Independent Reading Plan

How it works:

Read a book independently. Write a report on it.

Then read a second book. Write a report on that.

Choose one of the books and create a product to show to the class.

Your books must be approved by your parents and your teacher.
See handouts from Mrs. Hinkle for directions, or download the documents above.

Fall Due Dates:

Oct. 20	Turn in written response to the first book.
Nov. 10	Turn in written response to the second book.
Dec. 8	Create a product from the menu about one of these books. Present your product to the class.

Mid-Year Due Dates:

Jan. 12	Turn in written response to the third book.
Feb. 2	Turn in written response to the fourth book.
Mar. 2	Create a product from the menu about one of these books. Present your product to the class.

Spring Due Dates:

Mar. 23	Turn in written response to the fifth book.
April 20	Turn in written response to the sixth book.
May 11	Create a product from the menu about one of these books. Present your product to the class.

Possible Genres:

You must choose at least three different genres during the year.

modern fiction
classic fiction
fantasy/science fiction
historical fiction
mystery/detective fiction
drama
poetry
nonfiction biography/autobiography
nonfiction history
nonfiction science

Products Menu

Choose one from each learning style column by the end of the year.

Verbal-Linguistic	Visual-Spatial	Kinesthetic-Auditory
1. Character Diary: Imagine you are one of the characters in the book. Write a few diary entries expressing your perspective and feelings.	2. Character Sketch: Make a poster illustrating a main character. Include quotes from the book that give clues to the character.	3. Character Impersonation: Dress up like a character from the book. Bring props, and use them to introduce yourself to us.
4. Setting Research: Write a description of the setting (time and place). If it is a real place, find out historical information that helps us understand the story.	5. Setting Map: Draw a detailed map showing the locations of the main events. Label the places and their events.	6. 3-D Map Model: Construct a model out of clay, foam, or other material. Show the scenery or interior where an important event takes place.
7. Plot: Outline a plot summary or a mountain diagram of the plot. Include: protagonist, antagonist, goal, conflict, rising action, climax (turning point), and resolution.	8. Story Board: Retell the story in a series of 8 to 12 cartoon sketches with captions. Mount this on a poster.	9. Museum Exhibit: Make a display of pictures and real objects that bring the story to life. Identify and arrange these on and in front of a folding display board.
10. Found Poem: Look for vivid, expressive words, phrases, and sentences in the book. Select and arrange some as a poem.	11. Travel Brochure: Illustrate and advertise the world of your book in a brochure or a poster.	12. Archeology: Create a model of a significant object in the book using any material. Make a label identifying the object, how it was used, and why it is important to the story.
13. Parody: Write a parody of the book or one scene. A parody uses similar action but replaces the original characters with exaggerated, humorous ones.	14. Children’s Book: Retell the story in simplified form for a younger reader, with an illustration and one to three sentences on each page.	15. Video of a scene: Get some friends to help dramatize a scene from the book. Show the 2 to 5 minute video in class.
16. Reader’s Theater: Select a scene and read it dramatically. Practice so you can read smoothly and with expression.	17. Slide Show: Make a PowerPoint slide show of the entire story or a significant scene. Include text and pictures. Consider using sounds and animations.	18. TV Commercial: Imagine that the book is being made into a movie or TV series. Make a video commercial introducing the highlights of the story and getting the viewers interested.
19. Word Game: Write a crossword puzzle, card game, or board game based on the book. The game must include details of character, plot, setting, and vocabulary. Minimum 20 words or clues.	20. Puppets: Design cardboard or sewn puppets, or make costumes for dolls of the main characters. Identify who they are.	21. You Are There News: Create an on-scene news report about an event in the book. Interview witnesses. Perform this live or on video.
22. Newspaper: Write a short news story describing the major event in the book. Include an attention grabbing headline, ads, and teasers for the rest of the front page.	23. Time Line: Arrange the events of the story on a time line. Make the time line to scale. Include at least one illustration.	24. Song: Compose a song about the book, or take an existing song and rewrite the lyrics to fit your book. Perform the song live or on video or audio.

Written Response Rubric This will vary according to the genre of the book. See the Independent Reading Document for details.
Heading	10%
Your name, book title, author, pages, signature of approval if requested
Analysis	40%
Plot outline and character analysis for fiction, main ideas for nonfiction, character analysis for biography
Interpretation	40%
Thoughtful response to a quote from the text, showing evidence of engagement and comprehension
Language Conventions	10%
Spelling, punctuation, capitalization, vocabulary, and neatness

Product Presentation Rubric
Product Content	80%
Did your product include all the necessary requirements in high quality?
Introduction	5%
Did you identify the book and introduce your product to the class?
Eye Contact	5%
Did you look at the audience, not just your notes or the teacher?
Voice Expression and Volume	10%
Did your voice convey your excitement about the book, and engage the audience’s attention? Could you be heard in the back of the room?

Download the Written Response Document