Incoming 8th Grade Summer Reading Project Documents/Middle School...Incoming 8th Grade Summer...

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Incoming 8 th Grade Summer Reading Project May 2015 Dear Parents: In eighth grade English class students will analyze higher level text and apply their comprehension skills by completing projects and practicing these skills independently. For this reason, I have decided to implement a summer reading program for our incoming 8 th grade students, due the first day of school. Please keep in mind this assignment will be your students first test grade. Late work will NOT be accepted for any reasons. *Please read the requirements and sign the attached sheet stating that you understand your student must complete this assignment and that late work will NOT be accepted. Requirements for all incoming 8 th grade students: 1. Select and read one of the novels below. The book should be one the student has not previously read. Audio books are permitted. All of these books are available at any public library. The Marshall Public Library gives out free membership cards and is always welcoming new students. 2. Follow the instructions in this packet to complete one visual aid for the novel. Have this ready to turn in and present the first day of school. Choose one novel from the list below (You only have to read 1 book in a series) Gifted Hands Divergent Series Which Way Freedom The Jungle The Hunger Games Series Mortal Instrument Series Fahrenheit 451 Warriors Don’t Cry American Sniper Percy Jackson and the Lord of the Flies The Ranger’s Apprentice Series Olympian Series I hope the students enjoy their summer reading. If you have questions, please contact me at [email protected] . Sincerely, Katie Wilson 8 th Grade English/Reading

Transcript of Incoming 8th Grade Summer Reading Project Documents/Middle School...Incoming 8th Grade Summer...

Page 1: Incoming 8th Grade Summer Reading Project Documents/Middle School...Incoming 8th Grade Summer Reading Project I have read and agree to the summer reading assignment that my child must

Incoming 8th

Grade Summer Reading Project

May 2015

Dear Parents:

In eighth grade English class students will analyze higher level text and apply their comprehension skills

by completing projects and practicing these skills independently. For this reason, I have decided to

implement a summer reading program for our incoming 8th grade students, due the first day of school.

Please keep in mind this assignment will be your students first test grade. Late work will NOT be

accepted for any reasons.

*Please read the requirements and sign the attached sheet stating that you understand your student must

complete this assignment and that late work will NOT be accepted.

Requirements for all incoming 8th grade students:

1. Select and read one of the novels below. The book should be one the student has not previously

read. Audio books are permitted. All of these books are available at any public library. The

Marshall Public Library gives out free membership cards and is always welcoming new students.

2. Follow the instructions in this packet to complete one visual aid for the novel. Have this ready to

turn in and present the first day of school.

Choose one novel from the list below (You only have to read 1 book in a series)

Gifted Hands Divergent Series Which Way Freedom

The Jungle The Hunger Games Series Mortal Instrument Series

Fahrenheit 451 Warriors Don’t Cry American Sniper

Percy Jackson and the Lord of the Flies The Ranger’s Apprentice Series

Olympian Series

I hope the students enjoy their summer reading. If you have questions, please contact me at

[email protected].

Sincerely,

Katie Wilson

8th Grade English/Reading

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Incoming 8th

Grade Summer Reading Project

I have read and agree to the summer reading assignment that my child must complete. If my

child does not complete this project, or turns it in late, they will receive a zero.

___________________________

Student Name

___________________________ _________________________

Student Signature Date

____________________________ _________________________

Parent Signature Date

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Visual Aid Your task is to create a visual aid representing the novel you chose. The visual aid will be graded on creativity, effort, and an explanation of how it ties to the novel. Please choose one of the following on the pages below and have it ready on the first day of school. Be sure to read and follow the directions for the visual aid you chose to complete. Points will be taken off based on the rubric below.

Visual Aid Rubric

Overall Presentation/Effort All elements outlined are present and done thoroughly

30 points

Spelling/Grammar There are no spelling and grammar errors

15 points

Creativity The project is neatly done

15 points

Explanation of novel The novel is represented well and the student has an in depth understanding of the book

40 points

Total Points 100 points

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INTERVIEW

Pretend you are a reporter for a magazine like Time or Entertainment. Choose one character from your book to interview. Look over interviews in magazines as examples of how to format your interview. Use the author’s details of characterization to give an accurate portrayal of the character in the introduction paragraph and the character’s responses to questions. The requirements are as follows:

1. Write one introductory paragraph, describing the appearance and mood of the character and the setting of the interview (italicized). Be sure to include:

The character’s appearance

The character’s actions/behavior

The character’s words, thoughts, and feelings 2. Ask your character at least 10 questions (labeled “Q”). Do not number your questions. 3. The character’s answers are thorough and detailed (labeled “A”). 4. Within the questions and answers, the following topics are addressed:

The character’s background/past. How the character feels about events and other characters from the

book. How the character thinks s/he compares to a character in another book. What the character thinks will be in his/her future and why. As s/he answers your questions, describe the character’s movements,

gestures, facial expressions, body language to give the answers richer depth (italicized).

