Pumpkin Project

The Pumpkin Book
Project
Combining Reading
With Creativity
Dear Parents,
Happy Fall! It is that time of year for candy, apples,
festivals, and PUMPKINS! I always love the exciting
fall activities we get to incorporate here at school. In
our classroom, we will be celebrating fall…pumpkin
style; however, our pumpkins won’t just be any ol’
pumpkin. This year the students will be creating
pumpkins to look just like famous characters from
storybooks.
The best part…this project involves you! The activity
has TWO elements: a book report which will be
completed at school and the pumpkin project which
will be completed at home.
Attached you will find directions for the pumpkin
project as well as dates when certain parts are due.
The students will be choosing their favorite fiction
story and reading it in class and for homework. As
the students finish reading their books, they may
begin to create their pumpkins at home. Students are
welcome to complete this on their own or have fun
completing it as a family project. On our class
website (Miss Raucci’s Page) you will find examples of
the Pumpkin Project as well as an extra copy of this
packet.
I can’t wait to see all of the students’
pumpkin creations on display at the
end of October.
Happy Fall!
Miss Raucci
Pumpkin Project
Project Packet
Look through the entire packet for this project. Be sure that
you understand what is expected. Keep all of the steps and
directions in mind when you are choosing your character.
Selecting a Book
Select a high quality book to use for your project. The book
should be at or above your current reading level. *If you are
also participating in the reading fair you can feel free to use
the same book*
Reading with a Purpose
You are reading to find out more about a character. While
you are reading look for clues the author gives you that tell
more about the character’s personality, likes, and dislikes. As
you find clues and evidence that describe your character
mark your page! This will help you during our in-class
writing portion.
In Class
You will be conducting a character analysis in class. The
character you choose to decorate your pumpkin will be the
character you will do your analysis on. Make sure you are
choosing a MAIN character so there is plenty of information
about them throughout your book. During this portion we
will make a list of character traits that describe your
character. This is where you will need to cite your evidence
from the story (just like our prove it papers).
At Home
You will be responsible for completing several pieces of this
project at home. Each piece has its own due date. The first
step will be to choose your book. Next you will read your
book. You will need to draw a “Pumpkin Blue Print” and fill
out a supply list in order to organize your ideas and plan out
what your pumpkin will look like. Lastly, you will be
decorating your pumpkin.
Grading
Each piece of the Pumpkin Project is receiving a grade. In
this packet you will find a scoring rubric. Turning each
assignment in on its due date is part of your grade.
How to Make a Pumpkin
into a Book Character
1. Start with a pumpkin. The foam pumpkins that are
available at craft stores are very much preferred as real
pumpkins quickly rot. *DO NOT CARVE INTO A REAL
PUMPKIN.
2. Use the “pumpkin project blueprint” to sketch out ideas
and make a list of supplies that you will need.
3. Gather your supplies and have fun being creative. You
are welcome to do this on your own or have fun
completing it as a family project.
4. There are no specific guidelines regarding the materials
you use. Below is a list of supplies that others have used.
You may find it useful for generating ideas.
paint
wiggly eyes
Felt
yarn
feathers
glue/hot glue
construction paper
pipe cleaners
fabric
buttons
fur
glitter
markers
pom poms
cotton balls
stickers
props: glasses,
jewelry, crowns,
etc.
Please plan to bring a copy of the book to display
with your completed project. If your book was
borrowed from the library, you could print a
scanned or photocopied image of the book instead.
Some students also bring in additional “props” to
display (example: Johnny Appleseed- apples, seed
packet).
Pumpkin Project
Due Dates
October 2013
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
2
3
4
7
8
9
10
11
*Pumpkin
Reading Log
for
Homework
*Pumpkin
Reading Log
for
Homework
*Pumpkin
Reading Log
for
Homework
*Pumpkin
Reading Log
for
Homework
14
15
16
17
18
21
22
23
PUMPKIN
DUE!
24
25
Pumpkin
Project
Assigned
Read Book
Rubric:
Due:
Bring book
to class to
begin
writing
report
Read Book
Read Book
Due:
Project Blue
Print &
Supply List
Read Book
Due:
Pumpkin
Book Choice
*Complete
Book
Due:
Project
Reading Log
Pumpkin Project
Scoring Rubric
Rubric
Rating
Scale
Criteria
O1 2 3 4
All FOUR (4) assignments were turned in
on time.
O12 34
Book choice is an appropriate reading
level.
O1 2 3 4
Pumpkin Blue Print and Supply List
reflect an understanding of the criteria
as well as the character and their traits.
(ex: Fancy Nancy would be not be
frowning if she is happy throughout the
story)
O1 2 3 4
Pumpkin shows evidence of planning and
care
O1 2 3 4
Written Report: Character traits are
supported with details from the book.
Notes:
Pumpkin Project
Character Traits
Great authors do not simply list specific traits for the characters in
the books they write. Instead they provide information that allows
the reader to infer the character traits based on things the
characters do (actions), say (dialogue), and think (thought/feelings).
As you read books you will encounter “evidence” that will help you
get to know a character. Below is a list of some character traits
that can often be used to describe individuals you will meet in books.
Use the Pumpkin Reading Log to record examples from the text to
support your opinion that the traits you select describe the character
in your book.
adventurous cautious
depressed
generous
lazy
afraid
cheerful
determined
grouchy
lonely
ambitious
childish
easygoing
hard-working loving
annoyed
clever
energetic
helpful
mean
anxious
confident
evil
honest
messy
arrogant
confused
fearless
impatient
mischievous
bossy
cooperative
foolish
impolite
mysterious
brave
courageous
friendly
independent
naughty
calm
cruel
funny
intelligent
nervous
careful
curious
gentle
kind
obnoxious
careless
daring
selfish
spoiled
polite
rude
demanding
serious
stubborn
proud
silly
dependable
talented
trustworthy
responsible
smart
sneaky
thoughtful
understanding shy
Pumpkin Project
Reading Log
Date
Pages
Read
Write at least three sentences or examples of
your character’s personality or character traits.
Use the Character Traits page to help you.
Pumpkin Project
Reading Log
Date
Pages
Read
Write at least three sentences or examples of
your character’s personality or character traits.
Use the Character Traits page to help you.
Pumpkin Project
Examples