Summer Reading Project – Grade 6 projectREAD

2017

CONTENTS Project/Requirements Overview Project Grading Checklist Book Descriptions Choose One:

o Movie Poster o Magazine Interview o Journal o Newspaper Article

Book log Literary terms

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6th Grade projectREAD

All students will be required to complete one book project this summer. The project will be graded and part of your first marking period grade. Students can also keep a book log this summer to document their reading for extra credit. DUE DATE: September 12th

1. Project: Choose from the following books and then complete one project from the choice board below.

Book List: (See more detailed description of each book on page four.)Fiction

Scat – Carl Hiassan Out of My Mind – Sharon Draper The Unwanteds – Lisa McMann I Funny – James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein Lincoln’s Grave Robbers - Steve Sheinkin Cracker – Cynthia Kadohata Any book in Rick Riordan series Wonder – R.J. Palacio Found – Margaret Peterson Haddix

Nonfiction The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure –

Martin Sandler

Choice Board: Choose one project from the options below.

Movie Poster: Create a movie poster about the book you read. The poster will include required information and illustrations.

Newspaper Article: Choose a person, topic, or event mentioned in your book and research. Create a newspaper article detailing what you learned.

Journal: Journal as you read your book. Choose from prompts to create eight entries. Two entries should be sketches or drawings.

Magazine Interview: The main character from your book is going to be the subject of a magazine article. Develop the interview for the magazine and the cover.

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Extra Credit Book Log: Choose from books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles and continue your reading over the summer. Each day log your reading using Reading Rewards or the attached log. Parents should sign at the end of each page of the log to verify your reading. (Please note reading posts on social media sites does not count toward your book log)

20 or more hours – 10 extra credit points

19 – 10 hours – 5 extra credit points

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Summer Reading Project Grading Checklist

Criteria Possible Points

Points by Self

Points by Teacher

All project requirements are met and described in the presentation. 30

Presentation demonstrates higher order thinking skills such as inferencing, analyzing, and synthesizing information from the text.

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Student uses specific evidence from the text to support their claims.

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Written work has proper grammar and spelling. 10

During the presentation of work, the student speaks clearly and makes eye contact with the audience

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Summer Reading Choices: Entering 6th Grade

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SCAT - Hiassan, CarlBunny Starch, the most feared biology teacher ever, is missing. She disappeared after a school field trip to Black Vine Swamp. And, to be honest, the kids in her class are relieved. But when the principal tries to tell the students that Mrs. Starch has been called away on a "family emergency," Nick and Marta just don't buy it.

CRACKER - Kadohata, CynthiaWhen Cracker, a bomb-sniffing German shepherd is paired with Rick, she isn't so sure about this new owner. They need to be friends before they can be a team, and they have to be a team if they want to get home alive. An action-packed glimpse into the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a dog and her handler.

OUT OF MY MIND - Draper, Sharon. Considered by many to be mentally challenged, a brilliant, impatient fifth-grader with cerebral palsy discovers a technological device that will allow her to speak for the first time.

Riordan, Rick. (Any book in series)

THE UNWANTEDS - McMann, LisaWhen Alex finds out he is Unwanted, he expects to die. That is the way of the people of Quill. Each year, all the thirteen-year-olds are labeled as Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds get more schooling and train to join the Quillitary. Necessaries keep the farms running. Unwanteds are set for elimination.

WONDER - Palacio, R. J.Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan. There he endures the taunting and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.

FUNNY - Patterson, James and Chris Grabenstein.

Wheelchair-bound Jamie Grimm resolves to become the world's greatest stand-up comedian despite less-than-funny challenges in his life. He endures bullying from his mean-spirited cousin and hopes he will be fairly judged when he enters a local comedy contest. (Any book in series)

THE IMPOSSIBLE RESCUE: THE TRUE STORY OF AN AMAZING ARCTIC ADVENTURE -

Sandler, MartinIn the dead of an Arctic winter, whaling ships full of men are stranded in ice. Follow three rescuers in a race against time in this heart-pounding true adventure.

LINCOLN’S GRAVE ROBBERS –Sheinkin, Steve.

A group of counterfeiters scheme to steal Abraham Lincoln’s body from his tomb and ransom his remains for money to free a master counterfeiter from jail. Secret Service agents learn of the plot, recruit an undercover agent to infiltrate the gang, and try to catch the criminals before they can rob Lincoln’s grave.

FOUND - Haddix, Margaret PetersonOne night a plane appeared out of nowhere, the only passengers aboard: thirty-six babies. As soon as they were taken off the plane, it vanished. Now, thirteen years later, two of those children are receiving sinister messages, and they begin to investigate their past.

