The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
Layered Curriculum
For 7th Grade Language Arts
By: Ms. Stephanie Ritter,
De Soto Middle School, WI
Layered Curriculum is, essentially, an opportunity for self-made choice
in the process of evaluation. While reading this novel, YOU get
to
choose the projects that best help you apply what you’ve read.
Everyone will start on the C layer and work their way to the A
layer. Aim high! All work done will be quality. You
will be explaining your work through oral defense.
Grading
Scale:
Mandatory Activities:
180-162:
A
125-108:
D
1. Read the novel.
161-144:
B
<108:
F
2. Keep a vocabulary log.
143-126:
C
3. Take quizzes.
C Layer: Choose the activities you want to do for a total of 35-50
points. You must earn at least 35 points before moving on to the
B
layer.
____ (10) C1: Create vocabulary flashcards for all words as we read the
novel.
____ (15) C2: Create vocabulary worksheets for each set of words, with
a
key.
____ (5) C3: Create a quality, colored illustration of one important
scene.
____ (10) C4: Write a 1-2 page journal entry(ies) from Captain
Jaggery’s
point of view. Watch your CONVENTIONS!
____ (10) C5: Cut out of magazines to create a collage of items
representing the book. You may use words and names as well as
pictures.
____ (10) C6: Design a personal coat of arms for one character in the
novel. Use color!
____ (5) C7: Complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting two
sailors in the story. List at least six things in each
category.
____ (15) C8: Rewrite a section of the novel. Please write at least 2
handwritten pages.
____ (15): C9: Create a survey, and ask at least 15 people of all ages
(not in 7th grade) five questions about the 1800s to see how much they
know about this time period. Graph your results on a
poster.
____ (15): C10: Create a map depicting the path of the journey that the
Sea Hawk took. Make sure your map is accurate! Include a
map
key and label major bodies of water and land. Use color!
____ (15): C11: Create two 10-question quizzes about two of the
chapters. The final drafts must be typed. Think about
important details that students should know and remember after reading
the chapter. Include a typed answer key.
____ (15): C12: Make a set of 3 “baseball cards” about 3 of the
characters. On the front, draw a picture and write the
name.
On the back, list 5-10 facts about the character.
B Layer: Choose the activities you want to do for a total of 60-80
points. You must earn at least 60 points before moving on to the
A
layer.
____ (20) B1: Handwrite a 1-2 page biography about the author,
Avi.
It must be in your own words. Include interesting facts, and
focus
on ORGANIZATION.
____ (20) B2: Find two current news articles that somehow relate, or
have
a connection to, this novel. Summarize the articles in 1-2
paragraphs, and explain how they relate.
____ (35) B3: Build a sailing ship. You may use whatever
materials
you have-popsicle sticks, cardboard, etc. The diagrams in the
back
of the novel may help you.
____ (10): B4: With a partner, rehearse a 3-5 minute interpretive
dance,
depicting the plot of the novel so far.
____ (35): B5: Record a soundtrack for the novel. Choose 8-12
songs
purposefully, that go along with different scenes from the book.
Create the cover design, a track listing and actually make the
CD.
On a separate sheet, give reasons why you chose each of the
songs.
____ (25): B6: Make a small booklet showing the differences between
types
of ships. On each page, draw one ship and write a definition, or
explanation of that type of ship. Choose 4 of these: Bilander,
brig, clipper, cutter, dinghy, luzzu, or sloop.
____ (20): B7: Create a “guide to etiquette” handout listing rules of
proper behavior for ladies and gentlemen. It can be 1800s style
or
modernized. Use the proper VOICE. List and describe at
least
10 rules. We will be making copies to give to the class.
____ (20): B8: Write a 3-page script for three-person play that is set
in
the 1800s. Choose two friends, practice it, and act it out for
the
class. Use props!
A Layer: Choose one activity that you want to do for a total of 50
points.
____ (50): A1: Write a 2-3 page, typed informative essay on the
following
topic. How has life changed for women since the 1800s? Has
it
changed? How so? What obstacles do women still face
today? Do some research. I expect a rough draft with your
final copy.
____ (50): A1: Now that you’ve learned about the 1800s, create a
brochure
on the computer. The purpose of this brochure is to inform others
about this time period. Use your own words! On one section,
write the following heading “Why is it Important to Learn about the
1800s?” and explain. You may work with a partner.
____ (50): Create a scrapbook on the Victorian era. Include
articles, real journal entries, games, housing, work, major events,
etc. On each page, you must include a one-paragraph description
of
the pictures/articles you chose. The entire thing must be
typed. This must be quality.
____ (50): Write a 2-3 page, typed personal essay on the following
topic. In the novel, Charlotte became “something she was
not.” Have you ever surprised yourself by acting differently than
normal, or stepping outside of your typical character? Describe
the
situation. Why did you do this? Was it beneficial or
harmful? What were the results?
____ (50): Design a board game for The True Confessions of Charlotte
Doyle. You must include the board, pieces, some type of dice or
cards, and typed instructions. The game should be relevant to the
novel’s plot and should look “Victorian”. You may work with a
partner.