An Independent Inquiry-Based Differentiated Literary Project
A.   Goal
I will demonstrate understanding and appreciation of how literature reflects real life.
B.   Objectives
1.   knowledge: what I will know
- at least 2 novels that relate to a common theme (essential)
- at least 2 poems that relate to the chosen theme (desirable)
- at least 2 nonfiction books that relate to the chosen theme (desirable)
- at least 2 picture books that relate to the chosen theme (desirable)
- at least 2 folktales that relate to the chosen theme (desirable)
2.   skill: what I will be able to do
- a. find books on a chosen theme (desirable; you may ask me to find them for you)
- b. take notes, with page numbers, that provide evidence for the topic (essential)
- c. create a question about life that can be answered by my notes (important; you may ask me to form the question for you)
- d. compare and contrast the evidence from the various books (essential)
- e. explain how the evidence corresponds to my own experiences in life (important)
- f. explain how the evidence corresponds to life for other people (desirable)
- g. create a project that assimilates all I have learned (essential)
- h. use conventions of English and artistic techniques to effectively convey what I have learned (essential)
- i. write an accurate bibliography of all my sources of information (essential)
- j. hand in my completed project on time (important)
           3.   experience: what I will do
- a.  read at least 2 novels on a chosen theme (essential)
- b.  gather materials for taking organized notes (essential)
- c. consult with my teacher on what topic to study in relation to my theme (important)
- d. ask for help when I feel discouraged or confused (important)
- e. read the novels myself and do the writing myself so that the project truly reflects my own knowledge and skill level (essential)
4.   attitude: how I will behave
- a. show interest in reading (essential)
- b. show interest in learning about my chosen theme and topic (essential)
- c. show interest in creating an original project (essential)
[This page may be copied for use with students if the following credit is provided: ©2014 Sophie Rosen.]
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Term Project:
- Start reading.
- Keep notes:
- a bibliography
- a world map
- your observations
- Start considering questions.
- Choose a question.
- Organize the notes you have already made.
- Read more books that will help answer your question.
- Talk with your teacher to plan a presentation in which you will share your observations and conclusions.
Possible Questions:
- How do people survive difficult experiences?
- How has nonviolent action affected people’s lives?
- Who are people who have made a positive difference in the world?
- How do people meet their basic emotional needs?
- When is suffering worthwhile in life?
- How do people pass on goodness even though they have experienced evil?
- How do literary characters illustrate qualities on the ‘Bridge of Character’?
- What are causes and effects of migration?
- How do stories help us understand people from other cultures?
- How do stories help us understand life in different times in history?
- How does science fiction help us deal with present day problems in our world?
- How does fiction help us deal with the human condition of goodness and evil?
Possible formats:
- Powerpoint presentation
- Booklet or Report
- Essay
- Poster or Mural
- Diorama or Model
- A Creative Story of a Journey through Literature
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