ZULU Self-Selected Independent Reading Policy

ZULU Self-Selected Independent Reading Policy

(8th Advanced/Honors, 9th Honors)

Menu of Self-Selected Independent Reading Book Projects – 1st Nine Weeks

Timeline:

Make a timeline for events in the story. It must have an easy-to-read title, at least 15 dates, descriptions of what happened, and be colored. You can make it by hand or electronically.

Board Game:

Create a board game that includes important aspects of your novel. You must create the box, board, pieces, cards, etc. Also write a paragraph explaining how the game relates to your novel.

Newspaper Article:

Pretend you are a reporter who just witnessed an important scene from the novel. Write an article about it. Include who, what, when, where, why, and how. 1 1/2+ pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman font with 1” margins.

Poem:

Write 2 poems (14+ lines each) about how a character feels at particular point in the story. Write a paragraph for each poem explaining why you chose this part of the story, and why the character feels the way she does.

PowerPoint/Prezi:

Make a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation about the book. Include plot, characterization, and information about the author. It must have pictures, citations, and 15 or more slides/frames.

Diary/Letter/Blog:

Pretend you are the main character. Write at least 5 diary entries of 15+ lines. Include how you feel and why. You may handwrite or type your entries. Don’t forget to use first person!

Cartoons:

Draw a cartoon that tells the entire story. It must have at least 15 frames and dialogue. Cartoon must be detailed and either colored or shaded.

Children’s book:

Turn the novel into a children’s book. It must have at least 13 pages. Each page must have an illustration that was created by you. Include ALL important events from the story! You can make it by hand or electronically. Book must be bound.

Diorama:

Create a detailed diorama depicting 1 scene from the book you read. Include a paragraph explaining the scene, and why you chose it. Diorama must be created entirely by you (no Legos).

Illustration:

Pick 5 important scenes from the novel. Illustrate each one on a separate sheet of 8 1/2 by 11” paper. You may use crayons, colored pencil, paints, or any other medium. For each picture, write a paragraph explaining why you chose this scene.

Tangible or Intangible Gifts:

Select a character from the book and figure out what five things you believe that character most needs or wants. Draw or cut out pictures to represent these “gifts” and write to that character/person an explanation of why you picked these things out for him or her. In your writing be specific, and use examples from the story to support your thinking.

Character Scrapbook:

Make a scrapbook about the story or pretend a character had made it about his/her life. This should look like a real scrapbook, complete with actual memorabilia, awards, letters, photos, mementos, ticket stubs, report cards, etc. Include the book title or the character’s name on the cover of the scrapbook. Label each item (at least 8) and explain its significance using a paragraph for each item.

(Adapted from Reese, n.d.)