Over the next few weeks, 8th grade Social Studies students will work with a partner to create a children's book that incorporates a topic from American History. This will be a combined English/History project and it is expected that students will include thematic aspects from each discipline in the creation of their story.
Requirements:
1. The book must have an original story that is written from an audience between the ages of nine and sixteen (4th-10th grade). The students need to select an age group and write for it. A book for a fifth grader will have language and visuals that are different from a book for a tenth grader.
2. The book should include illustrations to enhance the story. These may be drawn or cut out (magzines, clip art, etc.)
3. The book should have a cover that includes the story title, author's name(s) and an illustration.
4. The story should be creative and based on an original idea. It also needs to incoporate a theme or topic from American History. Possible suggestions include:
- American culture and holidays
- Immigration
- Civil Rights Movement
- Heroes from American History
- Key Eras (Progressive Era, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, etc.)
5. The book must reflect Literary Elements as dicussed in English Class (i.e. plot structure, descriptive language, characterization/setting, proper dialogue format).
6. Students will receive a grade for their English class as well as your history class for this assignment.
Note: 1. The story should be 10-12 pages long. 2. Once a topic is selected, it will need to be approved. 3. Time will be set aside in both English and History classes to work on the assignment.
Also, it is a good idea to create a rough draft before you move on to a finished product.
Library Information Resources for this Project:
- VRC (Virtual Reference Collection) is available. (The Teaching Books link has examples of children's book creation by various authors.
In addition students can utilize various encyclopedias and magazines/newspapers for historical information.)
- Work Citation format sheets are available at the circulation desk if needed.
- Noodle Tool accounts can be utilized. See Ms. Hatcher for assistance.
- Various information on American History can be found in 900's section of the library book shelves.
