Literary Bash

• Arts & Humanities
• Mathematics
• Physical Education

• 3-5
• 6-8
• 9-12
• Advanced

Brief Description

Objectives

• read a grade-appropriate literary selection.
• design a complete classroom party with costumes, games, refreshment selections, and more around that piece of literature.
• correlate all party plans clearly to aspects of the book.
• create a proposal for the implementation of the celebration.

Keywords

Materials Needed

• literature selections
• paper
• pencils
• Internet access (optional)

Lesson Plan

Discuss the meaning of "theme" and how it is used in planning celebrations. For example, have they ever attended a birthday party that had a theme? What are some holiday themes? How are the themes reflected in the activities and items enjoyed during holiday celebrations? What are some common objects and activities associated with Halloween?

Have students work individually or in small groups to identify their choice of an acceptable book as an independent reading assignment, or the entire class can focus this activity on a story/book they have read. Instruct students to outline plans for a classroom party that revolves around the chosen book. Aspects of the plan should/may include a unique title for their themed celebration and theme-related decorations, invitations, refreshments, activities, games, favors, and prizes. If you choose, you may refer to A Harry Potter Halloween Party as an example. (Older students may read this information on their own, while teachers may prefer to borrow and share ideas from it with younger students.)

Once students have outlined their party plan, ask them to turn their thoughts into a proposal and submit it to you in writing. The proposal should

• list the student's name(s), title of the book, and author's name.
• explain the rationale behind the party theme.
• address decorations and music required.
• identify each item needed for the party.
• explain the games and activities that will be part of the event.
• describe appropriate attire for the party.

Advanced or upper-level students might also

• identify the approximate cost for party items and the number of each needed.
• give the ideal time to hold the party (date and time of day).
• include recipes for snacks related to the theme of the event.
• summarize the anticipated total cost for the party.
• explain why the event is worthwhile and is preferable to other party themes.

Every aspect of the party as described in the proposal must be linked to the book. Costumes should be explained as they relate to characters in the story, and party foods, games, decorations, must also correspond to the book and its setting. Titles should be appropriate and have meaning in the context of the literary work. When complete, have students share their proposals. If time is plentiful, students may vote on the theme that has the most appealing foods and activities.

Assessment

Collect all student proposals. All satisfactory submissions will contain the parts of the celebration assigned by the teacher and will relate each to an aspect of the selected book. Evaluate writing technique according to classroom guidelines.

Education World

Submitted By

Cara Bafile

LANGUAGE ARTS: English

• GRADES K - 12
• Communication Skills
  Applying Language Skills

• GRADES 3 - 5
• Compute Fluently and Make Reasonable Estimates

• GRADES 6 - 8
• Compute Fluently and Make Reasonable Estimates



 
•  

• GRADES 9 - 12
• Compute Fluently and Make Reasonable Estimates

• GRADES Pre-K - 12
• Organize and Consolidate Their Mathematical Thinking Through Communication
  Communicate Their Mathematical Thinking Coherently and Clearly to Peers, Teachers, and Others

• GRADES Pre-K - 12
• Recognize and Apply Mathematics in Contexts Outside of Mathematics

• GRADES K - 12
• Movement Forms
  Movement Concepts
  Physical Activity



 
•  

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