Personal Responses to a Novel

I'm always looking for new and unique ways for my students to express their feelings about a novel they have read. I like them to include pertinent information regarding the novel's literary elements, as well as their opinions and reactions. In addition, I like them to be as creative as possible, tapping into areas beyond Language Arts. I recently used the following ideas for a literature unit based on fictional genre:

• Write a letter to one of the characters in the novel. Ask him/her questions as well as tell about yourself.
• If you could change places with one of the characters, who would it be? Why?
• Which character is most like you? Why?
• If the main characters from two different novels could actually meet, who would you want to meet with whom? Why? What would their meeting be like?
• Create a newspaper page for one of the novels. Summarize the plot in one of your articles. Cover the weather in another. Include an editorial and a collection of ads that would be pertinent to the novel.
• Summarize the plot by creating a cartoon version of the novel. Use about six to eight frames.
• Move the setting of the story by changing the time and the place. What would the novel be like now?
• Rewrite a chapter or section of your novel from another character’s point of view.
• Why did the author write this particular story? Express your opinion.
• Pretend you are a newspaper reporter whose job is to interview one of the characters. Write your interview.
• You have become a character in one of the novels. Describe your experience during a conflict.
• Write a poem about one of the novels. Touch on the characters, setting, plot, and theme.
• Rewrite a portion of the novel as a play.
• Choose a familiar melody, such as Mary Had a Little Lamb, and change the lyrics so they pertain to the novel.
• Develop a mini matrix for your novel.
• Create a mini story wheel for your novel.
• Create a story chain for your novel that consists of at least ten links.
• Compare and contrast one of your novels with another that you have read for class this year or last. Remember to include how the novels are alike AND how they are different.
• Redesign the front and back cover of your novel. Include the pertinent information as well as a blurb on the back.
• Develop an award for your novel. Explain the criteria for the award and why this particular book was selected to receive it. A good place to start this project is by reading about the Newberry and Caldecott awards. Notice, too, the other awards particular books have been given.
• Create a triorama for your novel that depicts the most important scene. Write a summary of this scene, explaining its role in the storyline.
• Design a story map for your novel. Include important information such as characters, setting, and the plot. Write a brief explanation of your map.
• Design your own personal response. Remember to get your teacher's approval before you begin.

This is only the beginning of ideas! Be creative and encourage your students to complete the last activity. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what they accomplish.