Symbolic Book Talks

Book Talks are due Monday, December 15th!

You will be doing a Symbolic Book Talk. The purpose of this book talk is to think deeply about one of your independent reading books and to grab your audience’s interest. Use the following guidelines to help you prepare the book talk.

You may have notes on an index card or a half-sheet of notebook paper. You also may reread sections of your book.

1.  State the title and author of your book.

2.  Give a two- or three-sentence summary of your book. (Somebody-Wanted-But-So)

3.  Select five symbols that are important to the book's purpose and theme. These are your visuals to bring the story to life!

4.  You can draw the symbols, make them, cut them out from magazines or newspapers, or bring in small items such as a drum, boots, or a stuffed animal.

5.  Name the symbol and explain why you chose it.

6.  Show how the symbol is significant to the story. Does it reveal information about the character? a conflict? an event? the setting?

7.  Show how the symbol relates to the book's theme.

8.  Practice your book talk at least twice before giving it to the class. Practice in front of an audience at home.

9.  Have the book with you when you give your book talk!!

10. Plan to complete your talk in two to three minutes.

This is your chance to share your favorite books with your classmates...Enjoy!

Name ______Date ______

Return this paper on Monday, December 15th ready to presentJ

Symbolic Book Talk Rubric

Key Information:

Title and Author 10 / _____

2-to 3-sentence summary (S-W-B-S) 10 / _____

Symbol 1, explanation, significance to book 10 / _____

Symbol 2, explanation, significance to book 10 / _____

Symbol 3, explanation, significance to book 10 / _____

Symbol 4, explanation, significance to book 10 / _____

Symbol 5, explanation, significance to book 10 / _____

Oral Speaking:

Clearly loves the book / is EXCITED 5 / _____

Eye Contact / Posture 5 / _____

Volume / Clear Speech 5 / _____

Prepared/Evidence of Practice 5/ _____

Other:

Neatness and attractiveness 5 / _____ Stays under 3 min. time limit 5 / _____

Total: 100 / _____