Ms. Richman

Modified English 12

Summer Reading Project 2016

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “No group and no government can properly prescribe precisely what should constitute the body of knowledge with which true education is concerned.” In keeping with the spirit of the former President, instead of assigning a particular book or play to read, you are encouraged to pursue your own passions – find someone to read about who is of interest to you. Perhaps you want to learn more about Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso or the President? Perhaps you’d like to know more about Jackie Robinson, “Jackie” Kennedy or even Jack Nicholson? Perhaps you’d like to learn more about Maya Angelou, Michelangelo or Ernest Hemingway? Look to the lives around you, and choose. The world is full of options and opportunities – opportunities to learn about a life well lived. The selection is yours to make, and the guiding principle is simple: Consider the paths you have ahead of you, your interests and fascinations, and find a person whose journey you find intriguing, provoking, and even inspiring. Whether it is a biography, autobiography or memoir – find someone’s life story and consider its example. Once you find someone you wish to learn more about, read about that person’s life story. Consider the life lessons you can take away from their experience. What can you apply to your own life? Assignment Write a 2-page reflection on your reading experience. What were some of their major accomplishments? What were some of their obstacles? What major conflicts occurred in their lives? How did they triumph over adversity? Your reflection should include your thoughts and insights on the text, not merely a summary of what you have read. Reflection paper is to be typed in Times New Roman font – size 12 font, and double spaced. OR Choose a summer-reading project from the attached list of ideas. Bring your written reflections OR your projects with you on the Friday of our first-full week of school. This day will be our summer-reading day, a day to reflect on what you have read and learned about over the summer. I will be eagerly waiting to learn about your summer reading experiences. It is expected that all students take advantage of this opportunity; therefore, once assignments are reviewed, all reflections and projects will be factored into your quarter 1 grade in English With best wishes for a happy, restful, and safe summer, Please direct any questions or concerns to the following contact: Ms. Richman [email protected]

Summer Reading Project Ideas Newspaper: Create and write a newspaper, including multiple pages, detailing the various subjects explored in your book. You must include five to ten articles having to do with your story. Remember, there is no “white space” in a newspaper. The layout of your newspaper should cover every available space. Cartoons, classifieds, advertisements, pictures, and editorials are examples of what you can add to your newspaper to make it more interesting and creative. Remember that every part of the newspaper needs to relate to the events in your book. CD: Imagine that you have been hired to develop a soundtrack to your book. Find at least ten songs that showcase the book’s themes, settings, emotions, characters, etc. You must include the following with your project: a CD with the songs (if possible), a CD jacket including lyrics and illustrations, and, for each song an explanation of your song choice and how the song relates to your book. You must also include song lyrics in your explanation. Piece of Artistic Expression: If you are artistic or good with your hands, create a painting, sculpture, diorama, or other visual media object connected to your book. You’ll need to write a summary of the book and an explanation of the object and how it connects to the book you just read. Comic Book: Create a comic book using the plot of the book you just read. You don’t need to include every little detail, but all the main events and main characters should be covered. The project should include at least fifteen different frames. Your comic book should be illustrated in color. Character Journal: Choose one character from your book and write five to ten journal entries from his or her point of view. Detail the thoughts and feelings of this character as he or she experiences the plot of your novel. Each entry should be one page in length, typed, double-spaced. Getting Into Character: If you consider yourself an actor or an actress, you might like to take on the persona of a character from your book. Prepare a presentation in which YOU are that character and tell the story of your book from the character’s point of view. Your presentation should be well prepared and you should plan to dress up or include props to enhance your performance. Poetry Journal: If you enjoy writing poetry, you can write a collection of poems that chronicle your novel. You need to write five to ten poems that correspond to characters, themes, events, or other elements seen throughout your novel. Along with each poem, your collection should include some kind of illustration or image to go along with each poem.

Movie Trailer: If you think the book you just read would make a great movie, create a movie trailer to show to the class. It should be 2-5 minutes in length and you should be able to show the final product to the class. If you choose this project, please be sure that your technology matches the technology we have here at Philadelphia Academy. Check before the day you present that your trailer is all set to be viewed in my classroom. PowerPoint Presentation: Create a PowerPoint presentation about your book. Be sure to include the following topics in your presentation. 1. Why this should be a movie? Explain. 2. Summary of the book 3. TV series idea – What would a tv series about this book look like? 4. Would you recommend this book to a classmate? Explain why or why not. Character Alphabet: Choose a character you liked and then create sentences based on the alphabet scheme that demonstrate your knowledge of the character. You must use all the letters of the alphabet. Be creative and have fun. For example after reading Frankenstein, you decided to write Victor Frankenstein’s alphabet it could start like this: A is for the abomination Victor created in the name of science. B is for all the blood spilled by the monster created by Victor because the monster was angry and alone. ENJOY!!!