Module 4:

Name: ______

Period: ______

ELA 7

April, to say the least, is very busy. The schedule is changed often, we have a break, and six days of state testing. I’ll also be absent five days because of scoring. So, to make this the most productive and fun month that I can, you will be participating in a bookclub to prepare for some very exciting projects in May and June that will let your creativity explode! It has been a long winter, so let’s make spring the best we can Here’s how it works:

***Note:Italicized words indicate graded work and due dates***

STEP 1: Intro to the book club & forming book clubs

  • April 2: Overview in Library
  • April 3: Choose books & form clubs in Library
  • April 13: Review projects & activities; divide books into thirds; choose roles for first discussion

STEP 2: Read, log, & discuss your book

  • April 14-16(ELA assessment): silent reading/log
  • April 17: silent reading/log
  • April 20-21: silent reading/log
  • 1/3 of book due;
  • April 22-23 (Math assessment):
  • 1stgraded discussion;
  • silent reading/log
  • April 24: silent reading/log
  • April 27-28: silent reading

STEP 3: Read, Discuss, Conference & Create

(Begin completing 3of your 4 project activities)

  • April 29: Project workday (first of 4 projects)
  • April 30: 2nd graded discussion (with a different role)
  • May 1: Project workday
  • May 4:
  • 2/3 book DUE
  • Project workday
  • May 5-7:
  • Conference with Mrs. M about your book
  • Silent reading/log
  • May 8: project workday
  • May 11:
  • 1st of 4 project activities DUE
  • silent reading/log
  • May 12—14: project workdays
  • May 15:
  • 2nd of 4 projects DUE
  • silent reading/log
  • May 18: silent reading/log
  • May 19:
  • Whole book DUE
  • ALL Reading Logs DUE
  • Project workday

Step 4: Book Club Group Work (4th project & “Book Talk”)

  • May 20:
  • 3rd project DUE
  • GROUP project workday (4th of 4)
  • May 21—22: GROUP project workdays
  • May 26:
  • 4th project DUE (GROUP project)
  • Book Club “BookTalks” workday
  • May 27—June 1: bookclub “Book Talk” workdays
  • June 2—5: book club“Book Talk” presentations

Step 5: Reflection & End of Year Tasks

  • June 8-10: Module 4 Reflection (in class)
  • June 11-16: final exam review
  • Book Club group effort assessment

FAQ’s

What are “reading/log days”?

This means that you’ll be SILENTLY reading. You should be taking notes as you read. You can use whatever method you want, but sticky notes are a good idea. I won’t be collecting the notes, but it will greatly help your discussion days.

Also, you will be completing a reading log each day that you read in class. You must track which pages you read on those days, as well as provide a summary of those pages. These WILL BE GRADED.

What are the “graded discussions”?

Each group will be given sets of “role sheets.” You’ll then decide who is playing which role. The assignments are self-explanatory, and they must be completed on the day of the planned discussions. I’ll circulate and listen in on your discussions, as well as collect your role sheets. These are class participation grades. You will be having 2 different presentations, and will need to pick 2 different roles.

*What are the “projects”?

Projects are activities that you complete based on the book you read. There are 4 projects, 3 worth 20 points and the last worth 40 points. The first 3 projects will be completed independently and graded as quizzes, and the 4th will be completed as a group. Once all 4 are put together, you will receive a 100-point test grade. I will use the attached rubric to grade each one.

The projects are meant to take several days. I’m not looking for a pencil drawing of a map. If you want to do that option, do a computer generated one! Or, an elaborate colored pencil version. Or, you can make a salt map. Or, you can make a video of a walking tour. You should let your imagination be your guide. This is fun, but representative of who you are as a student.

If you have a great idea for a project, shoot me an email (), and propose what you’d like to do. The more descriptive you are, the more likely I’ll say yes. I’ll let you know within 24 hours.

What are “project workdays”?

Project workdays are days that you are allowed to work your 4 projects. You may obtain a pass to anywhere in the building you need to go, as long as an adult agrees it is okay. I have had students who went to the library, occasionally someone wants to do something musical, or even interview an administrator. You are always meant to represent our class. You have my trust—until you don’t! Any negative report is automatic suspension of travel.

