5th Grade Summer Reading Project 2009
Step 1: Choose ONE Book!
Students must choose ONE book that relates to the theme of “Finding a Way.” In the chosen book, the main character(s) must find a way to solve a problem, overcome a challenge/obstacle, or reach a goal.
Recommended Books
(Students may choose a book that is not listed below, but it must be grade appropriate AND must relate to the theme, “Finding a Way”)
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
After a plane crash, a thirteen-year old boy must learn to survive in the wilderness with only a hatchet.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Catherine faces the challenge of life with an autistic brother and a complicated friendship with a paraplegic boy.
Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos
All sorts of problems arise when Joey who is ADHD has to spend the summer with his father who is also ADHD. (Humorous)
Eggs by Jerry Spinelli
A nine year old boy who has lost his mom forms a friendship with a quirky 13 year old girl and the two of them help each other deal with what is missing in their lives.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Based on the Cinderella story, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order that is given to her. (Humorous)
So B It by Sarah Weeks
A twelve-year old girl lives with her mentally challenged mother and is cared for by her neighbor who is afraid to leave her apartment.
A Dog For Life by L.S. Matthews
Two brothers are devastated when they are told they have to get rid of their pet dog who has been part of their lives for so long
Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time by Lisa Yee
Stanford loves basketball, but when he fails and has to go to summer school his future as the star basketball player is threatened.
The Cay by Theodore Taylor
A boy is blinded by a torpedo attack at sea and is stranded on an island with an elderly man who helps him to survive.
Step 2: Choose a Project! (Choose ONE out of the three listed)
#1 Poster Project
A. On the poster, you must…
o Label the characters and describe each main character’s role in the story.
o Identify the setting (time and place) and describe how it plays a role in the story.
o Identify the conflict-what is the problem that the main character faces.
o Label the plot events (4-8)-what are the main events that occurred in the story?
o Identify the resolution-how did the main character overcome his/her challenge or solve his/her problem?
o Briefly describe how the story relates to the theme of “Finding a Way”: how did the character find a way to overcome his/her challenge or problem?
B. Include an illustration for each category (6). Illustrations may be drawn, taken from magazine/internet, or a combination of both.
#2 Paper Project
A. In the paper, you must…
o Introduce the story, including the main characters and the roles they play in the story and the setting (time and place) and the role it plays in the story.
o Identify the conflict (problem) in the story, the most important plot events (4 to 7) and the resolution to the problem. It should be clear what the problem is and how the character goes about reaching a solution.
o Explain/describe how the story relates to the theme of “Finding a Way”: how did the character find a way to overcome his/her challenge or problem?
B. Along with the paper, you must include one illustration that represents the theme of “Finding a Way” in your story. Illustrations may be drawn, taken from magazine/internet, or a combination of both.
#3 Paper Bag Project
A. For this project, you will need a brown paper bag.
B. In the paper bag, you must…
o Include an object that represents the characters in the story and the roles that they play.
o Include an object that symbolizes the setting and the role it plays in the story.
o Include an object that represents the conflict (problem) in the story.
o Include 2-3 objects that symbolize the plot events in the story.
o Include an object that represents the solution in the story.
o Include an object that symbolizes the theme of “Finding a Way” in the story.
C. Inside your paper bag, you will need to include an explanation of your objects. On an index card, write a paragraph (5 to 10 sentences), explaining what each object symbolizes. Write about each object on a separate index card. You should have a total of 6 index cards (one for each bullet point) in your bag.
What will you be graded on?
ü See attached rubric!
5th Grade Summer Reading Project
RUBRIC
Level 4-Advanced
ü You show an EXCELLENT understanding of the story by using complete ideas when explaining the story elements (characters, setting, conflict/problem, plot, resolution).
ü There are NO factual mistakes.
ü There are NO spelling/grammar mistakes.
ü By using examples from the text, you made a strong connection to the theme, “Finding a Way.”
Level 3-Proficient
ü You show a GOOD understanding of the story by using some important ideas when explaining the story elements (characters, setting, conflict/problem, plot, resolution).
ü There are FEW mistakes about the facts from your reading.
ü There are FEW spelling/grammar mistakes.
ü You wrote a somewhat strong connection between the reading passage and the theme, “Finding a Way.”
Level 2-Basic
ü You show SOME understanding of the story by using few details when explaining the story elements (characters, setting, conflict/problem, plot, resolution).
ü There are SOME mistakes about the facts from your reading.
ü There are SOME spelling/grammar mistakes.
ü You wrote an incomplete connection with choppy ideas between the reading passage and the theme, “Finding a Way.”
Level 1- Below Basic
ü You show LITTLE understanding of the story by using little to no detail when explaining the story elements (characters, setting, conflict/problem, plot, resolution).
ü There are MANY mistakes about the facts from your reading.
ü There are MANY spelling/grammar mistakes.
ü Your connection between the reading passage and the theme, “Finding a Way” does not relate.