Convince Me to Read

This is a culminating activity for use after the reading of a book or novel. This Project Based Learning activity was created to highlight creativeness, allow for implementation of persuasive writing standards, and assess comprehension of the book or novel.

Time frame for activity depends on how tech savvy are your students. My students are quite handy with technology. This activity took them three 45 minute class sessions to complete the development of the presentation. Then, another 30-45 minutes of class was needed for the presentations.

This project can be done individually, however I recommend using small groups.

Implementation of activity:
Display the prompt "Convince me to read _____________". Explain to the students they are to create a visual presentation convincing me, the teacher, to read their book. They may create a PowerPoint or Prezi type presentation. They may write a commercial, act out a scene from the book, interview a character from the book, or create a documentary. the product is completely their choice. Allow them to be creative. The added fun is for them to video their presentation using their cellular device. They upload it to YouTube for their classmates and family to enjoy. The goal is for them to be creative while learning how to use persuasive writing.

The teacher serves as a facilitator, technology trouble-shooter, and offers guiding questions to aid in the development of effective persuasive writing. The students are doing the hard work.

Be aware my students have been trained on how to work in groups. They know the responsibilities and roles of each member. They have signed contracts regarding behavior and sharing of work load. This activity would be difficult to manage if your students do not know how to participate in productive groups.

A rubric can be used for grading purposes.