Note: GROUP project days are meant for you and your book club pals to get together and complete the last of the 4 projects. Be sure it is an assignment NO ONE in the group has already completed.

Tell me again about “let imagination be your guide.”

This is my favorite time of year. You are set free to a large extent to use your talents to talk about a book. Over the years, many ideas have been turned into amazing projects. Here are some of the best-of-the-best:

-A map made entirely of Legos. Probably 1000 pieces.

-A violin piece written to represent the death of a character.

-A performance of an original song written from the protagonist’s perspective.

-A sculpture of the setting of a novel.

-A presentation of a web-based video game a student created using the plot of the novel as the storyline.

-A rap written and performed for one character from another in the book.

-A film short

-A fan fiction webpage

-A scene of the book acted out on video, then played for the class.

What are the conference days?

I will meet with you one-on-one at some point during those 3 days and discuss the book with you. You should bring your book and reading log, and be prepared to discuss both what you’re reading and how your book club experience is going. It will be graded (on the part of the discussion dealing with your book), and the rest of the discussion is an informal way for me to touch base with you and your group members and be sure you’re on track.

What is a “book talk”?

A book talk is anything you create or present that is meant to interest the audience in the book you read. You can create a commercial, do an online book review, create an advertisement, etc. Your bookclub will present this to the class, hopefully enticing them to read the book. Just remember not to spoil the ending!

Book talks are meant to be persuasive, so think about your audience and be prepared to spend 3-5 minutes in front of the class presenting your book talk. If you need anything (class handouts, specific technology, etc) for the presentation, please see me at least 3 days before your book talk.

Group members will have the same grade for the book talk contents, but individual grades for the presentation. Be sure that everyone has a significant role in the presentation of this assignment, so you each have an opportunity to earn a high score.

What happens if we hate the book?

You can abandon the book in the first week, no worries. After that, your group will need to decide to either a) find a new book together b) break up, some stay with it, some get another book, or

c) you can go off on your own. You will hand in the tasks that you have already done on the one book, then switch to the other book.

What happens if I want to work alone?

That’s totally cool with me. On group discussion days, I will check your role sheets (you’ll need to do them all), and you’ll get to go to the library since you’ve already “discussed” it on paper with yourself.

What happens if I want to quit my group?

You will need to let me know, and you can proceed from there. You will still be required to do the same amount of work.

How will you know if someone is slacking in our groups?

At the end of the module, you will be grading your book club members ANONYMOUSLY on their effort. This will become a participation grade once combined with the rest of your book club members’ scores.

What happens when I am absent?

That’s the awesome part—you can work on all of this from anywhere, whenever you want. If you end up finishing your reading or projects, you may get a library pass or work on other homework.

What if I have questions and you aren’t here?

Email is the best method: , but you can also come see me during periods 2 and/or 4/5, or after school. Please let me know ahead of time if you want to meet, so I can make myself available to you.

What if we need extra time or a place to work?

When I am in school, you can get a pass to work in my room during my free periods. Mrs. Brew is also really flexible about letting you work there. Just get passes!

A few more “rules”:

-don’t hand work in to a sub. Ever.

-if your name is written down by a sub, I write a referral.

-you are to self-monitor; this only works if everyone collaborates

-have fun! This is supposed to be a chance to be your best self

I’m sure I have forgotten something,

but we’ll figure it out together. Can’t wait 

--Mrs. Militello

How Will I Be Graded?

