Independent Novel Study
Part One: Vocabulary Assignment
Choose one of the following assignments. Include a title and any necessary headings.
1. Vocabulary Log (quote the page number for each word used) .Choose 15 words that you do not know the meaning of. Record the dictionary definition for each word.
2. Create a crossword with 10 words across and 10 down. Provide a clue for each word and the answer key.
3. Create a Thesaurus. List 15 words that seem overused or boring. Rewrite the sentence from the book in which the word was found with a better one.
4. List 15 interesting, important or unusual words from your book and explain your reasons for choosing each word.
5. Create your own assignment using 10-20 words in a creative way that shows you understand the meaning and are learning new vocabulary.
Click on the rubric to see how you will be evaluated.
Part Two: Reading Journal Assignment:
Your task is to complete 10 responses (single-spaced, half-page)to what you are reading. Divide your novel roughly into ten sections. For each entry include the date and the pages read.
Here are some topics, ideas, activities to choose from (or you may create your own): Choose a variety! You may use one or more per entry.
1. Describe an experience you (or someone else you know) had that was like the experience of a character in the book.
2. Explain how a character in the book changed or is starting to change in the section you are responding to.
3. Explain why you would like to have one of the characters as a friend.
4. Create a diagram showing the setting of the story. (I’m marking for detail and accuracy not drawing talent!)
5. Sketch a scene in the book depicting a part of the plot (link) and explain why you chose to draw this scene.
6. Describe a feeling or emotion that you experienced as you were reading this section and what caused this feeling.
7. Write your opinion to a character’s action or reaction. What would you have done?
8. Write about a connection to another book you have read (think of similar characters, plots, settings and themes.
9. Write down a quote or passage that appeals to you. Describe why.
10. Write down three or four descriptive sentences that appeal to you and explain why.
11. Make a prediction of what is going to happen next.
12. Give your opinion of the author’s writing style? What images captured your interest? How did the author create suspense?
Tip: Do not summarize the novel here but do give examples from the novel to back up your opinion or thought.
Click on the rubric to see how you will be evaluated.
Part Three: Project:
After you have finished your novel choose one project to complete. This project a chance to challenge your creative side and show what you learned, enjoyed, or pondered on as you were reading.
1. Create a research project based on a topic that is related to the novel that is new to you or interests you. In your introductory paragraph explain how the topic relates to the book.
2. Draw, paint, sculpt in detail a colour map of where a major part of the story takes place. Label the major landmarks or points of interest and describe what parts of the plot take place
3. Create a brochure to promote the book. Include a review of the novel wherein you try to get someone else to read it, a summary and a picture.
4. Write the next part to the story.
5. Change the ending to the story.
6. Explain how you would make your book into a movie-- who would
play the main characters, where would you film it, what would you want to emphasize. Would you make any changes to the plot? What special effects would you need to create? You must explain your choices.
7. Write two articles for a newspaper published at the time of a major event in your book. Use the proper format for a newspaper article (link)
8. Write an interview with one of the major characters of at least 10 questions.
9. Write several diary entries made by one of the major
characters.
10. Do a collage of a major theme of your novel and explain in a well-written paragraph (link) what you are depicting in your collage.
11. Write a poem or series of poems (to equal 30 lines) inspired by
your novel (examples)
12. Find THREE songs that seem to relate to your novel. Provide
the lyrics and then write an explanation of how they relate.
13. Character Box. In a shoebox include 10 objects that would be meaningful to the main character. On a separate piece of paper, in a paragraph, explain why you have chosen each object
14. Create a powerpoint presentation of the book.
15. Choose an important scene in the book, write a script (link)for the scene and produce the scene on video.
16. Create a series of original art in any medium (min 4 pieces) about the novel. Include a short description for each piece.
17. Create an attractive, interesting board game that incorporates parts of the novel (characters, setting, theme, plot)
18.Do an Internet search specific to you novel to get ideas for a project. Example (The Giver novel study). Email me first with the link to approve it.
19. Create your own original and creative assignment based on the
novel. Email me first to approve your idea.
Click on the rubric to see how you will be evaluated.