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Movie Poster Project

Background: You will create a poster based on the theme of a novel you have read from the sixth grade summer book list. The poster should resemble a movie poster.

Task: The movie poster will include required book details and illustrations to generate interest in your novel. It should be informative and interesting to the viewer.

Steps: Select and read a book of your choice from the approved summer reading

book list. Complete the movie poster planning page. Create the movie poster. Review the rubric to make sure you have all components needed for grading. Have all listed components arranged on your poster in a pleasing, eye catching

fashion, and be prepared to present your poster to the class.

Materials: Poster board (22x28 inches, any color), art supplies, pictures, glue, index cards

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Movie Poster Planning PageDirections: This page can be used as a guide/checklist for planning your project. You do not have to submit this and it will not be part of your grade.1. Title of novel (underlined and capitalized correctly)_________________________________________2. Name (bottom right hand corner) 3. Author’s name ___________________________________4. Main Character Personality Traits (2) Describe two personality traits for the main character of your novel. Use text evidence from the book to support your personality trait choices. Use the graphic organizer to help with organization. On the poster board, draw a picture of the character and list the traits/text evidence underneath the drawing.5. Find two quotes from the novel that exemplify (support) the novel’s theme. Use the graphic organizer to help with your organization. The quotes/explanations will be written on index cards and attached to poster.Theme examples:

You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. Sometimes doing the right thing means dealing with confrontation. It’s important to look out for others less fortunate than you. One person can change the world with one small action. Believing in what you think is right is half the battle.

6. Describe the novel’s problem. Write the novel’s problem on an index card and attach to poster.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. Describe the solution to the novel’s problem -how it’s solved. Write the solution to the problem on an index card and attach to poster.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________8. Draw a picture or create a collage that shows an interesting part of the novel. Draw or paste this on poster board.

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Movie Poster Character Traits Describe two personality traits for the main character. Use text evidence from the story to support your choices.

Main Character______________________

Personality Trait #2 ___________________

Text Evidence__________________________________________

Text Evidence______________________________________________________

Personality Trait #1

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Quotes Write two quotes from the novel that exemplify (support) the novel’s theme. Cite specific examples from the text showing how each quote connects to the theme.

THEME:________________________________________________________________

Quote ( page_____) EXPLANATION/CONNECTION TO THEME

Quote (page_____) EXPLANATION/CONNECTION TO THEME

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Magazine InterviewBackground: Pretend you are a magazine reporter who is interviewing one of the characters from your book.

Task: Choose 10 questions for the interviewer to ask the character, and respond to the questions from the character’s point of view. You will present and turn in a written copy of your interview, along with your graphic organizer.

Steps:Written Requirements:

1. Graphic Organizer: This will be turned in along with your final interview and presentation.

o Interview questions: Choose ten questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings about his/her role in the story. (At least 5 of these must come from the Interview Questions list below). They are not to be on unimportant details like “What was your friend’s name” or pet’s name. Instead, ask important questions such as “Why didn’t you tell your mom how you really felt instead of running away?”

o Character’s answers: Write the character’s answers to those questions. The answers also need to provide deeper reasons other than, “Because I didn’t want to.” Instead, it could be “I knew my new stepfather was going to rob us and my mom would never believe me if I told her that.” And then explain why—based on the details of the story. Use evidence from the story.

o Chapter number or page number: Clearly write either the chapter number or page number(s) that you pulled the question/answers from next to the question and answer.

2. Interview: Compose an introductory paragraph that briefly summarizes the story and explains the purpose of the interview. Then write or type out your interview. Mark each part as interviewer or character’s name.

3. Mechanics will be graded: spelling, sentence structure, capitalization, and punctuation.

Presentation: However you choose to present your interview is up to you. Please keep in mind you will be graded on your creativity.

Creativity: Here are some ideas (but you might have one that is even better): ask a classmate to be the interviewer and you be the character, then act it out as a reporter, newscaster, or talk show; Video tape the interview and show it that way instead. Use props, wear costumes, design a set…BE CREATIVE!

Length: Your entire presentation should last between 2 - 5 minutes. Organization: You should be well organized BEFORE your presentation. Make sure

all papers, materials, props, etc. are ready and are placed in the order that you will need them.

Magazine Interview Questions: 1. Who are you closest to? Who do you avoid? Explain why.

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2. What is your biggest fear/ accomplishment/ desire…?3. How would you describe yourself? What are your favorite/ least favorite traits?4. Did anything get in the way of you accomplishing your goal?5. What goal did you set for yourself and was the most difficult part of achieving your

goal?6. What makes you laugh out loud?7. On a typical day, what is your favorite outfit to wear? Describe it and explain why.8. What is one strong memory that has stuck with you? Why is it so memorable?

