The Pumpkin Book Project

Combining Reading With Creativity

Dear Parents, Happy Fall! It is that time of year for candy, apples, festivals, and PUMPKINS! I always love the exciting fall activities we get to incorporate here at school. In our classroom, we will be celebrating fall…pumpkin style; however, our pumpkins won’t just be any ol’ pumpkin. This year the students will be creating pumpkins to look just like famous characters from storybooks. The best part…this project involves you! The activity has TWO elements: a book report which will be completed at school and the pumpkin project which will be completed at home. Attached you will find directions for the pumpkin project as well as dates when certain parts are due. The students will be choosing their favorite fiction story and reading it in class and for homework. As the students finish reading their books, they may begin to create their pumpkins at home. Students are welcome to complete this on their own or have fun completing it as a family project. On our class website (Miss Raucci’s Page) you will find examples of the Pumpkin Project as well as an extra copy of this packet. I can’t wait to see all of the students’ pumpkin creations on display at the end of October. Happy Fall! Miss Raucci

Pumpkin Project Project Packet Look through the entire packet for this project. Be sure that

you understand what is expected. Keep all of the steps and directions in mind when you are choosing your character.

Selecting a Book Select a high quality book to use for your project. The book

should be at or above your current reading level. *If you are also participating in the reading fair you can feel free to use the same book*

Reading with a Purpose You are reading to find out more about a character. While

you are reading look for clues the author gives you that tell more about the character’s personality, likes, and dislikes. As you find clues and evidence that describe your character mark your page! This will help you during our in-class writing portion.

In Class You will be conducting a character analysis in class. The

character you choose to decorate your pumpkin will be the character you will do your analysis on. Make sure you are choosing a MAIN character so there is plenty of information about them throughout your book. During this portion we will make a list of character traits that describe your character. This is where you will need to cite your evidence from the story (just like our prove it papers).

At Home You will be responsible for completing several pieces of this

project at home. Each piece has its own due date. The first step will be to choose your book. Next you will read your book. You will need to draw a “Pumpkin Blue Print” and fill out a supply list in order to organize your ideas and plan out what your pumpkin will look like. Lastly, you will be decorating your pumpkin.

Grading Each piece of the Pumpkin Project is receiving a grade. In

this packet you will find a scoring rubric. Turning each assignment in on its due date is part of your grade.

How to Make a Pumpkin into a Book Character

1. Start with a pumpkin. The foam pumpkins that are available at craft stores are very much preferred as real pumpkins quickly rot. *DO NOT CARVE INTO A REAL PUMPKIN.

2. Use the “pumpkin project blueprint” to sketch out ideas and make a list of supplies that you will need.

3. Gather your supplies and have fun being creative. You are welcome to do this on your own or have fun completing it as a family project.

4. There are no specific guidelines regarding the materials you use. Below is a list of supplies that others have used. You may find it useful for generating ideas.

paint wiggly eyes

Felt yarn

feathers glue/hot glue

construction paper pipe cleaners

fabric buttons

fur glitter

markers pom poms

cotton balls stickers

props: glasses, jewelry, crowns,

etc.

Please plan to bring a copy of the book to display with your completed project. If your book was borrowed from the library, you could print a scanned or photocopied image of the book instead. Some students also bring in additional “props” to display (example: Johnny Appleseed- apples, seed packet).

Pumpkin Project Due Dates

October 2013 Rubric:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 Pumpkin Project Assigned

2 3 4 Due: Pumpkin Book Choice

7 Read Book *Pumpkin Reading Log for Homework

8 Read Book *Pumpkin Reading Log for Homework

9 Read Book *Pumpkin Reading Log for Homework

10 Read Book *Pumpkin Reading Log for Homework

11 *Complete Book Due: Project Reading Log

14 Due: Bring book to class to begin writing report

15 16 Due: Project Blue Print & Supply List

17 18

21 22 23 PUMPKIN DUE!

24 25

Pumpkin Project Scoring Rubric

Rubric Notes:

Rating Scale

Criteria

O 1 2 3 4 All FOUR (4) assignments were turned in on time.

O 1 2 3 4 Book choice is an appropriate reading level.

O 1 2 3 4

Pumpkin Blue Print and Supply List reflect an understanding of the criteria as well as the character and their traits. (ex: Fancy Nancy would be not be frowning if she is happy throughout the story)

O 1 2 3 4 Pumpkin shows evidence of planning and care

O 1 2 3 4 Written Report: Character traits are supported with details from the book.

Pumpkin Project Character Traits

Great authors do not simply list specific traits for the characters in the books they write. Instead they provide information that allows the reader to infer the character traits based on things the characters do (actions), say (dialogue), and think (thought/feelings). As you read books you will encounter “evidence” that will help you get to know a character. Below is a list of some character traits that can often be used to describe individuals you will meet in books. Use the Pumpkin Reading Log to record examples from the text to support your opinion that the traits you select describe the character in your book.

adventurous afraid ambitious annoyed anxious arrogant bossy brave calm careful careless rude silly smart

cautious cheerful childish clever confident confused cooperative courageous cruel curious daring demanding dependable sneaky

depressed determined easygoing energetic evil fearless foolish friendly funny gentle selfish serious talented thoughtful

generous grouchy hard-working helpful honest impatient impolite independent intelligent kind spoiled stubborn trustworthy understanding

lazy lonely loving mean messy mischievous mysterious naughty nervous obnoxious polite proud responsible shy

Pumpkin Project Reading Log

Date Pages Read

Write at least three sentences or examples of your character’s personality or character traits.

Use the Character Traits page to help you.

Pumpkin Project Reading Log

Date Pages Read

Write at least three sentences or examples of your character’s personality or character traits.

Use the Character Traits page to help you.

Pumpkin Project Examples