5. It is preferred that the Interview is typed (one-inch margins, 12 point font, Times or Times New Roman font); however, a neatly handwritten report is also acceptable.

6. Each question and its answer is single-spaced; double space between questions. 7. No spelling, mechanical, and/or grammatical errors are present. 8. Include a drawing of your character (must be your own interpretation of the character’s

appearance based on the book).

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MOVIE & POSTER

If you were to produce a movie of your book, what would be the title? Who would direct? Who would star? Create a movie poster of your book and complete a write-up explaining your reasons for choosing your director and actors. Choose a director based on the mood or tone of the book; you are encouraged to research directors and actors. Choose your actors based on the author’s characterization such as:

The character’s appearance

The character’s actions/behavior

The character’s words, thoughts, and feelings

The reactions of other characters WARNING: If you choose a book that has already been made into a film, DO NOT use anything from the film in your report! All ideas and work must be your own. POSTER Suggested: poster board size has the appearance of a real movie poster and is attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness.

• Title is large, bold, and clearly visible. • Large, colorful, detailed graphics illustrate the mood or tone of the book, and do not resemble the book jacket or cover (or an existing movie poster). • Title and graphics cover the entire poster–very little blank space. • The director, actors, and actresses are identified (include the roles the actors are playing). • At least 2 positive comments from fictional critics are present. • No spelling, mechanical or grammatical errors are present.

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BOOK JACKET & SALES PITCH If you really loved your book, this may be the report for you! Design a NEW book jacket for your book that would entice people to pick it up at the store and buy it. Then prepare a short sales pitch or commercial to present orally to the class. Remember the purpose of a commercial is to sell, sell, sell! WARNING! Your book jacket must not resemble an existing jacket or cover from your book. All work must be your own. BOOK JACKET Paper should be folded to look like a book jacket. Outside

Front: Tile and author are clearly visible. Colorful, detailed graphics depict the mood or tone of the book, would entice readers to pick up the book, and take up the entire cover (no blank space). Back: Includes at least 3 (paragraph long) reviews from fictional critics or authors that:

address the plot, the characters, and the author’s techniques

create anticipation or a desire to read the book. Inside

Front Cover: Includes a well-written synopsis that creates anticipation and DOES NOT divulge the ending (at least one paragraph).

Back Cover: Describes the author and how his/her life experience contributed to or affected the story (at least one paragraph.)

No spelling, mechanical, or grammatical errors are present.

Book jacket resembles an actual book jacket and is attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness.

SALES PITCH DO NOT read from the summary of your book jacket. Sales pitch is typed or neatly hand written (double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-pt. Font, Times or Times New Roman).

No spelling, mechanical, or grammatical errors are present.

Pitch is about 2 minutes long and appears to be prepared and rehearsed.

Pitch includes a strategy for attracting customers and entices audience to read the book.

Your speech and body language are clear and enthusiastic.

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REVIEW

Imagine you’re a book critic for a magazine or newspaper, like Entertainment or The New York Times. Write a review of your book, and then prepare a presentation for your classmates. Look at reviews in magazines and newspapers as models of how your review should be. WRITTEN REVIEW

Review is typed or neatly hand written, double-spaced, with one inch margins, 12-point Times or Times New Roman font.

Review is 2 to 3 pages in length.

Title is original, sums up your article, and would attract readers.

Text is a cohesive piece of writing. The following elements are present:

Information about the author and his/her past work.

A summary of the book without divulging the ending.

Critique of the author’s work

–strengths and weaknesses

The overall impression.

Who should or shouldn’t read the book to and why.

The end of the review includes a grade or score for the book (be sure to inform the reader of your grade system; for example 4 out of 5 stars.)

Review is written entirely in the third person. No “I,” “me,” “my,” “we,” “our,” “you,” “your,” etc.

No spelling, mechanical, or grammatical errors are present.

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NEWSPAPER ARTICLE & NEWS REPORT

Imagine you’re a reporter for a major newspaper like The San Francisco Chronicle or The New York Times. Report on the climatic event from your book, as though it has just happened, and then present a news report on the event. Use newspaper articles to guide you as you write your article. Watch the news and use the reporters as models for how to report your story. ARTICLE

Article is typed or neatly hand written, double-spaced, with one inch margins, 12-point Times or Times New Roman font.

Article is 1-2 pages in length.

Headline and subheading grab the attention of the reader.

All information is fact (objective), not opinion (subjective). The following elements are present:

Lead (first paragraph) establishes the who, what, when, and where.

Events leading up to the climax.

An objective description of the climatic event.

Witness testimony (quotes from characters) describing or reacting to the event and/or its aftermath.

Description of who the witnesses are and how they were involved with the event.

Article is written entirely in the third person. No “I,” “me,” “my,” “we,” “our,” “you,” “your,” etc.

No spelling, mechanical, or grammatical errors are present. NEWS REPORT

Event is reported thoroughly and objectively.

Voice and manner resembles those of a professional news reporter.

