Reading

Project
Overview

Year 7
Aims

• To enjoy reading and to develop good reading

habits
• To stretch your reading abilities
• To write about what you are reading in a critical
way
• To practise writing in a variety of styles
 Guidelines
• For this project, you will choose your own books and write about them.
• You will read a minimum of two books that you have not read before. The maximum number of
books you may include in your project is six.
• You may read either Fiction or Non-fiction but at least one of the books you read must be Fiction.
• By the end of the project, you must have at least four pieces of written work to hand in. There will be
a choice of tasks that you may do. These will be either Reading or Writing tasks. You must complete
one of each.
• Do not choose books you think will be ‘easy’. Choose books that will stretch you as a reader. There is
a reading list as a guide, but you do not have to choose books from this.
• Your finished project should be illustrated and could have a short review or blurb with each book, in
addition to the task or tasks you have completed.
• The project must be handed in on the first day of Summer Term 2. You may be asked to hand in
some pieces to be marked during the project. You will be given both class time and homework time
to complete it. Lessons will mostly be in the Library or in a Computer Room.
• There will be opportunities to use drama activities and group work based on the books you are
reading so you are able to share them with others
 Suggested Writing Projects
• Letter from the reader to a character, asking questions which may be answered in a reply.
• Diary extracts written by one (or more) of the characters.
• Continuation of the plot or a complete sequel.
• Play script of one of the major events of the book (this may be for stage, or film and
directions adapted accordingly).
• Speeches given at an award ceremony or other celebration in honour of a character’s
achievements.
• Letter or email to the author, followed by a reply.
• A series of poems, expressing the feelings or a character or group of characters.
• A series of poems describing the setting.
• Newspaper report of an incident in the book.
• Transcript of ‘answerphone’ messages left by a number of characters.
• Maps of the setting, publicity leaflets about the book, a blog written by one of the people
involved …or any other idea for a piece of writing inspired by the book.
 Suggested Reading Projects
• ‘Beginning a Book’ worksheet –examining the ‘narrative’ hooks used by the author to interest the
reader.
• Select a passage from anywhere in the book –then examine how the writer introduces the
setting: What do you learn about this place? How does the writer create atmosphere? Which
words and phrases tell you something about the place and create a particular mood?
• Select a passage from anywhere in the book and examine how the writer introduces a character:
How is the character first introduced? What do you learn about the character? How is the
character described? At this point in the story, what impact will this character have on the story
and on the other characters? Does the author want us to like this character? Give reasons for
your answer.
• Select a passage from anywhere in the book and examine how the writer creates tension or
suspense: What words or phrases are used to create the tension? What other techniques does
the author use? (eg short sentences)
• Write a review of your book. Use ‘Writing a Review’ sheet to consider all the features in a review.
• Research the author or the context of this book. Write a report on your findings.
If you can
think of any
other tasks
you would
like to do,
ask your
teacher.
An
Example
A Poem and
Some
Feedback
A Play Script
Final Points
• Due the Beginning of Summer
Term 2
• Start Early
• Must be Decorative
• Presenting Project to the Rest of
Your Class
• The Best Projects will Earn
Rewards/Merits