Independent Reading Projects

Students, your independent reading projects are due Friday October 7th.  You are to use one of the books you've read this nine weeks to complete the project.  I've met with all of you regarding your project, and answered questions, but if you need further help, email me at ahughes2@ebrschools.org.

Here are the project descriptions:

Independent Reading Enrichment Projects


As part of your Independent Reading requirement, you will have one enrichment project due per nine-week grading period. This project will be based on one of the books you read as part of our daily Independent Reading practice that nine-week period. You can choose from the ideas listed below or speak to Miss. Hughes about other options. Each day the project is late your project will be deducted 10%. The entire project is worth 100 points. You will be graded according to creativity; effort; neatness; understanding and knowledge of characters, plot, and theme; and connections made to the literature. You will choose from this list each nine-weeks, but you cannot repeat any prompt. So be thoughtful when selecting which project you wish to complete this nine-weeks.

1. Interview one of the characters about the story or about anything relevant or appropriate to the character, asking questions in your voice and giving answers in the character’s voice.

2. Turn the story into a comic strip using the proper format of images and dialogue or captions. Include 10 or more frames.

3. Rewrite the ending of your book. Your ending should be five or more pages long and fit with the characters, theme, and plot portrayed in the book and the author’s language.

4. Turn one of the stories you read into a poem. Your poem should be at least 35 lines long.

5. Pretend your book is being turned into a movie. Propose a plan for actors you would cast for the main characters with a brief explanation why. Also, create an outline for what plot events you would edit out from the script for time’s sake, and any scenes you would add for the audience’s understanding or enjoyment.

6. Create a movie/slideshow with music, images, and recordings of quotes that represent the plot, themes, symbols, and characters. (iMovie, Photostory, Audacity, etc.)

7. Create a soundtrack for the book. Choose songs that fit with the mood of plot events or theme of the book. Provide a short explanation explaining how each song fits in with the book. You will turn in a CD with at least 10 songs burned on it.

8. Create a prequel or sequel to your book. This should be at least five typed pages and fit with the characters, theme, and plot portrayed in the book and the author’s language.

9. Create a scrapbook for one of the characters of your book using events and other characters from the story. Your scrapbook should have at least six pages including four of these five components: images with captions, event/entertainment stubs or posters, letters, diary entries, or newspaper articles from local newspaper. Be colorful and creative.

10. Create an advertisement for your book. The advertisement can be an original poster and a commercial you perform in class, or a commercial you create using computer media software.

11. Rewrite the story as a picture book for young children. Use simple language and include images appropriate for young readers. Your story should be at least twenty pages long.

12. Make a newspaper about the book or set in the same city as the book’s main setting. Include at least five parts of a newspaper: comics, advertisements, weather, news stories, feature stories, letters to the editor, obituaries, editorials, sports, etc.

The Outsiders Test!

You have a test on The Outsiders on Monday.  Study the characters, basic plot information, quotes, and themes we worked on in class.

Original Book Cover

Leather Jacket - Greaser Wear

1960's Corvair

Madras Shirt - Socs Wear

Fun Fact: S.E. Hinton was in high school when she wrote The Outsiders.  It only took her a year and a half to write it, and it is rumored that while she was writing  it, she earned a grade of a "D" in her Creative Writing class.  Ironic?