The Cornerstones of the Shepard Academy
As the culminating assignment for our Literature Circle book,
each group will plan, create, and present a Book Talk about their Literature Circle book.
What Is a Book Talk?
A Book Talk is not a book summary or a book report. Book Talks are brief “teasers” given enthusiastically as a way to entice others to read a particular book. They are very similar to movie trailers, which show just enough information to convince you to watch. You will include some summary and passages in your Book Talk, but consider this presentation a persuasive speech, not just a report. You are trying to convince others to read this book.
Your Book Talk will be a 4-6 minute group presentation which will be scored as a whole. The Book Talk is worth 100 points and will be presented to the class.
Your Book Talk will be a 4-6 minute group presentation which will be scored as a whole. The Book Talk is worth 100 points and will be presented to the class.
Elements of the Book Talk
Your Book Talk should include these elements:
- Start off with an interesting quotation from the book to capture your audience’s attention. (Make sure you include an explanation of the quotation!)
- Tell us the title, the name of the author, and the genre. (e.g. fantasy, mystery, realistic fiction)
- Do some research on the author and tell us about other books he/she has written. (There may be some information on the book cover.)
- Tell us about the setting. Where and when did the story take place?
- Who is the main character (protagonist) in your book? Describe him/her. Share a passage that describes the main character.
- Who or what is the antagonist in your book? Describe the antagonist.
- What is the conflict or struggle that the character has to overcome?
- Share a brief summary of the plot, but don’t give away too much of the plot.
- What was the mood of this novel: funny, sad, exciting? Share a passage that illustrates a mood in the story.
- What was the theme? (The central idea or lesson about life that the author wants to know.) Explain why you think this is the theme.
- Why did you like it? What do you remember most about the book?
- Who would you recommend this book to and why?
Preparing and Presenting the Book Talk
Step 1: Divide and Conquer!
Divide up the work equally. Determine which elements of the Book Talk each member of the Book Club will be responsible for completing and fill in the Elements Planning Guide document. On Friday, each member will report back to the group with their completed work for the group's approval.
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Presentation
As a group, decide on the method you would like to use to present your Book Talk. Your only restriction is that your group may not use a presentation program, i.e. PowerPoint or Prezi. Think outside the "slide box". The presentation may contain audio, video, live presentation, or any combination of these methods. Whatever method you choose, ALL Book Club members must participate in the presentation and all the elements are included.
Some suggestions:
Feel free to wear costumes, use props, take on a character! Have fun!
Divide up the work equally. Determine which elements of the Book Talk each member of the Book Club will be responsible for completing and fill in the Elements Planning Guide document. On Friday, each member will report back to the group with their completed work for the group's approval.
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Presentation
As a group, decide on the method you would like to use to present your Book Talk. Your only restriction is that your group may not use a presentation program, i.e. PowerPoint or Prezi. Think outside the "slide box". The presentation may contain audio, video, live presentation, or any combination of these methods. Whatever method you choose, ALL Book Club members must participate in the presentation and all the elements are included.
Some suggestions:
- A "casual" discussion of the book - like a Socratic Seminar
- A creative discussion of the book - talk show format, game show, interview the author/characters.
- A structured discussion of the book - panel discussion or symposium in which each member contributes their "area" of expertise. One member moderates the discussion.
Feel free to wear costumes, use props, take on a character! Have fun!