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CHILDREN’S BOOK

You are a children’s book author and illustrator. Write an abridged version of your book, keeping in mind the age of your audience. Also keep in mind that illustrations tell the story too –you’re drawings can reveal information like the setting or what the characters look like, so you don’t even have to write that part! Also, feel free to turn your characters into whimsical animals! Then read your book to the class, as though they are the child-aged audience you abridged the book for. BOOK Minimum size: 10” x 10” COVER

Title and author are clearly visible.

Your name, as the author of the abridged version, is visible.

An original colorful graphic that relates to the book’s content is present (that doesn’t resemble the book’s actual cover) and takes up the entire cover (no blank space).

Content is appropriate for children anywhere between the ages of 3 to 11.

There are at least 10 pages (not including the cover) each include typed or neatly hand written text and detailed/ colorful illustrations.

Written portion is plot/action-based. Details are revealed through the illustrations.

Three plot elements are present: conflict, climax, resolution.

No spelling, mechanical, or grammatical errors are present.

Book is neat and well organized.

Pages are attached. ORAL Book is read clearly and dramatically to reveal the tone and mood of the story. Voice inflection, gestures, body language and facial expressions enhance the meaning of the story.

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BROCHURE & TRAVEL AGENT

Imagine that you’re a travel agent putting together a vacation that would let your clients experience the book. Create a brochure that would entice clients to consider your vacation and then prepare a presentation to sell your vacation to an audience. Use the author’s description of the setting and events in the plot to help design the perfect vacation getaway! Use the theme, tone, or mood of the book to design your brochure. BROCHURE Fold larger size paper (8“ x13“) into 3 sections. You will have a total of 6 sections to fill with the following information: Section #1:

Cover/Front of the brochure advertises the “name” of your vacation package and what book it’s inspired by.

Include a picture or graphic.

The Front of the brochure would be the first thing a customer would see, so make it enticing!

Section #2:

Write at least one paragraph describing the overall theme of the vacation, how it relates to the theme of the book, and who would enjoy this vacation.

Include a picture or graphic. Section #3:

Describe the accommodations, food, and transportation arrangements.

Include a picture or graphic. Sections #4

Schedule of activities: Label and explain at least 5 activities that are created based on events from the book.

Describe/Summarize the major event(s) from the book. Make sure your brochure is colorful, with very little unused space, and neat and organized. Writing may be typed or handwritten, as long as it’s legible and error free. No spelling, mechanical or grammatical errors are present. ORAL

DO NOT read from the brochure.

Pitch includes a strategy for attracting customers and entices clients to “buy” the vacation.

Speech and body language are clear and enthusiastic.

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MENU

Many restaurants have dishes inspired by a theme. Create some dishes that are inspired by characters, the setting, the plot, the tone or mood, and the theme of your book. Design a menu that captures the essence of your book. Give each dish a name, describe what’s in each dish, and explain how each dish is inspired by the book. MENU

Includes the name of your restaurant.

Provides a brief synopsis of the book.

Includes a minimum of eight dishes –each of the following courses are represented at least once: appetizer, soup or salad, main course, and dessert. Indicate which dishes go under which courses.

Use at least four of the following six elements as inspiration for your dishes:

Characters (protagonist, antagonist), setting (when & where), plot elements (conflict, climax, resolution), mood, tone, and theme.

Each dish is creatively named. For each, there is a detailed and appetizing description of ingredients and an explanation of how the dish is connected to an element from the book.

Menu design is neat and organized (may be typed or hand written).

No spelling, mechanical, or grammatical errors are present. ORAL Oral includes a brief synopsis of the book, a thorough description of the dishes, and an explanation of how the dishes are inspired by the book. Speech and body language are clear and enthusiastic.

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PARTY PLANNER

Plan a party inspired by your book! Consider the following elements: characters, setting, plot events, mood, tone, and theme. Design an invitation, decorations, food, party layout, entertainment and activities for your guests that will allow them to experience your book. Prepare a collage illustrating and explaining your party, and present your party to the class. COLLAGE

Suggested: poster board size

Title of your party and the title and author of your book are clearly visible.

Includes a brief synopsis of the book.

Invitation

Title of party, date, time, location (inspired by the setting).

Includes at least five items that are appropriately named for the book. May be appetizers, buffet, or sit down courses (inspired by characters and plot events).

Includes a thorough description of at least 2 activities (inspired by plot events) and at least one source of entertainment (inspired by plot, mood, tone, or theme). Explain how each is related to your book.

Include a drawing of the party layout, showing where food, activities, decorations, etc. will be.

The collage is decorated to show what the party decorations would be like (inspired by mood, tone, or theme).

Collage design is colorful, neat, and organized.

Design and party elements consistently match the theme, tone, or mood of the book.

No spelling, mechanical, or grammatical errors are present. ORAL

Explain the party to the class. DO NOT simply read from your collage.

Oral includes a brief synopsis of the book, a thorough description of the party, and an explanation of how the party elements (food, décor, and entertainment) are inspired by the book.