Shoebox Novel Study for Grade 4 Students

This activity focuses on the integration of language (reading, writing, oral communication) and the arts (visual arts) in the junior classroom. Students can create their own book in a box display and use this as a visual aid in a class presentation.

Have your students look at home for a shoebox or any other appropriate box that could be used for this project a few weeks ahead of time.

This activity can be broken down into five segments depending on grade level each side of the box will address different elements of the novel that are being addressed . The students are also asked to collect/create four artifacts that relate to the novel chosen. These artifacts will be discussed during oral presentation.

1. Title, Author amd Narrative Style
2. Setting & Characters
3. Main Idea
4. Plot Structure & Resolution
5. Book Review

Choosing Appropriate Novels

This activity can be modified in terms of complexity and focus to suit intermediate and senior grades.

When it comes to the choice of novel for this assignment we suggested compiling a list of suggested novels to give the students to choose from. Consult your school and classroom library when creating this list. Students are encouraged to bring in novels from home as well.

A Few Novels We Suggest:

1. Brenna, Beverly. The Moon Children. Red Deer Press, 2007. 978-0889953789
2. Dinsdale, Christopher. Stolen Away. Napoleon Publishing, 2006. 978-1894917209
3. Ellis, Deborah, and Walters, Eric. Bifocal. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2007. 978-1554550623
4. Humphreys, Chris. The Fetch: The Runestone Saga #1 Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2006. 978-0375832925
5. Kress, Adrienne. Alex and the Ironic Gentleman. Scholastic Canada, 2007. 978-0545996686
6. Walters, Eric. Sketches. Puffin Canada, 2007. 978-0143053347