Classics Book Report Middle Grades Language Arts Paul Chandler ©2013 *Adapted by Mrs. Mohler

Background Honors and Advanced classes should be challenged. What better way to challenge them than to provide a classics reading list and have the students report back to the class? With the use of Power Point (or a similar type of program), students also are able to utilize technology in their presentations. (SL.8.4) Several other standards are addressed by the students as they prepare for their own presentations by reading.

Objectives To learn at least 10 new vocabulary words to teach to the class (L.8.4) To find evidence ‘right there’ and ‘by inference’ as to which character is the protagonist (RL.8.1) To find evidence ‘right there’ and ‘by inference’ as to which character is the antagonist (RL.8.1) To identify the main elements of the story (RL.8.3) To identify the key events in the story that contribute to the theme (RL.8.2) To identify the point of view from which the story is told (RL.8.6) These standards are for Grade 7 Common Core, however, you may consult both Grade 6 & 8 for appropriate parallel standards for those grades.

The Assignment Each student will select a book from the classics reading list to read. From the book, students will highlight ten unfamiliar words to teach to the class. (details on a later slide) Students will also identify both the protagonist and antagonist in the book and show evidence by inference and by providing direct text. Students will identify the main elements of the story such as the plot, rising action, etc. and will provide three key events in the story. Students will also identify the point of view from which the story is told.

Vocabulary Identify at least 10 unfamiliar words from your book. Provide the following: word (spelled correctly); part of speech; meaning; Provide a quote from your book that uses the word in the context defined Provide a picture that illustrates the meaning of the word. Each word should have a separate slide. See the sample slide that follows. Note that if you are unfamiliar with the Sentence & A Cue format that I have a free download of the form in my store.

Rhapsodies (n) Enthusiastic expression of feeling in speech or writing A state of elated bliss; ecstasy. “The words of one of these rhapsodies I have easily remembered.”

The Conflict(s) Most stories will have a protagonist (the hero) and an antagonist (the villain). Identify the protagonist and provide textual evidence to show why. Also, explain how you could infer from the action that the character you identified is indeed the protagonist. (This could be through interactions with other characters, for example). Do likewise with the antagonist. (You may be able to identify a conflict within the story which allows you to infer, for example).

Elements of the Story Describe the plot. Who are the main characters other than the protagonist and antagonist? Explain the conflict? Describe how the setting impacts the plot. Identify and explain the theme of the story?

Key Events Describe three key events in the story that are necessary for the story to proceed.

Perspective From which point of view is the story told? Explain how you identified the point of view. Explain why the author would choose to use this perspective.

In Your Opinion… Why do you think the story you read is considered a classic? Explain why the theme of this book has stood the test of time? Would this book make a good movie? Why or why not? The last question is actually a prompt in itself. Chances are that a movie HAS been made based on that classic. You might provide that information to the student after all have presented.

Grading Total /60 Criteria Advanced Proficient Basic Below Basic Incomplete A minimum of 10 vocabulary words were presented with each member presenting a minimum of five vocabulary words using pictures, definitions and providing a quote from the book that uses the word as it is defined in the slide.   Protagonist and antagonist are demonstrated through textual evidence  quotes from the text with the authors last name page number from the text in parenthesis following the quote Example: (Mohler 1) Plot, setting and theme are well described Key events are clearly described and provided in sequence Point of view is identified , there is explanation of how it was identified and why the author would choose this perspective Opinion of why the book is a classic, why the theme has stood the test of time and whether it would make a good movie is supported by quotes from the text with the authors last name page number from the text in parenthesis following the quote Example: (Mohler 1) Total /60

Thanks for purchasing this product! This assignment is designed for honors or advanced students, but you may use it for all of your classes and alter it as you see fit. Please have your colleagues purchase this copyrighted work separately unless you buy additional licenses. The Sentence & A Cue form referenced in the lesson can be found in my store. (It is a free download). Follow me on pinterest at: http://pinterest.com/misterva/ *Adaptations were made to the original product by Mrs. Mohler