Summer Reading: Magazine Interview Elements

WrittenInterview

Required Elements

Interview: Summary ParagraphIncludes a summary paragraph which names the magazine, briefly

describes the story, and sets the scene for the interview

Graphic Organizer:

10 questions and answers were written. At least 5 questions were from list.

Chapter or page # included for every question and answer

Interview: Questions asked show that you understand the character’s role in the plot of the story.

All questions asked about situations or events that were important to the plot. Questions are from entire book.

Interview:Character’s answers show that you understand the character’s role in the plot of the story.

Character’s answers had important, specific details. All questions were answered and supported with evidence

Mechanics: Spelling, sentence structure, capitalization, and punctuation

Few, if any, errors were made

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Magazine Interview: Graphic OrganizerChapter or page numbers

Interview question Character’s answer

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Reading Journal

Background: A Reading Journal is a wonderful place to reflect and respond to what you read. It provides a place where you can discover new information, insights, and compelling ideas. Your reading journal helps you to actively engage with the characters and/or information.Task: Read your novel carefully and complete a Reading Journal using the attached reading prompts/questions to record your responses in your journal. Use text evidence to support all journal responses.

Steps: 1. Select book of your choice from the approved book list.2. Review and choose 8 reader prompts from the attached list. Six of the selected journal entries

must be written. Two of the selected journal entries must be drawings.3. Read the assessment rubric so you understand what will be graded with this project.4. Read the book. As you read, you may want to use Post Its to flag any pages containing information

you plan to use in your response.5. Create a Reading Journal…..choose a spiral or composition notebook, a hard cover journal, or

create your own reading journal by combining a stack of papers with a cover. 6. Print or type your reading journal entries; make sure to include the number of reading response

you choose. 7. Design a creative cover for your Reading Journal.

Remember each journal topic should contain the following:o Restate the prompt/question. Turn the prompt/question into a statement proving you

understand what is being asked.o Answer all parts of the prompt/question. o Cite - Here is where you will give your answer, explain, and back up that explanation with

specific information from the text. This is the “prove it” section of the essay. Please make sure to include 2 or more details from text to support your answer.

o Ending statement should be a restatement of your opening sentence. Wrap it all up, restating the main idea.

Example: Prompt: #13: What is the theme or central idea of the story? Explain what scene(s) helps you determine this is the theme.Prompt #13: In the novel, Hatchet, the theme the author conveys is you can overcome any challenge. For instance, Brian, the main character, doesn’t have any idea how to survive on his own, and he realizes he may die. According to the story, Brian uses a hatchet to make a shelter. He cuts down trees and uses bark to build a cave type dwelling.  Also, Brian learns to find food in the wild. He learns which berries he can and can’t eat when he gets sick on some.  Brian finds fire by accident when throwing his hatchet at a skunk and it makes sparks. In the end the fire helps him to cook his food, keep his dwelling warm, and to keep the skunks away. Clearly, Brian is a quick learner and uses what is available to him in order to survive this disaster. He conquers and wins.

Name __________________________________________________Date _________________

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READING JOURNAL PROMPTS/QUESTIONS

Directions: Select 8 prompts from the following list. Remember to choose 2 DRAWING PROMPTS!

1. If you could introduce a character to your family, who would it be? Why?2. What character would you be ashamed to introduce to your family? Why?3. What advice would you give to a particular character? Why?4. What clues did the author use to help you predict what was going to happen later? Explain.5. What is the mood or tone of the book? How does the author create that mood?6. Is there an idea that makes you stop and think or prompts questions? Identify the idea and explain

your responses.7. What are your favorite lines or quotes? Explain why.8. How have you changed after reading this book? Explain.9. What do you know now that you didn’t know before? Explain citing examples from the story.10. What is the theme or central idea of the story? Explain what scene(s) helps you determine this is

the theme.11. How did the character(s) in the story respond to challenges he/she faced?12. What incident or conflict in the story does the author use to begin the story? Why do you think the

author chose this beginning?13. Is the main character similar to another character you found in the book? What are the similarities?14. Did any characters change during the course of the book? How did they change? What forces caused

this change?15. If your book took place in a different setting, how would that change the story? Explain.16. What character would you like to be in the book? Why?17. What do you think of a particular character’s actions? Are they right or wrong? Why?18. Are there any connections between this book and your own life? Explain.19. Explain how the author creates suspense.20. If you could change the ending of the book, what would you do? Why?21. Did the book end the way you thought it would? What clues did the author give you that made you

think that? Did you think these clues were important when you read them?22. What were some of the events that created conflict in the book? What made these things happen?

Why?23. Is the main character similar to a character you found in another book? Explain the similarities.24. Does this book seem similar to any other book you have read? In what ways are the two books

similar? 25. Would you like to read more books by this author? Explain why or why not. Use specific examples

from the story.

