To Kill a Mockingbird Portfolio Project

INSTRUCTIONS: For the remainder of our unit on To Kill a Mockingbird, you will be working to complete a portfolio of assignments that represents your knowledge and understanding of the novel. Each piece of your portfolio will be ascribed a point value which is listed below. Please note that you cannot earn a passing grade on this assignment if you complete less than three of the assignment options. You will pick three assignments that appear on the same side of the graphic organizer. There will only be four possible combinations of assignments. You can pick either the three assignments on the top, bottom, left, or right. You may choose whichever side of the box that you like, but assignments cannot be mixed and matched from different sides of the box. Points will be deducted if you do not complete three assignments from the same side of the chart. Instructions for each of the assignments can be found on the back side of this sheet. Please make sure that you thoroughly understand the expectations for the three portfolio pieces that you choose.

From the Diary of…

(25 Points)

Write a series of diary entries from the point of view of someone besides Scout.

The Plot Thickens

(35 Points)

Create a plot diagram that creatively depicts the important events from the

novel.

Epic-logue (25 Points)

Write an epilogue (or an additional chapter) for To Kill a Mockingbird.

Sketchy Proceedings

(35 Points)

Create a series of sketches that depict the courtroom proceedings as they unfolded in To Kill a Mockingbird.

A Square Deal

(35 Points)

Create a paper quilt of symbols and images from To Kill a Mockingbird.

Two For One Special

(25 Points)

Write a two-voice poem which explores the same topic from the point of view of

two different characters.

Four Kinds of Folks Diagram

(35 Points)

Create a diagram that depicts the different social classes in Maycomb and

the characters that fit each.

The Maycomb Tribune

(25 Points)

Write a series of newspaper articles that cover different events that take place in

To Kill a Mockingbird.

Your finished portfolio must be bound in a folder when you turn it in (NOT a binder). In addition to the three pieces you select from above, your portfolio should also include a cover and a table of contents. Your portfolio pieces should appear in the following order:

1. Creative and colorful cover that includes name, date, period, and title of the assignment 2. Table of Contents 3. First Writing Elective 4. Second Writing Elective 5. Visual Elective* 6. Rubric

DUE DATE: Your project is due at the start of class on ___________________________. Ten points will be deducted from the final grade for every day that your project is turned in late. Don’t forget to have a backup for any typed portions of your project; deletion, computer viruses, etc., will not be acceptable excuses for late submission. You should also turn in your rubric when you turn it in. If you do not have your rubric, five points will be deducted from the project grade. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Remember that according to your course syllabus, actions such as cheating, comparing answers, copying homework, and plagiarism will result in a zero and disciplinary action. ALL PROJECTS WILL BE EXAMINED USING A PLAGIARISM PROGRAM. ANY INSTANCE OF FOUR WORDS OR MORE PLAGIARIZED WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC ZERO, AND A REFERRAL.

Follow these instructions for the assignments that were listed on the other side of this sheet. Remember, you must pick three assignments that are all on the same side (top, bottom, left, or right) of the chart.

From the Diary of… – Write a packet of five diary entries of at least 300 words each, all written from a point of view other than Scout’s. Each entry should use language appropriate to the character, with thoughts that are consistent with the way the character is portrayed in the novel. (Essentially, you should “get in the skin” of each character.) The entries should reflect on events from the novel or historical times consistent with the novel’s setting.

The Plot Thickens – Create a plot diagram that creatively depicts the important events from the novel. The plot diagram should be the size of a standard poster board. All five plot points should be correctly labeled, and should include a brief (2 to 3 sentence) description of the events that make up that plot point. In addition, you should draw a symbol or image to accompany each plot point.

Epic-logue – Write an additional chapter or an epilogue for To Kill a Mockingbird. This chapter or epilogue should be from the point of view of Scout, written in the same tone and style as Harper Lee, and a minimum of 500 words. This new writing should cover an event or occurrence not included in the novel already; it can be an extension of a scene, or something entirely new.

Sketchy Proceedings – Create a series of at least five sketches that depict the courtroom proceedings as they unfolded in To Kill Mockingbird. Each of these sketches must be on paper that is at least 8 ½ x 11 inches and must be accompanied by a brief (2-3 sentence) description of what is happening in the image. You should consult your novel for detailed descriptions as to the layout of the courtroom and details about the people and proceedings. The novel should inform the details in your sketches.

A Square Deal – Create a paper quilt of symbols and images from To Kill a Mockingbird. The paper quilt should be the size of a standard poster board and should consist of at least 20 images and symbols, each secured to separate pieces of paper that make up the larger quilt. Your 20 images can have symbolic or literal significance to the plot of To Kill a Mockingbird. You must also provide a 1-2 sentence description of each of your symbols.

Two for One Special – Write a two-voice poem from the perspectives of two characters from the novel. Each part of the two-voice poem must be at least 16 lines long. Both sides of the poem should address some common theme from the different perspectives of the characters. To do this most effectively, you should choose two characters with very different perspectives.

Four Kinds of Folks Diagram – Create a diagram that depicts the different social classes in Maycomb and the characters that fit each. Your diagram should be the size of a standard poster board and should accurately reflect all four classes, including the prevalence of each class within Maycomb’s community. You should also provide brief (2-3 sentence) descriptions of each class and accurately place at least twenty characters from the novel. In addition, you should draw a picture of at least one character per class.

The Maycomb Tribune – Write a packet of five newspaper articles of at least 250 words each about events from the novel. These must be written with an expository tone, meaning that your purpose is to inform your reader by explaining what happened. (Suggested topics-Miss Maudie’s fire, the day’s events at the trial, the confrontation at the sheriff’s office, the Ewell incident, Atticus and the rabid dog, first report of the arrest of Tom Robinson, etc.).

To Kill a Mockingbird Portfolio Project Rubric

Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Date _________________ Period ________

Portfolio Requirements Exemplary Proficient Developing Insufficient Unacceptable

1. Cover: creative and colorful; includes name, date, period, and title of the assignment

5 4 3 2 1

2. Table of Contents: lists the sections of the portfolio by title; organized in the order in which the sections appear

5 4 3 2 1

3. Two Writing Electives: written in the appropriate style, including purpose, tone, and use of language; neatly hand-written in blue or black ink, or typed using 12 point Times New Roman font; meet length requirements; demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English (when applicable); meet all elective-specific requirements

25 / 25 20 / 20 15 / 15 10 / 10 5 / 5

4. One Visual Elective: colorful, creative, neat, and organized; meets all elective-specific requirements, including size

35 28 21 14 7

6. Rubric: student includes copy with the Portfolio materials

5 --- --- --- 0

Totals

Miscellaneous deductions

Points ______ / 100 Comments Grade