End-of-Year Activity for Grades 9-12: Spread the Word!

Written by Margo Ensz | Thu, May 08, 2014 @ 02:00 PM

Inspire students to share their love of literature by creating a bumper sticker with their favorite literary quote using the VariQuest Awards Maker.

Note: This culminating activity works well for senior students because they have a vast selection of literature that they have read in their high school English classes.

Begin this activity with a whole group brainstorm of funny or clever bumper stickers. Discuss the characteristics of good bumper stickers. Some important elements include:

few words
witty (i.e., an unexpected twist)
a good visual (easy to read at 50 mi/hr)
makes a statement

Explain that good bumper stickers often leave the reader thinking, and can have a positive (or negative) effect on the reader. Challenge students to think of their favorite quote from literature that they’ve read. Their quote should be thought-provoking, and/or inspiring and should be short enough to fit on a bumper sticker.

After students have selected a quote, have them write a paragraph describing why they choose the quote that they did. Arrange for students to have access to VariQuest software so they can design and print their own bumper stickers. Advise students to attach their bumper sticker to their car, bike or journal as a reminder of their favorite literary quote for years to come.

Julia Cremin is a 6th grade Reading, Language Arts and Math teacher at O'Keeffe Middle School in Madison, WI. She is certified in Elementary Education (grades 1-9) with a minor in Mathematics. This is her third year teaching middle school.

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