Book Share Ideas Menu
Reviewing the Novel
Students may choose any one or more of the following ideas as methods by which to present their oral book report. They should pay close attention to the supplied rubric in order to strive for a level 4. The ultimate intentions of the project are to showcase their talents and creativity, to make others interested in the book, to demonstrate understanding of the book as well as to practise their reviewing skills.
The Reviewer should be able to:
- explain what parts of the book (character development, dialog, plot, etc) were excellent
- explain what parts of those characteristics did not work as well.
- explain what would they change if they were the writer of the novel.
- explain what made the book outstanding/okay/horrible
- justify a recommendation of this book to a friend, or why a friend should steer clear of this book.
Oral:
1. Chalk Talk: Use the board to draw and talk us through the action, setting and events that happen to the characters in your novel. A strong presenting voice and rehearsal are necessary to ensure that your presentation goes smoothly and holds the interest of the audience.
2. One Person Show: Dress as one of the main characters in your book. Be that person. Tell us about the events of the story from your character's point of view. Give attention to the style of language and accent. Act the part.
3. Paper Dolls: Create your characters, key settings and key objects as they relate to the story in cut-out form. These should be large enough for all to see. Use magnets (you will need to provide them) on the board and weave the retell of the story and information about your characters as you go along. Once again, rehearsal is essential for a polished and smooth presentation.
4. Songwriter's Workshop: Create a song using your musical talents that will reflect the plot and character's feelings, challenges, conflicts, etc. Your song will help us get a feeling for the story. You may record it, or perform it live.
Written:
1. Four-Part Story Wheel: Divide the retelling of your story into 4 parts; the beginning, the middle, and the end. Save one section for your own reflection on the characters and a personal response. Use 2 large pieces of Bristol board. Cut out one section of one circle and use a butterfly pin to fasten the overlay. Make sure the top circle illustrates the title, author and some information about the book.
2. Oversized Postcard: Write a postcard from one of the character's point of view to convey what is happening in the story. Be sure to give many details so the reader has a strong sense of the setting, the other characters and the plot. The one side is illustrated and gives a quick visual of the book and author, the other side is addressed to the teacher and has the written part.
3. Scriptwriter's Workshop: Write a script with many scenes which would touch upon the main plot lines of your book and of course tell us about your characters and setting of your story. Submit the play to the producer (teacher) for reading.
Written/Oral:
1. Game Show: Along the lines of a show such as "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", prepare an extensive list of questions and answers that will lead us to understand the plot, characters, and setting of your book. Remember to give us explanations after each of the answers so that we end up with good knowledge of the book, and how these key questions relate to the book.
2. Video: Prepare a script with key scenes from the book. Have some friends help you act out the scenes and record them for our viewing in class. You are the writer, producer and lead actor.
3. Interview with the Author: Prepare interview questions for the author, highlighting key points from the novel. You can be the author and a friend can be the interviewer. Make sure that the questions and your responses are well developed and really help us understand the plot, setting and characters.
Visual/Written:
1. Board Game: Prepare a realistic looking board game that we can play. As we play the game, we will come to understand the characters, plot and setting of your book. Be sure to include the rules of play and as much detail as possible. You want to avoid something that simply has us rolling the dice and gives us little information about the book.
Creativity Plus:
If you come up with another idea for a book share you are welcome to approach the teacher and state your proposal. Once the idea has been approved, you may proceed.
N.B. Please note that due to compatibility issues with computer programs between home and school, powerpoint presentations will no longer be accepted as a method of presentation for the book share.
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