D.E.A.R.+NonFiction

A testimonial:
//Hey Mrs. Z.// //I got a letter back from Sharon Robinson today. It's been so long I forgot I had written to her. Remember I read her book// //Jackie's Nine and you told me I should send the letter? It was really cool hearing from her and she said really nice things like "Jackie would be proud of you". I never thought I would say this but thank you for the assignment and making us read non fiction books. James B. AAA'09//

**What is D.E.A.R. NonFiction?**
D.E.A.R.(Drop Everything and Read) NonFiction is a self-selected non-fiction reading assignment for grades 5 through 8. D.E.A.R. nonfiction is scheduled for the first 10 minute of each library class, schedule permitting. Students will read one non-fiction book per trimester. Mrs. Zajko will approve the book for grade level, topic and length. Once the required non-fiction book has been completed, students may read any book, fiction or non-fiction, of their choice. The exception to this is assigned reading (IRP or Literature Circle).

D.E.A.R. nonfiction will take place in Library; students must be prepared and bring the book to class. You may read at home also; however, you must read the nonfiction book in the Library until you are finished reading it. You might want to keep track of your reading by using a reading log.

When you finish your book, you need to post a minimum five sentence review on Destiny. See the wiki page for directions on how to write a review and how to log in to Destiny. The grade for this assignment will be an M provided students have written a thoughtful, detailed review.

If you want to earn optional Exceeds Expectations credit for this assignment, select several of the the activities below and come and speak to Mrs.Z about which one of the activities you would like to do so that we can discuss the activity, the due date and so the expectations for that particular activity.

D.E.A.R. NonFiction Exceeds Expectations Activities
1. Summarize the book in poem format with rhyme (minimum 20 lines) and read the poem in class.

2. Write a "fan letter" to the author using proper letter format. Address the envelope in care of the publisher and include a stamped envelope to send the letter.

3. Use two other sources to research and write a four paragraph report on an issue from the book.

4. Write a one minute radio advertisement persuading the public why they should buy and read this book. Identify your target audience and include a jingle.

5. Q & A - Pretend you are interviewing a person (where applicable) from the book. Write your interview in question and answer format. Minimum 20 questions.

6. Hold an author press conference. Write up to 20 questions and distribute questions to the class. Each student will ask one of the questions and you will answer the question. You should research the author's background.

7. Compare and contrast the book with another similar book you have read.

8. Discuss cause and effect relationships you found in the book.

9. Write a newspaper editorial based on a controversial issue in the book. Must follow editorial format.

10, Design a timeline for events in the book. Use Timeliner if you'd like. This option not available if the book already has a timeline or chronology.

11. Write a letter to one of the characters in the book, if applicable.

12. As a literary agent, write a letter to the publishing company designed to persuade them to publish this book. Must follow business letter format.

13. Create a glossary of unfamiliar words and phrases. This option not available if the book has a glossary.

14. Locate ten credible web sites on the topic and write a summary of each, evaluating them for accuracy, authority and currency.

15. Create a display of similar books. Browse Destiny to locate books.

16. Choose your favorite passage from the book. Write what you found appealing about it and illustrate it. Illustrations need to show effort (no stick figures; some kind of art media is required)

17. Top Ten List - List ten things you learned from this book and read them to the class. Type on a Word doc for display next to the book.

18. You are a newspaper reporter. Write a front page news story in inverted pyramid style or report live from the scene.

19. Write your own test - a combination of matching, multiple choice, true/false, short answer and essay.

20. Write the diary a character might have written, if applicable. Minimum two paragraphs of ten sentences each.

21. Write a promotion campaign for a movie about the book. This would include a newspaper ad layout or poster.

22. Put together a cast for the film version of the book. Imagine the director-producer wants a casting director to make recommendations. Decide who will be the actors or actresses. Include photos and descriptions of the stars and tell why each is "perfect" for the part. "Pitch" the report to the class, who are the producers, to convince them of your vision.

23. Locate research about related information about one topic or person in the book.

24. Create a new book jacket. It should include an attractive photo or cover design, an original summary of the book for the blurb, information on the author and illustrator, and information about other books by the author.

25. Prepare a television commercial on iMovie about the book that would encourage people to read it. The television commercial can include classmates.

26. Create a mobile from items related to the book.

27. Roll play and portray a book character, if applicable. The character should talk about their life or their accomplishments. You will need to turn in a script.

28. Using paper squares (6x6 or 8x8) draw scenes or characters from the book and tape together to make a quilt to display in the library hall.

29. Design a comic strip summarizing the book. Minimum 5 panels.

30. Create a book display in the library using your non-fiction book as the centerpiece. Display should include similar nonfiction and fiction titles.

31. Create a poster that summarizes the book and would encourage readers to buy the book. Poster should be no larger than 8 1/2 x 11.

32. Be an editor. Treat the book as a manuscript and rewrite a page that you consider "weak." Point out what can be done to make the book stronger.

33. Write an explanation of whether or not you would like to exchange places with a character in the book (if applicable) or if you would or would not like to live during the time and / or experience the events discussed in the book. Minimum two paragraphs of 10 sentences each.

34. Design an advertising campaign to promote the sale of the book. Include the following: a poster, a radio or tv commercial, a magazine or newspaper ad, a bumper sticker and a button.

35. Find the top ten web sites a character (if applicable) in your book would most frequently visit, or web sites that are pertinent to the subject of the book. Include two or three sentences describing each site.

36. Create a board game based on events in the book. By playing your game, class members should learn some facts about the subject of the book. The game must include: a fame board, a rule sheet, clear directions and events, facts and characters from the books (as applicable).

37. Complete a series of five drawings that show five of the major events or facts of the book. Write captions for each drawing so that the illustrations can be understood by someone who did not read the book. Illustrations must show effort (no stick figures) and an artistic medium must be used.

38. Write out an imaginary conversation between you and the author in which you discuss the book. Perfomr in class with a friend.

39. Complete each of these eight ideas with material out of the book you read: This book made me wish that....., realize that......., decide that......, wonder about .........., see that......, believe that....., feel that...., and hope that.......

40. Become the teacher. Prepare a lesson that will teach something you learned from the book. It could be a "how to" lesson or one on content. Plan carefully to present all necessary information in a logical order. You don't want to confuse your students! Present your lesson to the class. How did you do? If you taught a "how to" lesson, look at the final product to see if your instructions to the class were clear. If your lesson introduced something new, you might want to give s short quiz to see how well you taught the lesson.

41. Look through magazines for words and pictures that might describe your book. Use these to create a collage. On the back of the collage (8 1/2 x 11) write the reasons you selected the images you selected.

42. Create 10 different bookmarks on cardstock, illustrating important facts from the book. Include the title, author and call number. Bookmarks will be added to the bookmkark holder for student use. Bookmarks need to be bookmark size. Use one of our bookmarks as a template.

43. Imagine that you are the book and plan a way to introduce yourself. Make the class feel they would like to know you better. Organize your best points into an introduction to present to the class.

44. Gather a collection of ten current events or news articles that would relate to events in the book. Summarize them and discuss the connection of the articles to the book and the reader.