Grade Four
Book Projects
2012-2013
As a reader, it is important to
choose books from a variety of literature
genre for independent reading. Even
though you may have a favourite, aim to
read from as many different genres as you can. The purpose of these projects is for you
to discover different types of books you like to read, and to have fun presenting them in
your own creative way while using the talents that God has given you!
You will need to complete 3 projects this year; one from each category and each
must be from a different genre. Below, I have included a few examples, but book selection
is up to you and your parents. It must be within your reading ability.
Genre type
Realistic Fiction
Mystery or Adventure Story
History or Historical Fiction
Science (non-fiction)
Fantasy
Poetry
Science Fiction
Autobiography or Biography
Examples
*Lemonade Wars
*Toilet Paper Tigers
*Hardy Boys
*Cam Jensen
*Stone Fox
*My Story series
*Dear Canada series
*Sadako and The Thousand Paper Cranes
*Usborne Science series
*Eyewitness Series
*Percy Jackson and the Olympians
*Narnia Series
*Spiderwick Chronicles
*Shel Siverstein Collections
*Jack Prelutsky poetry
*My Teacher Flunked the Planet
*Aliens for Breakfast
*Helen Keller
*Terry Fox
Creative reading response projects
When you have finished your reading, choose one of the projects on the next pages to
do. You will complete 3 projects this year: 1 visual, 1 oral and 1 written. They can be done
in any order. Pick a project that makes you excited! Plan ahead; this is not a project that
can be done the night before. Please cut apart, and hand in your project plan slips that
are on the last page.
Your projects are due:
November 18 -hand in plan on Oct 31
March 3- hand in plan on February 17
June 2 - hand in plan on May 15
Visual Projects
All visual projects should be colourful, attractive and neatly completed in good copy.
Please be prepared to present your project to the class.
1.
Diorama- In a shoe box, make a diorama of an important scene from the book.
The
diorama should show story elements (setting, important characters, important plot in
the book, mood of the book). On an index card mounted on the top of the box, tell the
title and author of the book. Describe how the diorama fits into the book (e.g. where
the scene fits into the general plot of the story, when this occurs, and the importance
of this scene.)
2.
Game Board- Create a game board that clearly demonstrates all the important
events of the book in the correct sequence. Include instructions and all the parts
necessary to play the game. The game should include visual features that show mood,
setting, and the main characters of the book. If it is a non-fiction book, the game
should teach several of the important facts that you learned from the book.
3.
Sculpture- Make 3-dimensional figures of the main characters of the story.
Use
any materials that you think would be appropriate to make them realistic! Take into
consideration what you know about the characters personality and appearance from
what the author has written.
4.
Book Jacket- Design a book jacket for your book.
On the front cover write the
title and the author and include an illustration that shows an important scene, object or
character from the book. On the back cover, summarize the plot of the book, making
sure that you tell the main problem, but don’t give away the ending. Make your
audience wants to read the book by the suspense you create!
5.
Poster- Your book is being made into a movie!
Make a poster advertisement on a
large sheet of poster board to advertise the movie. Make sure you have a large, bold
title and the illustrations show important story elements (setting, important
characters, an important scene in the story, mood). You can include brief supportive
quotations from movie reviewers. (“A must-see!” ~Calgary Herald) On the back of the
poster, tell the title and author of the book. Describe how the poster relates to the
book.
*For non-fiction books, create a poster to show what you learned from the book.
Include both pictures and text.
6.
Timeline-Develop a timeline sequencing the plot of your story with key events
highlighted by a brief written explanation and small illustrations.
7.
PowerPoint- Make a PowerPoint presentation to show the main story elements
(setting, characters, plot/main problem, and a theme/message of the story). If it is a
non-fiction book, the PowerPoint should teach several of the important facts that you
learned from the book. Remember to include the title and author on one of the slides.
Oral Projects
All oral projects should be well rehearsed and spoken clearly. Make eye contact with
the audience and use props and gestures to add interest to your presentation.
1.
Book Talk- You have been asked to promote your book for a TV show.
Decide
how you will introduce your book and convince viewers to read it. Prepare by making
notes on index cards that summarize the story. Include a description of the
setting, characters, plot, and theme (overall message of the book). If it is an
information book, tell the main content of the book and give some specific
interesting examples. Your talk should include the title and author.
2.
Original Song or Poem-
Write a song or poem that describes where the
story took place, the mood of the story, or the plot. You might also like to write a
poem or song about a problem one of the main characters of the story faced and
how they dealt with it. Your poem should have several verses and show evidence
that you have a good understanding of what you’ve read.
3.
Interview- You are a TV talk show host and your guest in one of the characters
from the book. Write up ten or more interesting questions and answers for the
character so that your audience will get a good idea of the story (especially the plot
and characters) from your guest’s answers. You can either act out both roles
yourself (e.g. changing hats!) or ask a friend to ask the interview questions.
4.
Drama (Skit or Puppet Show)-Select an important event from the story.
Ask some friends to help you dramatize that scene. Make puppets for the main
characters, or use props and costumes to help make the scene believable. Make
sure that you practice so that you know your lines and movements. Before your
presentation, tell the title and author of the book. Describe where your skit fits
into the general plot of the story.
Written Projects
All written projects should be typed or neatly written out in good copy.
1.
Book Review- You have been asked to review your book for a magazine.
Summarize the story. Include a description of the setting, characters, plot
(including the main problem), and theme (overall message of the book). If it is an
information book, tell the main content of the book and give some specific
interesting examples. Your review should include the title and author.
2.
Sequel-
If you were to write a continuation for this book, what would it be
about? Give a summary of the book to introduce your sequel. Next, outline your
ideas for the events of your new book in point form.
3.
Scrapbook-Create a scrapbook that is 5-7 pages that includes your favourite
scenes, characters, plot and mood from the book. On each page include pictures,
descriptions, and creative embellishments.
4.
Letter to the Author-Write a letter to the author to tell them your
response to the book. Choose 3 of the following responses and write them into
three separate paragraphs. Use proper letter format.

What have you enjoyed about their book?

Tell about a favourite scene, and why?

What are your questions for the author?

What suggestions for changes would you make to the book?
Keep this chart handy to record the projects you
have completed.
Project due
date
November18
March 3
June 2
Book read
Project completed/
genre
June 2 Project Plan for
(name)
Plan is due: May 15
Book Title:
Genre:
Project:
----------------------------------March 3 Project Plan for
(name)
Plan is due: February 17
Book Title:
Genre:
Project:
-------------------------------------------------
November 18 Project Plan for
Plan is due: October 31
Book Title:
Genre:
Project:
(name)