Thread: Reading activities (esp. secondary teachers)

Yes, I show movies, but first we read the literature or one that relates to it. We take notes during the movie. We discuss it and then we do some sort of activity. I like to compare the movie to the book if possible. I also like to show effects of media on the audience pointing out music, scenes, foreshadowing etc.

For my students, this usually gets a lot of discussion.
I also have them either, create a different ending by changing one thing about one character or draw a story board depicting the events of one character through the story.

Here are two similar novel assignments that I am completing with my English II and III classes. They like the choices, and there is something for all types of learners. I have scores more if you would like anything else.

Of Mice and Men

You may choose your grade on this unit, based upon the activities you are willing to complete. Think carefully before choosing, for you will be asked to sign a learning contract and will be held to the terms of it.

For a grade of D

Read the novel
Watch the movie
Take a test.

For a grade of C, complete these Core Activities:

Read Of Mice and Men.
Complete the chapter questions, designated by levels A, B, C, or D.
Complete the vocabulary exercises.
Read and write a two page report on the background materials.
Take a test and earn an average of C, B, or A (determined by the grade level you have chosen) on these two tests.
Watch the movie.




For a grade of B, complete the Core Activities plus two of the following:

Write a book review or videotape an interview with John Steinbeck. You must design questions that examine the author's background, his motivation for writing the book, his recollections about the process of writing the book, and his feelings about being a writer. Answers must be factual, and sources cited.

Prepare a timeline of key events in the story. Include pictures for each event.

Using the materials from the history of the era, create a graphic organizer, a timeline, a Power Point Presentation, or a collage telling the story of this time period and its effect upon American culture.

Create a 25 question Of Mice and Men trivia quiz, word search puzzle,


For a grade of A, complete the Core Activities plus three of the following:

Investigate the life of John Steinbeck and his writings. Design a PowerPoint presentation
of his life and accomplishments.

Research the Pulitizer Prize and the criteria for winning it. Write a press release announcing Steinbeck as the winner of this coveted prize. You must justify your reasons for his selection.

Write a script and videotape a dramatization of a key scene in Of Mice and Men.

Perform and tape a five minute dramatic reading of a key scene from the book.

Prepare a visual representation of three scenes and themes from the novel.

Prepare five questions raised in the book. Answer them in essay form.

In a team of four, complete the Of Mice and Men WebQuest.

Design an Of Mice and Men web site.




To Kill a Mockingbird

You may choose your grade on this unit, based upon the activities you are willing to complete. Think carefully before choosing, for you will be asked to sign a learning contract and will be held to the terms of it. Failure to do so will result in loss of grade.

For a grade of D

Read the novel
Watch the movie
Take a test on Part One and another on Part Two. You must earn at least a D average on these two tests.

For a grade of C, complete these Core Activities:

Read To Kill a Mockingbird or listen to the tapes.
Complete the chapter questions, designated by levels A, B, C, or D.
Complete the vocabulary exercises.
Read and write a two page report on the background materials.
Take a test over Part One and another on Part Two and earn an average of C, B, or A (determined by the grade level you have chosen) on these two tests.
Watch the movie.




For a grade of B, complete the Core Activities plus two of the following:

Write a book review or videotape an interview with Harper Lee. You must design questions that examine the author's background, her motivation for writing the book, her recollections about growing up in the South, and her feelings about writing. Answers must be factual, and sources cited.

Prepare a timeline of key events in the story. Include pictures for each event.

Using the materials from the history of the Great Depression, create a graphic organizer, a timeline, a Power Point Presentation, or a collage telling the story of this time period and its effect upon American culture.

Create a 50 question Mockingbird trivia quiz, word search puzzle,


For a grade of A, complete the Core Activities plus three of the following:

Investigate the Scar Incident, and design a PowerPoint presentation, comparing and contrasting these real life events with the fictional plot of the book.

Research the development of the Civil Rights movement through the legal process in the courtrooms of three decades: thirties, fifties, and sixties. Find how those events have shaped race relations in today's culture. Present your findings in a videotaped panel discussion. Prepare handouts, outlining your findings, and your conclusions.

Write a script and present a dramatization of a key scene in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Prepare a visual representation of five scenes and themes from the novel.

Prepare five questions raised in the book. Answer them in essay form.

In a team of four, complete the Mockingbird WebQuest.

Design a Mockingbird web site.