DRAWING PROMPTS--Choose two:

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26. Illustrate a new book-cover to add meaning to the story? Explain.27. Draw an illustration which can help a reader better understand the story. Explain the important

details to be noticed in your illustration.28. Draw an important character in the story. Explain why you drew him/her this way. Be sure to

include a setting and why you chose this setting.29. Write your favorite quote from the story. Draw a scene from the story that illustrates the meaning of

the quote.30. Overall, how did the book make you feel? Draw the tone created by the author and explain the

details in the story that creates this tone. 31. Find and write a simile or metaphor in the story. Draw the meaning and how it connects to the text.

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Newspaper Article

Background: You are a reporter for a newspaper for students. You have just read a book that really interested you. You decide to take a person, topic, or event from the book and research it further. Write a newspaper article for kids about the topic.

Task: Research a person, topic, or event from your book. Then create a newspaper article and illustration about your research.

Steps:1. Read your book.2. Select a person, topic, or event from your book to research further. 3. Find at least one reference from a book, article, or an online source.4. Your article should contain the following content (Graphic organizers are included

to help you organize your ideas):a. First Paragraph: Tell the main idea from your research with at least three

supporting details.b. Second Paragraph: Tell how the main idea relates to the book you read.c. Next 3-5 Paragraphs: Develop your topic by giving facts about your research

and include at least one quote from your source.d. Final Paragraph: Discuss your opinion about the research.

5. Your article should be organized with the following:a. Titleb. Headings – Beginning in paragraph 2 create a heading for each paragraph.c. Vocabulary words bolded – Choose five words that are important to the topic

of your article and bold them.d. Illustration with a caption that explains the picture.

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Reading LogA body of research demonstrates the importance of

reading over the summer to prevent summer slide and provide a foundation for success during the school year. Parents/Guardians are asked to monitor their children’s reading and verify the hours spent reading by signing the form

below. This form must be returned to your child’s Literature teacher on the first full day of school in September. Enjoy!

Student Name: ______________________________________ Grade: _____

Title/Author Hours Date

Grade 6 projectREAD

20 hours or more - +10 points

19 – 10 hours - + 5 points

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Grade 6 projectREAD

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Total Number of Hours: ___________________________

Parent Signature: __________________________________

Grade 6 projectREAD

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Literary Terms Reference Sheet

Author’s Style – It is the writer’s unique way of communicating ideas. Elements contributing to style include word choice, sentence length, tone, figurative language, and use of dialogue.

Tone: It is an expression of a writer’s attitude toward a subject. Unlike mood, which is intended to shape the reader’s emotional response, tone reflects the feelings of the writer. Tone can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, playful, ironic, etc.

Setting: It is the time and place of the action in a novel.

Mood: It is the feeling or atmosphere (setting) the writer creates for the reader. The use of connotation, details, dialogue, imagery, figurative language, foreshadowing, setting, and rhythm can help establish mood.

Imagery: Words and phrases that create vivid sensory experiences for the reader. Most images are visual, but imagery may appeal to the senses of smell, hearing, taste, or touch.

Plot: The plot is the action or sequence of events in a story. Plot is usually a series of related incidents that build to develop the story. There are five basic elements in a plot line: inciting idea/conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Theme: The theme is a central idea, primary action, or abstract concept that is made concrete in person, action, and image. Sometimes the theme is directly stated in the work, and sometimes it is given indirectly. There may be more than one major theme in a given work, but there can be minor themes.

Symbols: A symbol is a person, place, or thing that represents something beyond itself. Symbols can succinctly communicate complicated, emotionally rich ideas.

Figurative Language: Figurative Language is language that communicates ideas beyond the ordinary or literal meaning of the words. For example, authors use simile, metaphor, personification, and/or hyperbole, etc. to convey a deeper meaning to the audience.

Suspense: Suspense is the intense feeling that an audience goes through while waiting for the outcome of certain events. It basically leaves the reader holding their breath and wanting more information.

Convey: To make (something) known to someone.

Simile: A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”. Therefore, it is a direct comparison.

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Metaphor: Metaphor is a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison between two things or objects that are poles apart from each other but have some characteristics common between them. For example: The assignment was a breeze.  My brother was boiling mad.

Conflict: A problem or struggle between two opposing forces in a story. There are four basic conflicts:

Person Against Person: A problem between characters. Person Against Self: A problem within a character’s own mind. Person Against Society: A problem between a character and society, school, the law,

or some tradition. Person Against Nature: A problem between a character and some element of nature-

a blizzard, a hurricane, a mountain climb, etc.

Resolution: The part of the story in which the problems are solved and the action comes to a satisfying end.

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