Grading Category / Assignment / Points / Due Date
MAJOR GRADES / Project (comprised of 4 total project activities; 3-independent & 1-group) / 100 / 5/26
“Book Talk” / 50 / 6/2
Reflection / 50 / 6/11
MINOR
GRADES / Graded Discussion Role Sheet #1 / 10 / 4/22
Graded Discussion Role Sheet #2 / 10 / 4/30
Conference with Mrs. Militello / 10 / 5/5-7
Project #1 / 20 / 5/11
Project #2 / 20 / 5/15
Project #3 / 20 / 5/20
“Book Talk” Presentation / 6/2-5
PARTIC-
IPATION
GRADES / Reading Log Check #1 / 5 / TBD
Reading Log Check #2 / 5 / TBD
Graded Discussion #1 / 10 / 4/22
Graded Discussion #2 / 10 / 4/30
Entire Reading Log / 15 / 5/19
Book Club Group Effort Assessment / 10 / 6/11

Project Choices:

**Complete 3 options independently and 1 together as a group.**

*All typed projects should be double-spaced and in 12-point font.*

Make a game:

Create a board game based on the book. Format it like familiar boardgames or come up with your own strategies. You will need to include instructions and at least 20 facts from your book. You may make an electronic game, video game, whatever you wish.

Make a book cover:

Create a new book cover. It must be completely original! You should make an actual “mock up.” It must be in color (unless you are specifically making a point of not using color, i.e. The Giver). Write a 1-page explanation of your artistic choices, what symbolism you may have incorporated, and how this is different than the original cover.

Character sketch:

Sketch a portrait, draw or paint a cartoon, etc. In the space all around the sketch, write important details about him or her, based on the book. Include physical traits, personality traits, life situation, etc. Use page numbers in parenthesis after each fact. Minimum of 25 facts.

Demonstration or “How-to” Presentation or Video:

Create a tutorial that you will demonstrate to the class or a video of the tutorial about something you learned from the story. Include a written outline of at least 7 steps. I had a student put together a computer step-by-step because the main character in his book was a computer “geek.” I’ve had kids decorate cupcakes, teach the class how to do a jump shot, etc. This is a really fun option 

Diary:

If you like to write or role-play, this option is for you. Pretend you are a character in your book. Write at least 7 entries, about ½ page each. Be specific and creative with the format you use. This should seem real!

Diorama:

Create a diorama that depicts an important scene from the novel. Make sure it is detailed. Include a written summary of the events that took place in the scene and the reason it is a key scene in the book.

Drawings:

Make a series of at least five drawings showing the major plot points, or something that struck you as very important. The drawings should be colorful, neat, and fully developed. You need a paragraph to go with each drawing, explaining why you chose to represent it.

Interview:

Conduct an interview with the main character of the book you just read. You should be ready to do this as a skit, or hand in a video of the interview. Your character must act the character, not you. You can do this as a talk show sort of thing or something else. You will need to hand in the transcript of the interview.

Letter to the author:

Write a letter (or email) to the author. Discuss whatever you wish—including telling him/her a creative idea that you have had that you wish to share. It should demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of his/her book. Approx. 1 typed page

Mobile:

Create a mobile that depicts characters, events, or both from the novel in an easy/colorful way. Include at least 15 dangling “facts.”

New Ending:

Write a new ending to the story. 2-3 pages typed.

Newspaper or newsletter:

Create a newspaper or newsletter as if you are a reporter in the book, covering the situation/conflicts that arise. 2 pages typed.

Movie poster:

Turn your book in to a movie. Create a detailed movie poster, including the actors, release date, rating, a “tag line”, and an eye-catching picture. On the back of the poster, write a ½ page explanation of your choices.

Poem:

Create an original poem about the book. It should be at least 15 lines, include figurative language, and a poem format. You should also hand in a paragraph explanation of what the poem means, as well as a list of the figurative language use and why you chose those words.

Powerpoint or Prezi:

Sell us the book. Be prepared to present for approx. 3 minutes.

Radio:

Write and record a radio spot about the book. It should be at least 2 minutes long. Include a written copy.

Television commercial:

Write and direct a commercial about some aspect of the book. It could be that you want us to see a movie version, read the book, or it could be about something historical or an event in the book.

Collage/Media Mash-Up:

Create a collage based on the book and present it to the class. If you want to do a digital version, try a media mash-up. (Google it) Needs to have at least 7 pieces to begin with, as well as a 1 page description of why you selected these pieces.

Fan Fiction:

Write an original short story about some aspect of your book. It should be at least 3 pages typed.

.

1