Engaging and Interactive Reading Activity: Creating a Book Trailer

Title: Creating a Book Trailer

Compliance: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts - Reading: Literature (RL.7.2, RL.7.3, RL.7.7)

Subject: Reading

Summary: This activity engages seventh-grade students in creating book trailers to promote their favorite books, enhancing their reading comprehension and communication skills.

Topic: Book Trailers

Learning Outcomes:

• Know how to analyze and interpret key elements of a story (RL.7.2)
• Understand the use of multimedia to present information (RL.7.7)
• Can create a book trailer to promote a book (RL.7.3)

Methodology:

This activity will be conducted over several class periods and will involve both individual and group work. Students will analyze key elements of a story, learn about book trailers, and then create their own book trailers using multimedia tools.

Resources/Materials Required:

• Access to computers or tablets with internet connection
• Books from the classroom library or the school library
• Access to video editing software or online tools (e.g., iMovie, Adobe Spark, WeVideo)
• Headphones or earbuds

Instructions:

Step 1: Introduce Book Trailers (1 class period)

1. Begin by discussing the purpose of book trailers and how they can be used to promote books.
2. Show examples of book trailers to the class, highlighting their key features and elements.
3. Discuss the importance of capturing the essence of a book in a short video.

Step 2: Selecting a Book (1 class period)

1. Allow students to browse through the available books in the classroom or school library.
2. Encourage them to select a book that they have read and enjoyed.
3. Provide guidance and suggestions if needed.

Step 3: Analyzing Key Elements (2 class periods)

1. Guide students in analyzing the key elements of their chosen book, such as the characters, setting, plot, and theme.
2. Encourage them to take notes and discuss their findings with their peers.

Step 4: Planning the Book Trailer (1 class period)

1. Introduce students to storyboarding and its importance in planning a video.
2. Provide them with a template or guide for creating a storyboard.
3. Allow students to work individually or in pairs to plan their book trailers, ensuring they include the key elements of the story.

Step 5: Creating the Book Trailer (3-4 class periods)

1. Provide students with access to video editing software or online tools.
2. Guide them in using the tools effectively, including adding images, text, music, and transitions.
3. Encourage creativity and originality in their book trailers.

Step 6: Sharing and Evaluating Book Trailers (1 class period)

1. Allow students to present their book trailers to the class.
2. Encourage their peers to provide constructive feedback on the effectiveness of the trailers in promoting the books.
3. Assess the book trailers based on the key elements of the story, creativity, and overall presentation.

Assessment:

Assess the students' book trailers based on the following criteria:

• Accuracy in representing key elements of the story
• Creativity and originality
• Effective use of multimedia tools
• Clarity of the book's message and appeal

Provide feedback to students on their book trailers, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement.