8th-grade ELA students can choose from the following project options after reading the book of their choice:
1. Written Response: Write a 4-5 paragraph essay responding to one of the following prompts: a. Character Analysis: Choose a main character from the novel. Describe their personality, motivations, and how they change over the course of the story. What important lessons do they learn, and how do their experiences shape who they become? b. Theme Exploration: What is one important theme or message in the novel? Explain how the author develops this theme through the characters, setting, and events. Why do you think this theme is important for readers to understand? c. Conflict and Resolution: Describe the main conflict in the story. Who or what causes the conflict, and how is it resolved? How does this conflict affect the main character and help move the plot forward?
2. Video Recording: Produce a video where you analyze the book you selected. In your recording, provide detailed insights into the setting, characters, plot, and theme, and how those elements contribute to the author’s purpose. Make sure you appear on camera and have a typed copy of your script for submission, along with the video recording.
3. Front-Page Newspaper Display: Create a one-page, visually engaging summary of a newspaper article or news event. Your one-pager should demonstrate your ability to analyze, synthesize, and creatively present key information. Your final product must include the following elements: a. Headline and Publication Date- Clearly display the book’s title and the date it was published. b. Quote or Detail- Include at least one important quote or specific detail from the book. c. Visual Element – Add an image, illustration, or graphic that represents the book’s content or your personal response to it. d. Summary or Analysis – Write a brief summary of the book in your own words or analyze its main points. e. Personal Response – Share your thoughts, reactions, or questions about the book.
All projects are due on the first day of class. Teachers will set up an assignment in Google Classroom for project submissions, and students must submit their work by this deadline. No projects will be accepted after the first day of class. Furthermore, students will need to submit their projects to TurnItIn, a tool that verifies authenticity and checks for plagiarism. Any project that contains plagiarism or AI-generated content will not receive the bonus quiz grade.
