Independent Reading

English 9 Independent Reading Assignment

This reading is to be done OUTSIDE of class. You will have the opportunity to select a book from the school library and our librarian will make some recommendations to the class, but you may also use a book from home, purchase a book, or get a book from your local library. If you have recently read a really good book, please recommend it to the class!

Books for this assignment:

• Must not have a movie counterpart
• Can be a graphic novel IF APPROVED BY THE TEACHER FIRST!
• Cannot be a book read in junior high or one to be studied in high school
• Cannot be a book you have read before
• Must be age appropriate (no Dr. Seuss, Goosebumps, etc.)
• Can be poetry, but MUST BE APPROVED FIRST
• Must be an average length and in English

3. On the "Recommended Daily Allowance" section, list several characters that we have discussed in class that would relate to your novel. Assign a percentage to each character which correlates to the similarity between them.

CD CASE

Task: Design and create a CD cover that highlights a major theme of the novel.

Requirements :

            •On the back of the cover, give a brief explanation of what it represents. (Motifs, allegory, universal issues).

            •Come up with at least six original song titles that demonstrate aspects of the book.

            •You will need to write lyrics for one of the songs. You may add your own accompaniment, but that is optional.

            •Specify what type of music will be on the CD. (Rock, Hip hop, Rap)

            •Select a popular song that matches the protagonist’s situation in the story.

  Create a Game

Task: Create a board game that displays famous quotes, characters, the setting, and plot of your novel.

Requirements:

            •Your design should incorporate theme, motif, and symbols from the novel. For example, the classic game of Monopoly has been redone after The Lord of the Rings, capitalizing on the love story.

            •Write clear instructions on how to play the game.

            •You must have game pieces and cards.

  Be the Teacher

Task: Design four handouts you can use to teach this novel to the class.

Requirements

            •Each handout/assignment should utilize a different learning style. For example, a journal assignment, a handout that examines a literary technique (simile), reading assignment, or media assignment.

            •While constructing your assignments, consider setting, character, plot, theme, and literary techniques

      •Note – handouts must be submitted at least one day prior to your presentation to allow time for copying.

Thanks to Mrs. Cimaglia for the ideas on her website: http://home.earthlink.net/~mrs.cimaglia