About this book
1. With another student, choose one of the chapters in Heartbeat and create a reader's theater to present to your class. Assign lines, and practice your dramatic reading aloud. Be ready to explain why you chose to present the chapter you did.
This activity gives students the chance to create a dramatic interpretation of one of their favorite scenes in the novel. Teachers might wish to provide highlighter pens so students can mark the lines they will be reading, as well as extra class time to practice the readings.
2. For a class assignment, Annie writes poems about things she fears and things she loves (pp. 32-34). Compile your own lists of things you fear and things you love, and write them in a free-verse style poem like Annie's.
You may wish to let students know in advance if they will be sharing their poems with their classmates, as many students may write very personal lists. Students should be encouraged to consider what their lists show about themselves.
3. Annie runs for the pure pleasure of running. Do you have a sport, interest, or hobby that you enjoy simply for its own sake? What makes it appealing to you? Using descriptive language, write an essay about your special interest, explaining why you enjoy it. Or write a free-verse style poem as Annie does to express your love for your hobby.
With this assignment, students have the opportunity to practice writing in a poetic style like Annie's, using vivid language to show their love for their own special interest.
- Subjects:Achievement and Success, Confronting and Resolving Fears, Main Idea and Details, Literature, Plot, Character, Setting, Literature Appreciation, Autobiographical Writing, Creative Writing, Expressive Writing, Literary Response, Poetry Writing, Writing Prompts, Growing Up, Creativity and Imagination, Drama, Theater, Musicals, Pride and Self-Esteem, Understanding Self and Others
- Skills:Main Idea and Details, Plot, Character and Setting, Descriptive Writing, Poetry Writing
