.

Capzles http://capzles.com
is an interactive timeline creator.

Students can add photos, video, audio and text to their timeline to support telling


 the story sequentially.

Themes, colors, backgrounds, and background music can be added to further personalize the timeline.
Timelines have the ability to be shared with other students and teachers.
The timeline needs to contain a minimum of 10 events from the plot.
The timeline should have all the key components of the plot line, including the
 exposition, the conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and the resolution.
 Plot, Conflict
Technology: Capzles, Inspiration, Smart Notebook
 (**)
36. Paper Bag Book Reports

After selecting and reading a book independently, you will create a paper bag book report using an ordinary paper bag.

You should choose eight-ten items to place in the bag to represent significant events or characters from the book.


For example, Goldilocks and the Three Bears might call for a soupspoon, a thermometer, a piece of dollhouse furniture, an ad for running shoes, etc.

After filling and decorating your bags, present them to the class. Each student should explain how the items he or she has chosen relate to the book. Your explanation of each chosen item should also be typed in MLA format as well.
 Think outside the box when developing your bag as well as the items that go in the bag.
 The audience should have a solid grasp of the book after seeing your presentation.
 Plot, Character, Conflict, Theme
 (**)
37. Dramatic Monologue

Create three monologues for a character(s) from the novel

Go beyond the text and add what you think the character is thinking/feeling at that moment and why?

Choose scenes that are central to the conflict and that are spread throughout the book. (one from each of the beginning, middle, and end)

The monologues must be presented/read to the class and must be written in first person point-of-view

Try to imagine that the chosen character is speaking to your audience when writing.

Plot, Character, Theme

(** if live) (*** if Podcast)
38. Wordle/Tagxedo

Wordle is an online toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide.
 www.wordle.com

The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. Make sure to make certain literary elements (the ones you feel are most important to the story) stand out from the rest of the words.

You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like.

You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with the rest of the class.

You will present your Wordle using the SmartBoard in the classroom.

Use the novel to create a 100 word Wordle

The overall wordle should include literary elements from the story, including the following:
A.
Protagonist
B.
Antagonist
C.
Setting
D.
Conflict
E.
Climax

F.
Rising Action
G.
Exposition
H.
Point-of-View
I.
Theme
J.
Minor Characters

(*)
39. Animoto

Animoto www.animoto.com
is an automated online presentation generator that focuses on using images to communicate a message.

This tool is great for class collaboration, and it is easier than using PowerPoint.
 “Animoto automatically produces beautifully orchestrated, completely unique video pieces from your photos, video clips and music.”
 “At the heart of Animoto is our patent-pending Cinematic Artificial
Intelligence™ that thinks like an actual director and editor. It analyzes and combines images, video clips and music and outputs a high quality video which is perfectly produced for every occasion.”

Using a video camera or a digital camera, create an image slideshow that would help “sell” the novel to those who have not yet read it.

Your presentation must include a minimum of five literary elements and at least three significant quotes taken directly from the book. Some of the literary elements you might consider including are the following:
1.
Protagonist
2.
Antagonist
3.
Setting
4.
Conflict
5.
Climax
6.
Rising Action
7.
Exposition
8.
Point-of-View
9.
Theme
10. Minor Characters

The presentation must be at least one minute in length and will be presentated using the SmartBoard.

This site costs approximately $3.00 if one minute or longer, but it is free

(** without music) (*** with music included)
40. Voki
 “Voki www.voki.com
is a free service that allows you to create personalized speaking avatars and use them on your blog, profile, and in email messages.”

In creating you own personal Voki, you get to do the following:

A. Character Style Select a character from one of our many styles: Classic, Animals, Oddballs and more!
B. Customization Change the look, clothing and accessories.
C. Voice Add your own voice via phone, microphone, text to speech or upload a file.
D. Background Choose a background from our library or upload your own.

Your Voki must be a character from the novel, and this character/Voki must try to promote/”sell” the book for people who have not read it. Try to give essential information about the book to the audience.

The presentation must include a minimum of three to five literary elements, at it must be told from the the point-of-view of one of the main characters in the book.

Your character might tell of one key scene from the novel and then give his or her reaction/feelings/emotions to that particular event.

The presentation must include the title and author of the novel

(**)