I do several literature circles throughout the year with all grade levels of my English classes. Once the students have completed their novels and have completed their discussions they are given a final assignment to create a museum display in order to share their book with the rest of the class.
Each group creates two group posters to act as their backdrop for the museum. The poster must include all of the pertinent information about the novel: Title, Author, and a review or synopsis. They can also include facts about the author on the posters if they choose and pictures always help as well.
The second part of the project is individual. They students each have to create their own artifact to showcase a portion of their novel. Artifacts can range from diaries of a character, a significant item with a description of why it was important in the novel or even a power-point presentation about the time period.
The project is designed to be self explanatory just a museum would be, although you could have students act as docents to answer questions.
The final stage of the project is when the students set up their museums and rotate through the classroom (museum) and learn and read about each others' novels. I have found this to be a great way to introduce them to more literature. Their interest is then peaked for another novel.
I have had great success with this project with ninth graders and eleventh graders.
Jill, we do lit circles also. I like your idea of a finishing project. This is something I could do at the fourth grade level, scaled down a bit.
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting and unique way to present a novel. It is a fabulous idea - a great way to let the students show off their own creativity.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a final project! I really like the mix of "required" and individual components. I'm always surprised at how much more kids give us when it's their idea! Do you have any favorite literature circle books?
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