Grades: Various
Summary: A great list of options for your students.
1. Construct a diorama (three-dimensional scene which includes models of
people, buildings, plants, and animals) of one of the main events of the
book. Include a written description of the scene.
2. Create a mini-comic book relating a chapter of the book.
3. Make a model of something in the story.
4. Write a different ending for your story.
5. Make several sketches of some of the scenes in the book and label them.
6. Make a time line of all the events in the book.
7. Learn something about the environment in which the book takes place
8. Tell 5 things you leaned while reading the book
9. Make a Venn diagram comparing your environment to the setting in the book
10. Draw a picture of the setting of the climax. Why did the author choose
to have the action take place here?
11. Stories are made up; on conflicts and solutions. Choose three conflicts
that take place in the story and give the solutions. Is there one that you
wish had been handled differently?
12. Write a letter (10-sentence minimum) to the main character of your book
asking questions, protesting a situation, and/or making a complaint and/or a
suggestion.
13. Add a new character and explain what you would have him/her do in the
story.
14. Write a scene that has been lost from the book.
15. Write the plot for a sequel to this book.
16. What other story could have taken place at this same time and setting?
Write the plot and about 4 or 5 characters in this new book.
17. Make a map showing where the story took place.
18. Make a mobile using a coat hanger.
19. Research and tell a brief biography about the author.
20. Think of a new adventure for the main character.
21. Rewrite the story as a picture book. Use simple vocabulary so that it
may be enjoyed by younger students.
22. Make a "wanted" poster for one of the characters or objects in your
book. Include the following: (a) a drawing or cut out picture of the
character or object, (b) a physical description of the character or object,
(c) the character's or object's misdeeds (or deeds?), (d) other information
about the character or object which is important, (e) the reward offered for
the capture of the character or object.
23. If the book you read involves a number of locations within a country or
geographical area, plot the events of the story on a map. Make sure the map
is large enough for us to read the main events clearly. Attach a legend to your map. Write a paragraph that explains the importance of each event
indicated on the your map.
24. Select one character from the book you read who has the qualities of a
heroine or hero. List these qualities and tell why you think they are
heroic.
25. Tape an interview with one of the characters in the book you read.
Pretend that this character is being interviewed by a magazine or newspaper
reporter. Be sure to write a script before taping. You will be both the interviewer and the interviewee. You will have to switch from chair to chair
as you ask and answer the questions.
26. Complete each of these eight ideas with material growing out of the book
you read: This book made me wish that..., realize that..., decide that...,
wonder about..., see that..., believe that ..., feel that..., and hope
that...
Submitted by: Holly Crites - Ingleside, Illinois